Protospiel Online

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Protospiel Online

Virtual Board Game Playtesting Convention

Fundraiser to Support Human Rights

10% of badge proceeds go to our 6 featured charities

Event Starts: Fri, Jan 17, 2025, 12:00pm EST
Event Ends: Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 11:59pm EST

Looking to create your next digital board game prototype?

Get our Digital Prototyping Tools Comparison Guide as a sign up gift when you join the Protospiel Community Newsletter.

What is Protospiel Online?

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Sponsor logos for August 2024: The Game Crafter, Building the Game Podcast, Knife Bunny, Coo Games, Violet Daisy Games, Kickstarter, The Board Game Design Course, Pink Hawk Games, Charming Games Collective, Cardboard Edison, Creatopia, TTGDA, GRUBS, Drentsoft Games, Panda Game Manufacturing, Looking Glass Workshop, Merchants of Play, Rakshasa Games - Witches' Quarrel

Virtual Playtesting on Discord

Protospiel Online uses a Discord server with 24 hour dedicated moderators for our meeting space. One Discord server holds multiple voice/video channels where groups can gather for a playtest. This allows attendees to mingle with the entire group between games and organically meet new people and find interesting prototypes to try.

We have a moderated “Looking for a Game” voice channel coupled with a system for posted Players Wanted cards that allows designers to easily gather a group of testers without creating any pre-scheduled events.

Sharing Prototypes Online

There are several platforms that allow game designers to create digital versions of their prototype games. Tabletop Playground, Tabletopia, and Board Game Engine are all options run through Steam that render games in 3D environments. Screentop.gg and PlayingCards.io are fully browser-based and present games in a top-down 2d view. Check our FAQ to find answers to specific questions on getting your games ready for online play.

If you are designing a game that works over video chat, a voice/video channel will make for a perfect place for you to run your playtest inside the Discord server.

Meet Your Fun, Friendly, & Helpful Online Playtesting Fam!

Fertessa Allyse

I cannot express how grateful I was for the patience and kindness of everyone as I struggled with audio and just learning how to play games [on the virtual tabletop]. There were times when I wanted to give up because I was so frustrated, but everyone’s willingness to help allowed me the chance to get better.

Nicole Fende

Nicole Fende

As a complete newbie to Discord, Steam, and [board game simulations] (EEK!) I was able to navigate. The organizers were very helpful as well as all the attendees for those of us learning the ropes.

I’ve missed Protospiels tremendously. It was absolutely amazing to be able to see and play with some old friends as well as make new ones. I even got to flip a table!

Carl Klutzke

Carl Klutzke

Thank you for organizing this event! As much as I love attending and organizing Protospiels, and as much as participating in an event like this online is not a complete substitute, it was still a really good experience.

I got to be in contact with some old friends and make some new ones, I gave feedback on some interesting games and received insight and encouragement on my own.

I didn’t have to pay for a hotel or take time to travel, food was inexpensive, and I was able to drop in and out so my spouse wasn’t neglected for the entire weekend.

Andy Malone

Andy Malone

I liked the Discord "Looking for a Game" protocol better than IRL Protospiels. I felt like there was almost always a game open when I was ready to play.

I appreciated the online experience because I could take a break and attend to family matters throughout.

I had trial by fire with 3 new software platforms, but there was plenty of (patient) support for newbs like me.

Come for the playtesting, Stay for the community

Protospiel is a network of playtesting events run at different times throughout the year in cities across the US.

Protospiel Online brings the community together in a virtual setting to playtest remotely using Discord voice and video chat along with the designers' chosen virtual board game platform.

It is a welcoming environment where board game designers and playtesters get together for a weekend dedicated to playtesting board game prototypes.  You can expect to participate in lots of helpful, honest feedback sessions with a community full of people focused on encouraging one another to create the best games possible.

For Designers

If you bring your own prototypes to share, you are expected to practice reciprocity by giving about as much playtesting time as you receive back to other attending designers.  In other words, if 4 people spend 1 hour playtesting for you, you should spend 4 hours playtesting games for other designers. You can bring a prototype with any level of polish -- anything from the seed of an idea to a professionally printed prototype in final testing before going to market. The only rule is no 100% finished games are allowed. You must be open to feedback if you present your prototype at this convention.

For Publishers

Come and network with designers and other publishers in a casual atmosphere. At Protospiel, the focus is on relationship building and collaboration rather than marketing or high-pressure business meetings. Come hang out with your fellow tabletop creators and tap back into the fun and camaraderie that got you into board games in the first place.

