Board Game Design Time - First Playtests - Episode 04

[@AndrewChristopherEnriquez]

i rember the first time i played the last garden and i asked a rules question and you answered with " how do you think it should work?" it blew my mind to, it instantly made me more engaged with the game too

[@neilgooge]

Another good episode, as you can probably tell, I'm currently watching back to back... I have found, on the few occasions I have play tested stuff, especially amongst friends, its very easy for a play test to become more a base discussion on the theme, the ideas and the concepts than what the game is actually doing. Which can also be ok occasionally, though while helpful, I do find a little disappointed afterward at the lack, mechanically, that was achieved... So I find, that while you don't want to shut people down, its also important to keep the game moving, or a little like the "how do you think it should work" response say the "I'll make a note of that and we'll come back to it..." great stuff

[@onethousandxp]

+neil googe This can be handled a bit by defining expectations beforehand. I'll often preface the game by saying something like "I am curious whether or not players feel like the have enough control of the outcome. Let's play through a game and then we'll discuss how we all felt at the end." It depends on how far along the game is, because sometimes we only need a few turns before we start diving in and discussing changes.

[@Davearmstrong42]

great advice on asking more questions than disseminating answers... reminds me of being a good DM. The focus is on the players game experience and less on your vision of the narrative

[@onethousandxp]

+Dave Armstrong That is a really great analogy!

[@AriaNight]

Really great advice, specially about the mindset. it's something that I usually miss. about how I'm supposed to think about something.

[@onethousandxp]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful for you Aria!

[@mulletsquirrel]

I love this series! Keep it up!

[@onethousandxp]

+Darrek Olson Thanks! We took a short break due to some family stuff, but we'll be back to recording next week!

[@Thjarkvaldur]

High quality information, thank you!

[@Daggerleep]

At what level of a prototype should you be sharing with different levels of playtests? Should the first no art rough playtest be done with people in your group and not with strangers yet? Theres no playtest groups or playtest nights at my local shops where I live.

[@onethousandxp]

In general, if the game is still in it's formative stages and is devoid of art I will play it with people I know and play with regularly. This is for two main reasons: 1) It's sometimes hard to get complete strangers to play a game if it doesn't look decent, and 2) Lack of graphics can greatly affect somebody's play experience if they aren't used to playing with unfinished prototypes. If you don't have groups near you, try and start one! I am sure if you talk to local stores in your area they would be able to accommodate something small and may even know other designers who are looking for groups as well.

[@suntzu6122]

Video request: pacing. How to make a game shorter or longer.

[@HighProStrategic]

Any tips of how to get a play test group together? I don't have many friends, but need feedback.

[@onethousandxp]

Check Facebook groups to see if there are local designer meet-ups in your area. Search "Game Design" on FB and there will be general groups that pop up.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

I made a game. Playtested it twice. First time the other players said they would rate it 7 out of 10. The second time, 3 out of ten. So fed them to the bears. Joke. It was clear that the playability was good but the story would need to be updated regularly. Something I didn't have time for. So never played it again.