About Us
Advocating for Play, Creativity, and Industry in Washington State
The Tabletop Game Alliance of Washington State (TGA) is a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to advocating for the tabletop games industry and building a thriving creative ecosystem across our state. From indie designers and educators to retailers, manufacturers, and globally recognized publishers—our members are shaping the future of tabletop play, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.
We believe in the power of games—not only to entertain, but to connect people, teach critical thinking, foster creativity, and fuel a robust creative economy.
Our Vision
We envision a Washington State where:
- The value of the tabletop industry is recognized culturally, educationally, and economically.
- Game-making is a viable and sustainable career path for a diverse range of creators.
- Play is embraced as a force for learning, connection, and community-building across all ages and backgrounds.
Our Mission
TGA exists to:
- Grow the tabletop industry in Washington through shared best practices, policy advocacy, and professional development.
- Support game makers at every stage—from hobbyists and freelancers to established studios and publishers.
- Communicate the value of play to policymakers, educators, and the public.
- Build diverse communities by making games and the game-making industry more accessible and inclusive.
- Foster partnerships with public institutions, educators, and tribal governments to expand the impact of games beyond the table.
Who We Serve
We serve creators and professionals across the entire tabletop games ecosystem, including:
- Independent game designers
- Publishers and manufacturers
- Retailers and distributors
- Educators and non-profit leaders
- Event and convention organizers
- Students and aspiring professionals
Whether you’re dreaming up your first project launching your first prototype or representing a multinational game publisher based in Washington, we are here to amplify your voice and connect you to opportunity.
Our Story
Founded by a coalition of creators and advocates, the TGA emerged from a shared recognition: Washington’s tabletop games industry is globally influential—and yet, until recently, had no unified voice in government, education, or the public sphere.
Since our founding, we’ve:
- Hosted our inaugural TGA Day on the Hill at the Washington State Capitol.
- Partnered with the Department of Commerce to support trade missions.
- Built a statewide playtesting network for emerging game designers.
- Convened industry leaders to shape public policy and drive innovation.
And we’re just getting started!
Leadership & Governance
The TGA is guided by a volunteer Executive Board and Advisory Boards representing key sectors of the industry, including:
- Creative professionals
- Large enterprises
- Education & nonprofits
- Tribal organizations
- Retailers and publishers
We also rely on active committees and workgroups that help shape our events, membership programs, communications, and strategic direction.
Our Values
- Collaboration – We believe in the strength of shared knowledge, mutual support, and community-building.
- Creativity – We champion game-making as both an art form and a career.
- Equity – We work to lower barriers to entry and support a more inclusive, representative, and diverse industry.
- Playfulness – We recognize the power of play to bring joy and build communities.
Let’s Build Something Together
The TGA is more than an advocacy group—it’s a collaborative engine for the future of play. If you create games, sell games, teach with games, or simply believe in their power, we invite you to join us.