How to be an amazing PLAYTESTER!

[@rpm381]

I’ve learned from the BGG design contests that playtesting is truly its own specialty. Not just sharing what you liked or disliked about a game, but being able to identify and explain why and in a tactful manner that’s digestible by the designer.

[@AdaminWales]

Definitely. Everybody’s opinion is worth hearing BUT some players are much more insightful than others.

[@CIinbox]

I had one playtester who wasn't exactly the brightest of the bunch. But he unwittingly pointed out exactly which rules needed better clarification or what design needed to be more intuitive!

[@AdaminWales]

You can’t determine who the purchasers of your game are going to be! Some might not be the most gifted players but you still want them to have a great time! So playtesting with someone like this can be really informative :)

[@baitposter]

That's exactly who you want among your playtesters

[@abishek98xxx]

Hey Adam! Love your stuff. I know that this might be harder to accomplish but I would love if you did a series on 4x game design. It is very fascinating as its very easily thematic and i feel the mechanics do all the heavy lifting. Thanks for all you do!

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying the channel. I don’t think I’m able to do a video on 4X - it isn’t a category where I have much experience. Most games in that genre are much heavier than games I would purchase or choose to play. So I’m not sure I’m in a position to advise about how to design such games! :)

[@francoisgrobler6584]

Thank you for another amazing game! I am a very new game designer, and found your videos the most valuable resource in my journey, thank you so very much.

[@AdaminWales]

You’re welcome! Glad they’re helpful to you! :)

[@guacamolen]

4:06 I've appreciated feedback from fellow designers, but I think it's important to clarify what you're looking for as feedback. There's the saying that "a camel is a horse designed by committee," and I think that holds true for game design, too. If you add everyone's suggestions, it may no longer be the game you wanted to make. (You talk about this at 15:50, too!) If you want a co-designer, that's fine. Just set that expectation first when presenting it to other designers. I've found open-ended questions targeting player sentiment helps here, and trying to steer clear of design-specific decisions. If you know how you want the player to feel, you can try to align around that. Asking something like "Was x-strategy too dominant?" isn't as good as "I noticed you went for x-strategy. Why? What other strategies did you consider?" (I haven't read your new book yet, but I am looking forward to viewing your questions in there, too! It seems like a valuable resource.)

[@AdaminWales]

These are all very useful thoughts. The book certainly elaborates along similar lines :)

[@jmkfavorites6469]

Just got your Playtesting book. Really looking forward to following your guidance. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!

[@AdaminWales]

Fantastic! Thanks for ordering. Hope you enjoy it! Leave me an Amazon review if you’re able :)

[@BenGuilbaud]

Thanks for the advice! Mid-turn, unsolicited design suggestions is something I'm struggling with at the moment. Not a problem at conventions or with strangers, but in my regular designer group, it tends to taint the playtest experience. I think I need to frame things more clearly.

[@AdaminWales]

Oh definitely! It happens all the time and breaks the flow enormously. Many designers don’t realise that they can ask testers to wait and hold their feedback for later. Just be firm but polite!

[@BenGuilbaud]

@@AdaminWales I will, thanks ^^

[@ludwigmises]

Play-tester Rule #1: two minutes into gameplay, make off-the-cuff suggestions on how to “fix” the game. (Kidding!)

[@erik_arman]

I find your videos super informative and entertaining. My own game is fast approaching the stage where it’s time to start playtesting with people other than myself, which does make me a little nervous. You mention getting players excited/interested in the game before the playtest begins, but other designers talk about not saying anything before the playtest begins so the tester goes into the experience completely neutral and blank. What are your thoughts on this? Also, so you have any plans on releasing your latest book in audio book format or is that not feasible given the nature of the text?

[@AdaminWales]

I would tell them as much as they might learn from the back of the box if it was a game they’d purchased - no less; no more! :) No plans for an audio book sadly - it’s a bit too much work for me; and not enough income to invest in using a company.

[@beetlejuss]

Great tips

[@marctownsend639]

I have had 2 of my games play tested at the UK games expo for the last two years. As well as testing with family and a games club I know about. I have learned a lot from all these playtesters The feedback I look for is how the turns flow what questions for the rules are asked and need more clarity. Are they looking bored! Time between turns Do they confirm any issues with the game that I have spotted but not sure if I’m overthinking things. Is the feedback justified or is this game not for them and instead of saying so rip your game to bits! I’ve had this happen and it’s not nice and not needed and did not match any of the feedback I had gained that day

[@AdaminWales]

Yes, you definitely need a thick skin! It's important to get a feel for who the playtester is, so that you can understand their feedback in context. One player hating your game means very little... especially if they're not a fan of the genre.

[@marctownsend639]

@@AdaminWales thanks for the response!! Your videos are so helpful and have helped me increase my knowledge in all areas so much. Will be getting your new book soon as well. I have a meeting coming up with a promotions firm I’m using to try and get one of my games taken on by two game companies that are interested any advice?

[@stephenlemons5498]

Who made your game pieces

[@AdaminWales]

For my published games, the publisher takes control of production/manufacture of the game. For my prototypes, I piece them together with components some of which I’ve purchased online and some which I’ve printed at home. Alternatively I order some of my prototypes from a professional manufacturer called Launch Tabletop.