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A Protospiel is a convention where tabletop game designers present and demo games that are in some stage of development. Players test the mechanics and rules and give feedback, and the designer uses it to finish a game people will want to play.
Game designers, artists and other professionals who want to work with designers, and anyone who likes trying games before they're published. You don't need to know anyone, and you don't need to be a designer.
Our last event was in September 2026, and we moved to January on purpose. January is the start of RIT's spring semester, when game design classes have students building and playtesting games, and it's one of the slower stretches of the semester, so students can actually make it. It's also a very good excuse to spend a weekend indoors. You don't need to be a student to come.
No. Games at all stages of development are welcome. If it's vaguely playable, bring it. If it's nearly done and needs more eyes, bring it. If you thought of it on the drive over, grab some parts and pieces and scribble down some rules, and we'll see where it goes.
Please leave it at home. If it's published and available for sale, it doesn't belong here. This weekend is for games that are still in development.
No. Protospiel is for feedback and connections, not sales. There are no vendor tables, and that includes the Artist and Professional tables. Artists and professionals can show samples and explain their services, but nothing is sold at the event.
Designers can schedule when they'll be running their game. Everyone can view the current schedule at the Protospiel Rochester 2027 Game Designer's Schedule. You can also see which games are coming on the Prototypes page, and you can look for the pool noodle at the tables. It means a table is looking for players.
There are 26 play tables, and they're first come, first served. Keep your time at a table to about two hours so others get a turn. Setting a timer on your phone helps everyone keep time. The Open Play Tables page has the details.
No. Designers who want a guaranteed spot can add a reserved 4-hour table block for $16. Everyone else just finds an open table.
It's included with your badge. A day badge gets one 4-hour block, and a weekend badge gets two blocks on any days. You choose your slots when you register. Pick only what your badge includes: if you pick too many, you'll be removed from all of your slots until it's squared away. Space is limited, so we have a limited number of Artist and Professional badges. The Artists & Professionals page has the details. Your badge also lets you play at any open table when you're not at yours.
No. Your badge (plus any add-ons) is the only thing you need to pay for. We provide coffee Saturday and Sunday morning, and drinks and snacks Saturday afternoon. If you'd like a meal, food is available to buy at the venue, but that's up to you. You can't bring your own food into the convention space. See Policies.
The same thing for everyone. There's no upgrade or tier, and nobody checks badges at the table.
Yes. If you have a dietary need or allergy, tell us by January 8 (use the question at registration or the Contact Us link) and we'll do our best to cover reasonable requests. We can't promise a fully allergen-free table, so please check with us before relying on it.
Yes. If you bought a day badge and decide to stay for the weekend, our staff can upgrade it and you'll only pay the difference. Buying another badge on this site doesn't let us adjust your payment, so please upgrade at the event.
Yes, badges can be purchased throughout the event. Buying ahead is easier for us, and table blocks are limited, so buy ahead if you want one.
Please stay home and contact us for a refund. See the health policy on the Policies page.
The RIT Inn & Conference Center, 5257 W Henrietta Rd, Henrietta, NY. We're in the Iroquois Ballroom.
Parking is free and plentiful, to the west of the building. For the shortest walk, park at the far end of the hotel from the main entrance, come in through the double doors, and we're right down the hall.
The RIT Inn & Conference Center is the venue. Contact the hotel directly at (585) 359-1800 for rooms and rates.
Yes. Anyone under 18 needs their own badge and must be supervised at all times. When you register, we'll ask whether the attendee is under 18 and for a guardian's name. If you're a parent or guardian, you can get a free Guardian Pass so you can walk the room with them and help out. Guardian Passes are for supporting your minor, and you're welcome to join a game your minor designed or coach them in another designer's game. To play on your own, buy a Player badge. Pick up your badge at the registration desk like everyone else.
Use the Contact Us link on this page, or find us on Discord.