For Playtesters

If you are a tabletop gamer who likes to try out new games, Protospiel will make for a great weekend of gaming with many new games to try you can't find anywhere else. Even better, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing you've helped shape them before they are released to the general public. There are no specific events to sign up for. Simply show up each day and find a group to play with.

Please Note: Protospiel Online playtesting conventions do not include Tabletop Simulator as a supported digital prototyping platform. All attending designers looking to playtest their games will need to use alternate tools. Read our statement about this policy for more details.

Early Bird pricing available through Mon, Jan 6, 2025 @ 11:59pm EST

Event Starts: Friday, January 17, 2025 at 12:00pm EST
Event Ends: Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

You can attend on your own schedule with our 24 hour moderated open playtesting.

Fundraiser to Support Human Rights

10% of your total badge cost goes to our featured charities. When you register for your badge, you can choose 1 charity or split your contribution across all 6.

Help a Fellow Attendee with a +Scholarship Badge

With the help of many generous sponsors, Protospiel Online is offering scholarships for attendees who need help covering the cost of their badge. You can help increase the number of scholarships we give away by purchasing a +Scholarship badge for $30 more than your base badge price. When you choose a +Scholarship badge, we invite you to submit your details to be added to the badge scholarships section of our Sponsors page.

Buy Badges

Compare Badge Features

  • PlaytesterPlaytester Badge
  • $10
    Early Bird
    Ends Mon, Jan 6 2025
    11:59pm EST    Save 20% when you purchase at Early Bird rates
  • $15
    Regular Price

  • Requires: a willingness to have fun and give honest, helpful feedback

    You'll get to play lots of games you can't find anywhere else -- and help make them the best they can be!
  • 3 days of playtesting & networking on DiscordRead our FAQ to learn more about how the event works
  • Full Alumni benefits after the conventionAlumni get 25% off early bird Designer badge prices + access to share your projects in Discord
  • Discord & digital tabletop tech supportWe're committed to getting you un-stuck on tech issues
  • Listing in Attendee DirectoryUse the directory to make friends early and stay in touch
  • 24/7 Moderator supportModerators cover voice channels to ensure a friendly and productive event
  • Complete our Event Prep Challenge with your teamTeam captains help their groups prep for the convention via text chat in team channels
  • Play Protospiel Bingo and other metagames to earn entries in our giveaway drawingsWinners drawn during our post-event giveaway livestream with extra prizes for live viewers
  • Compete in our Shoutout-a-Palooza contest with your teamBuy and register your badge to join our Discord server and get started
  • Receive a Digital Swag Bag with gifts and promo offers from our partners and sponsorsDelivered via email to all badge holders on day 1 of the convention
  • Post your prototypes in our #looking-for-a-game Discord channel during the event4 people playtest your 1 hr game; you spend 4 hr playtesting for others
  • Request unguided playtests during the event from interested testersOpt in or out of notifications when designers request testers learn from written rules
  • List your game creations in our prototypes directory to be featured in our Prototype Showcase livestremPrototype Showcase hosted live on Twitch the night before the convention opens
  • Submit one version of each sell sheet you'd like feedback onListed in the event Discord server for fellow attendees to review and offer feedback
  • Help another attendee cover their badge cost through our badge scholarship programWe'll award scholarships through an application on our website
  • DesignerDesigner Badge
  • $40
    Early Bird
    Ends Mon, Jan 6 2025
    11:59pm EST    Save 33% when you purchase at Early Bird rates
  • $60
    Regular Price

  • Requires: game ideas to workshop, sell sheets to share, and/or playable virtual prototypes to present

    Play your virtual prototypes on any supported digital tabletop platform
  • 3 days of playtesting & networking on DiscordRead our FAQ to learn more about how the event works
  • Full Alumni benefits after the conventionAlumni get 25% off early bird Designer badge prices + access to share your projects in Discord
  • Discord & digital tabletop tech supportWe're committed to getting you un-stuck on tech issues
  • Listing in Attendee DirectoryUse the directory to make friends early and stay in touch
  • 24/7 Moderator supportModerators cover voice channels to ensure a friendly and productive event
  • Complete our Event Prep Challenge with your teamTeam captains help their groups prep for the convention via text chat in team channels
  • Play Protospiel Bingo and other metagames to earn entries in our giveaway drawingsWinners drawn during our post-event giveaway livestream with extra prizes for live viewers
  • Compete in our Shoutout-a-Palooza contest with your teamBuy and register your badge to join our Discord server and get started
  • Receive a Digital Swag Bag with gifts and promo offers from our partners and sponsorsDelivered via email to all badge holders on day 1 of the convention
  • Post your prototypes in our #looking-for-a-game Discord channel during the event4 people playtest your 1 hr game; you spend 4 hr playtesting for others
  • Request unguided playtests during the event from interested testersOpt in or out of notifications when designers request testers learn from written rules
  • List your game creations in our prototypes directory to be featured in our Prototype Showcase livestremPrototype Showcase hosted live on Twitch the night before the convention opens
  • Submit one version of each sell sheet you'd like feedback onListed in the event Discord server for fellow attendees to review and offer feedback
  • Help another attendee cover their badge cost through our badge scholarship programWe'll award scholarships through an application on our website
  • Playtester +ScholarshipPlaytester +Scholarship
  • $40
    Early Bird
    Ends Mon, Jan 6 2025
    11:59pm EST    Save 12% when you purchase at Early Bird rates
  • $45
    Regular Price

