Choose the Right Playtesters
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It is important to include playtesters with varying levels of familiarity with your game, as well as a range of skill levels, including casual players, hardcore players, and individuals with little or no gaming experience. Below are several categories of playtesters you may consider involving in your testing sessions.
Game Developers Who Work on Your Game
Positives
These individuals provide essential feedback during the development phase, as they possess in-depth knowledge of the design decisions and intended gameplay experience of the project.
Negatives
They may overlook certain issues due to prolonged exposure and familiarity with the game.
Their deep knowledge may prevent them from reacting like new players, as they are already aware of the game’s mechanics and design tricks.
They may display bias by praising their own contributions excessively.
Interpersonal dynamics may influence their feedback, potentially leading them to undervalue the work of other team members.
Game Developers Who Do Not Work on Your Game
Positives
Such individuals can offer valuable insights based on their experience working on other games, bringing a fresh and informed perspective.
Negatives
It may be challenging to recruit external developers to participate in playtesting sessions.
Playtesters Who Are Neither Developers Nor Acquaintances
Positives
These testers may identify issues that have been overlooked due to the development team’s familiarity with the project.
If they are able to articulate their observations clearly, they can provide valuable and constructive feedback.
With the right incentives and communication, it is often easier to attract testers from this group, as they may be motivated to contribute their time and effort to test your game.
Negatives
Despite their potential, it can be difficult to find testers from this group who are capable of offering high-quality feedback.
Players with Impairments
Positives
These individuals can provide essential insights regarding accessibility, helping to ensure that your game is inclusive.
Negatives
Their feedback may unintentionally lead you to consider lowering the overall difficulty of your game. It is advisable to avoid this by implementing accessibility features that can be enabled via the settings menu. This approach allows players with impairments to fully enjoy the game without compromising the intended experience for other players.
Friends and Family
Positives
They are likely to offer encouraging feedback, which can boost your motivation to continue developing the game, even if their praise is not entirely objective.
Negatives
Out of concern for your feelings, they may withhold critical feedback, which could hinder your ability to identify and address significant issues.