Open Play Tables

There are 26 Open Play Tables, and they're the main part of the space. They're first come, first served: sit down at an open table, set up, and let people know you're looking for players. A table-top pool noodle is our signal that a table has open seats.

Reserved tables and the Artist and Professional tables are set apart from these. Everything on this page is about the 26 play tables.

We've heard your feedback that: "Getting into a game is too chaotic!" and "Players want to play the game but don't know when I'll be running it." Here's how we're tackling both.

Keeping Time

Games start at different times, so there's no single clock for the whole room. Every table keeps its own time, and the easiest tool for the job is the one already in your pocket: your phone.

When your game starts, set two alarms:

• 2 hours (green to yellow): Start winding down the current game and start collecting feedback.
• 2 hours and 30 minutes (yellow to red): Start packing up and preparing to leave the table for the next designer.

That makes 3 hours from start to finish. The extra half hour at the end gives one designer time to clean up and the next one time to set up. (Voice assistants make this easy: "Set a timer for 2 hours" while your hands are full of cards.)

What this means to you:

• Start your alarms when the game actually starts, not when you sit down.
• Looking for a table? Check with the folks at the tables around you. The designer who started first is the one who'll be done first.
• Jot your start time on a sticky note at your table (we'll have a pad at the registration desk) so people hoping for a seat can see when it's likely to open up.

Announce When You'll Be Running Your Game

New this year!

We are allowing 10 designers per timeslot (see below) to say, "I'll be running this game during this slot!" This option does not reserve a table, rather, it's intended to let people know when they want to have their game in front of people. Since they aren't guaranteed times, they may not start precisely when the time slot starts, but designers will be looking for tables at those times.

How it works:

1. Designers get a link when they register that allows them to sign up for slots.
2. Everyone can view the current schedule at the Protospiel Rochester 2027 Game Designer's Schedule

Time Slots

This is a public schedule, not a table reservation. Announcing a time doesn't hold a play table for you and you will not be assigned to a table. When your time comes, grab any open table.

If you want a guaranteed spot, add a reserved table block to your badge.

Not Enough Table Space?

• Working on changes to your game? Check for the designated "WIP" (Work In Progress) table so you don't tie up a play table.
• Need more than one table, or more than eight players? Contact us in advance so we can plan how to schedule, promote, and recruit for your playtest.
• Can't find a table? Ask a Protospiel staff member for help.
• Please don't camp. Tables are shared resources.