To run your first playtest, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your target audience and the type of game you’re creating. This will help you to choose the right group of playtesters and create a test scenario that closely simulates the final product.
Before the playtest, prepare a list of questions that you want to ask your playtesters, and set up a system for collecting feedback. This can be done through a survey or through verbal feedback during the playtest. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary materials and equipment ready, such as game boards, cards, dice, and any other components that are needed for the game.
During the playtest, make sure to observe your playtesters’s behavior and interactions with the game, and take notes on any issues that arise. It’s also important to remain neutral and avoid interrupting the playtest, as this can disrupt the natural flow of the game.
After the playtest, be sure to thank your playtesters for their time and efforts. Use their feedback to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments to the game accordingly. Remember, playtesting is an iterative process, so don’t be afraid to run multiple playtests with different groups of players. Each playtest will bring new insights and help to improve the game further.
It’s also important to keep in mind that playtesting is not only about finding problems, but also about getting feedback on what’s working well. This can help you to identify the strengths of your game, and build on them to make it even better.
Running your first playtest can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s an essential step in the game design process. Playtesting allows you to gather valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments to your game before it’s released to the public. By following the 4 I’s Framework, you can ensure that your playtest is conducted effectively and that the feedback you receive is useful in improving your game.
The first step in the 4 I’s Framework is to INQUIRE through playtesting. This means setting up and running your playtest, and observing the results. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what you’re trying to test and what you’re hoping to learn from the playtest. This will help you to focus on the most important aspects of the game and gather the most useful feedback.
The next step is to IDENTIFY any problems by asking your playtesters for feedback. It’s important to be open-minded and willing to hear constructive criticism. Playtesters feedback can be invaluable in identifying areas of the game that need improvement.
Once you’ve identified potential problems, the third step is to ILLUMINATE them by brainstorming a number of ideas for solutions. This is a creative process and it’s important to be open to new ideas. It’s also important to consider the impact that any changes will have on the overall balance of the game.
Finally, the fourth step is to ITERATE and revise your game. Select your best potential solution, make the necessary changes, and playtest again. This process of testing, feedback, and iteration should be repeated until the game is in the best possible state.
In summary, running your first playtest is a crucial step in the game design process. By following the 4 I’s Framework, you can ensure that your playtest is conducted effectively and that the feedback you receive is useful in improving your game. Remember, game design is an iterative process, so don’t be discouraged if the first playtest doesn’t go perfectly. Embrace the failure and learn from it to make your game better.
In conclusion, running your first playtest can seem daunting, but it’s an essential step in the game design process. By preparing properly, observing playtesters behavior, and gathering feedback, you can make valuable adjustments to your game and create a product that is enjoyable for players. Remember, game design is an iterative process, and playtesting is an essential part of that process.
Source:
Slack, J., & Stegmaier, J. (2017). The Board Game Designer’s Guide: The Easy 4 Step Process to Create Amazing Games that People Can’t Stop Playing. Crazy Like a Box.