Designing for Belonging: Bringing Tabletop Games to Under-Resourced Communities

TitleDesigning for Belonging: Bringing Tabletop Games to Under-Resourced Communities
Purchase / Wish List
Google
Game CodeTRD26ND303418
Start DateFriday July 31, 2026 - 12:00 pm
End DateFriday July 31, 2026 - 1:00 pm
Cost$0
Tickets Available60/60
Short DescriptionHow tabletop games can create access, belonging, and leadership in under-resourced communities, using real-world experience and community-centered design practices.
Long DescriptionTabletop games are powerful tools for imagination, collaboration, and storytelling, yet many communities never experience them due to cost, access, or lack of representation. This session draws from community-based practice to explore how games can be introduced in under-resourced spaces in intentional and sustainable ways. Using the development of Battle of Concha Corner as a case study, this talk examines designing and facilitating games with real people, real neighborhoods, and real stakes in mind. Attendees will hear lessons learned from bringing games into community centers and youth programs, including what works, what fails, and what often gets overlooked. The session emphasizes leading with passion while staying grounded in responsibility, listening, and collaboration, offering practical insights for expanding tabletop gaming beyond traditional hobby spaces.
Event TypeTRD - Trade Day Events
Game System
Rules Edition
Group/CompanyBeats, Boards & Brushes
Minimum Players1
Maximum Players60
Age RequiredEveryone (6+)
Experience RequiredNone (You've never played before - rules will be taught)
LocationJW
RoomWhite River Ballroom B
Table
GM NamesDavid Gonzalez
Web Addresswww.beatsboardsbrushes.org
Email Contact[email protected]
Tournament0