#TTRPG

[@DuelingDragonAdventures]

I attended a game development seminar. The speaker (who was an influential board game designer) had a #1 rule: playtest immediately. Even if the game is 20% complete. Even if it's only an idea scratched on a napkin. Another good tip was, don't give the whole game to someone and say "what do you think about this game." Instead look for very focused feedback which normal people can actually provide, like "what do you think about the rule for gaining money in the game?" or "what do you think about how characters move around?" something like that. The tendency of people when handed a whole game is to just say "this is gold" or "this isn't for me" and you get nothing in return.

[@Theeoldmann]

Good insight

[@troffle]

This still sounds like you playtesting with Grimstreams is the solution. You would also have the recording of other people reacting and finding the rough patches, pointing you directly at the blind spots. Making a note in the margin where you had to smooth over a spot. Plus QA testers you already know and have played with. This doesn't mean free books for me. I've never been in Grimstreams and am in the wrong timezone for it. It just sounds like it addresses a lot of the issues you raise.