  • Requires: a willingness to have fun and give honest, helpful feedback

    You'll get to play lots of games you can't find anywhere else -- and help make them the best they can be!
  • 3 days of playtesting & networking on DiscordRead our FAQ to learn more about how the event works
  • Full Alumni benefits after the conventionAlumni get 25% off early bird Designer badge prices + access to share your projects in Discord
  • Discord & digital tabletop tech supportWe're committed to getting you un-stuck on tech issues
  • Listing in Attendee DirectoryUse the directory to make friends early and stay in touch
  • 24/7 Moderator supportModerators cover voice channels to ensure a friendly and productive event
  • Complete our Event Prep Challenge with your teamTeam captains help their groups prep for the convention via text chat in team channels
  • Play Protospiel Bingo and other metagames to earn entries in our giveaway drawingsWinners drawn during our post-event giveaway livestream with extra prizes for live viewers
  • Compete in our Shoutout-a-Palooza contest with your teamBuy and register your badge to join our Discord server and get started
  • Receive a Digital Swag Bag with gifts and promo offers from our partners and sponsorsDelivered via email to all badge holders on day 1 of the convention
  • Post your prototypes in our #looking-for-a-game Discord channel during the event4 people playtest your 1 hr game; you spend 4 hr playtesting for others
  • Request unguided playtests during the event from interested testersOpt in or out of notifications when designers request testers learn from written rules
  • List your game creations in our prototypes directory to be featured in our Prototype Showcase livestremPrototype Showcase hosted live on Twitch the night before the convention opens
  • Submit one version of each sell sheet you'd like feedback onListed in the event Discord server for fellow attendees to review and offer feedback
  • Help another attendee cover their badge cost through our badge scholarship programWe'll award scholarships through an application on our website
  • Designer +ScholarshipDesigner +Scholarship Badge
  • $70
    Early Bird
    Ends Mon, Jan 6 2025
    11:59pm EST    Save 22% when you purchase at Early Bird rates
  • $90
    Regular Price

  • Requires: game ideas to workshop, sell sheets to share, and/or playable virtual prototypes to present

    Play your virtual prototypes on any supported digital tabletop platform
  • 3 days of playtesting & networking on DiscordRead our FAQ to learn more about how the event works
  • Full Alumni benefits after the conventionAlumni get 25% off early bird Designer badge prices + access to share your projects in Discord
  • Discord & digital tabletop tech supportWe're committed to getting you un-stuck on tech issues
  • Listing in Attendee DirectoryUse the directory to make friends early and stay in touch
  • 24/7 Moderator supportModerators cover voice channels to ensure a friendly and productive event
  • Complete our Event Prep Challenge with your teamTeam captains help their groups prep for the convention via text chat in team channels
  • Play Protospiel Bingo and other metagames to earn entries in our giveaway drawingsWinners drawn during our post-event giveaway livestream with extra prizes for live viewers
  • Compete in our Shoutout-a-Palooza contest with your teamBuy and register your badge to join our Discord server and get started
  • Receive a Digital Swag Bag with gifts and promo offers from our partners and sponsorsDelivered via email to all badge holders on day 1 of the convention
  • Post your prototypes in our #looking-for-a-game Discord channel during the event4 people playtest your 1 hr game; you spend 4 hr playtesting for others
  • Request unguided playtests during the event from interested testersOpt in or out of notifications when designers request testers learn from written rules
  • List your game creations in our prototypes directory to be featured in our Prototype Showcase livestremPrototype Showcase hosted live on Twitch the night before the convention opens
  • Submit one version of each sell sheet you'd like feedback onListed in the event Discord server for fellow attendees to review and offer feedback
  • Help another attendee cover their badge cost through our badge scholarship programWe'll award scholarships through an application on our website

Purchase a Large Group Badge Bundle to get discounted rates for packs of 10 or more Designer badges.

Have more questions? We've got answers!

Read Our FAQ