Reading Nerdery/Geekery
Hiya, I thought I'd let you all know about events that happen around Reading, whether it is board game nights, DnD and other tabletop rpg's, or similar events. The scene in Reading is huge, with something for everyone. Here you go!
Mondays
6 pm: Board games at Eclectic Games on Duke Street. The hub of all things board game, card game, and war game. https://www.eclecticgames.co.uk/s/events/ tickets are £6. They have other events throughout the week such as Pokémon, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Og and Magic the Gathering sessions which I haven't included here but have a look at the link!
GARPS (the Reading University Games and Role-Playing Society) will likely also start meeting at 6 pm on Mondays in September, but please check with them as to specifics. https://readingsu.co.uk/student-opportunities/view/garps
Tuesdays
Three different board games nights for you to choose from!
The Board Game Social at The Castle Tap https://www.meetup.com/reading-board-gamers/
Reading Indie Gamers at the Biscuit Factory tends to be more card game and war game heavy (Netrunner is a favourite): https://readingindie.co.uk/
And Siren Brewery has a session in partnership with Eclectic.
All three start at 6 and are absolutely free!
Wednesdays
Come play more relaxed social games, Mario Kart, or just talk and vibe at the People's Hangout. It's usually hosted at Pentahotel but have a look at Meetup for updated info. Very friendly and welcoming! Starts at 6:30 and is also free. https://www.meetup.com/people-of-reading-rg/
If DnD is more your style, Of Dice and Dragons has single session games (one-shots) every Wednesday at Market House, 7 pm. https://ofdnd.com/
Thursdays
Oddly a quiet day for general gaming events though I've heard rumours. Watch this space!
Friday
Eclectic Game's second weekly session, at 6 pm, £6 ticket. They have a truly astounding selection of card and board games for you to choose from and play. If you know of it, chances are it's there. If you have discord, join the Eclectic Games Server: https://discord.gg/89bvbXa6b
Saturday
Blood on the Clocktower is similar to the Traitors: a small evil team who know each other, fighting against/"killing" a larger group of good players. However, in BotC, everyone gets a special power to help their team (sometimes to hinder it...) and when you "die", the game does not stop, and you can walk around interacting with other players mostly as normal. https://discord.gg/3YNq8fSqE First and third Saturdays are at the Biscuit Factory and cost £3. Buy them from the website but be quick, as they often run out! Second and fourth Saturdays are in Pentahotel and are free. https://www.meetup.com/reading-blood-on-the-clocktower-alternate-weekends/
Not enough intrigue for you? Why not try playing a vampire? The Nightfall Society meets one Saturday a month to play Vampire the Masquerade, part of the World of Darkness universe. It is a parlour LARP, meaning no physical combat. More specific information can be found on their discord linked to their website: https://www.thenightfallsociety.org.uk/nightfall.php?p=1
Sunday
Another Board Game Social event, at the Pentahotel this time. Tends to be more complex games but beginners also welcome! 1-6 pm, and free. https://www.meetup.com/reading-board-gamers/
If there's something I've forgotten or am unaware of it please leave it in the comments and I'll add it. I hope this is useful and leads more people to take part in events they weren't aware of! Even if you don't think it's something you might enjoy, do come along sometime... You might just surprise yourself!