Tabletop.Events is ©2015-2024 BoardGameGeek, LLC. All rights reserved.
ATX Protospiel brings together designers, gamers and publishers for two days of playtesting, game design and making connections.
We hope you can join us to play games, provide feedback, and build new connections.
Expose your games to a broad cross-section of players. Connect with and draw inspiration from your peers!
Experience the cutting edge of game design in new prototype titles.
Experience the Austin Indie board game scene and get a chance to expose your unpublished games to the public for feedback.
From October 21st – Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM Central Time
To October 22nd – Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM Central Time
Emerald Tavern 9012 Research Boulevard #1 Austin, Texas 78758
What’s a Protospiel? A Protospiel is an event where you can test a board or card game prototype in person with other designers, playtesters, and publishers. It doesn’t matter what level of polish your game has, only that you bring an open mind and a willingness to receive criticism constructively.
How many prototypes should I bring? You’re welcome to bring as many prototypes as you’d like, but you may be unable to test more than 3? This depends largely on game length.
How is playtesting structured? We have an open playtesting policy where you are encouraged to float around and meet new people. Find a table, have a seat, and make friends. We ask that attendees try to adhere to the Protospiel model of reciprocity: For each playtester and hour you have to help test your own game, please spend that many hours playtesting the games of other designers. For example, if a designer playtests their game with 3 players for one hour, that designer should play 3 hours of other designer’s games. As a general rule, after 1 hour you should take the temperature of the people at your table and see if they are ready to give feedback or if they would like to keep going.
Does the price cover both days? Yes
How do I get my badge? There will be a check in table immediately on your left upon entering Emerald Tavern. Please bring a form of ID and check in when you first arrive. We will give you your badge and further information at that time.
Can I register at the door? Only playtesters may register at the door. If you intend to bring games for playtesting, we ask that you register ahead of time so we may coordinate playtesting effectively.
What do I do if I lose my badge? If you lose your badge outside of the venue let the check-in staff know when you arrive, and we’ll work something out.
What’s the snack situation? Emerald Tavern has a full service bar and kitchen with food and drink available for purchase. There are a number of restaurants in the surrounding area, if needed, but Emerald Tavern does not allow outside food or drink. Water stations will be available.
What lodgings are nearby? We recommend the following local hotels
LONE STAR COURT (2 miles away) 10901 Domain Dr., Austin, TX 78758
HILTON GARDEN INN AUSTIN NORTH (1.8 miles away) 2600 Brockton Dr., Austin, TX 78758
Austin, Texas
Emerald Tavern
9012 Research Blvd #1, Austin, TX 78758, USA
512-994-4649
Emerald Tavern has all-day food and drink service. You can order at your gaming table. No outside food or drink is allowed.
9012 Research Blvd #1, Austin, TX 78758
There is ample parking outside the venue and it is also accessible from major bus routes.
--
We recommend the following local hotels:
LONE STAR COURT (2 miles away)
10901 Domain Dr., Austin, TX 78758
HILTON GARDEN INN AUSTIN NORTH (1.8 miles away)
2600 Brockton Dr., Austin, TX 78758