Photo via Axville on Unsplash.
1. Planning Phase for Playtesting
At times having a meticulous plan is the key to success. You need this step to set the stage for effective and efficient testing, making sure that every aspect of the game is thoroughly evaluated. Here are the main components of the testing stages.
Setting Objectives
The goals you set with playtesting have to be precise and accurate and tailored to the specifics and aspects of your game. Here are some ideas to start you off:
Identifying Game Blockers - focus on finding any critical issues that prevent game progression and evaluate how solvable they are.
Evaluate Emotional Response – measure how players feel about different game elements to be sure that the game creates the intended emotional impact.
Bug Detection and Logging - find, identify and document bugs that impact gameplay, performance, or stability.
Study Game Mechanics - assess the functionality and engagement level of core game mechanics.
User Experience (UX) / Usability Testing - how intuitive and accessible is the game’s interface and overall user experience?
Analyzing Level Design and Progression - review how the game's level design affects player progression and challenge balancing.
Defining Data Collection Methods and Measurement Techniques
We conduct these tests to get actionable and applicable insights, which require effective and robust data collection methods. Before you start this step, however, you need to find methods that will work for you:
Data Collection Methods: You can use a mix of surveys, logs, video recordings, direct observations, structured interviews, in-game analytics, and bug tracking software to gather data that you will be able to use.
Data Measurement Techniques: There is a wide range of techniques to measure the data, such as estimating progression through different zones and levels, successfully defeating boss enemies or passing encounters, solving puzzles. Also there are Likert scales, event frequency counts, error rates, user task success rates, and emotional response scales to measure the impact and effectiveness of different game elements. The main thing is to choose the one that is a perfect fit for your product.
Resource Allocation
Correctly allocating available resources is all about ensuring that all necessary materials and personnel are well provided for the task:
Forming Teams: Compile a cross-functional team from project management, QA, and technical support to oversee the playtesting. This way you can cover all bases.
Budgeting: Leave enough funds for testing resources, including hardware, software, and tester compensation, so that your testing process can be smooth and uninterrupted.
Scheduling
With testing you need to stay on track and give yourself limits. You can outline specific dates and durations for each testing session to make sure they align with key project milestones and do not overlap with critical development phases. Also you have to plan in advance because after the playtest is concluded you might still have to address some issues before the release.
Who’s involved:
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of various team members involved in the playtesting process:
Project Managers/Game Producers: define the main objectives and where an additional input form playtesters is needed the most
Lead Designers/Developers: look out for issues being reported related to your area within the game, conduct interviews to get valuable and structured insight directly.
Quality Assurance (QA) Leads: train playtesters to follow the internal process and being able to use the console, get the necessary builds, manage save games, solve minor technical issues
IT / Tech Support / DevOps: provide pre-configured hardware and software, tackle technical and networking issues, automate routine tasks
This way playtesting becomes both strategic and systematic because your planning is structured, which ultimately leads to more efficient outcomes.
2. Recruiting the Right Playtesters
Of course, you need just the right team to do this task. Recruiting the right playtesters is critical for getting relevant feedback. Select only the most suitable candidates to participate in playtesting.
Advertising: Develop targeted advertisements that clearly specify the type of testers required. Use platforms that are frequented by gamers, such as gaming forums, social media platforms, and community boards, to reach a diverse pool of potential testers.
Setting Requirements: Establish specific criteria for testers to meet, such as age, gaming experience, and familiarity with the game’s genre. This ensures that the group of testers is well-suited to provide insightful feedback relevant to the target audience.
Interviews and Selection: Conduct a structured selection process that includes reviewing applications and conducting interviews. This rigorous approach helps evaluate each candidate's suitability based on the predefined requirements and ensures that only the most fitting individuals are chosen for playtesting.
Who's Involved:
Playtest Coordinator: screening the applications and conducting interviews to make sure the group fits
HR/Recruitment/Publishing Team: Handles the logistical aspects of the recruitment process, advertising the playtest opportunities.
QA Team Members: Play a crucial role in defining the desir
