¿Cómo elaborar un playtesting?

What is playtesting and why perform it?

The world of video game development is fascinating and challenging. One of the most crucial aspects to ensure the success of a video game is the playtesting process, which is the phase where we validate our prototype by obtaining feedback from people outside the development. By playtesting, valuable information can be obtained to make informed decisions based on data and not just personal assumptions.

What are the phases of playtesting?

How is the planning done?

The planning phase is essential for the success of playtesting. At this stage, you must define the key questions you are seeking to answer with playtesting. For example, determine if a game feature is really attractive or if the narrative is well integrated with the gameplay. In addition, it is important to create a suitable environment for playtesting, which may include cameras to record the sessions, microphones and an environment appropriate to the type of game. A detailed questionnaire should also be prepared to help gather feedback and impressions from users.

How is implementation carried out?

Execution is one of the most important phases of the playtesting process. It is essential to clearly communicate the goal of the game to the testers and then allow them to experience the prototype without interruption. Although it is tempting to intervene when a player gets stuck or makes unexpected decisions, it is crucial not to do so in order not to influence honest feedback. In addition, it is vital to observe the players' bodily and auditory reactions. Spontaneous reactions and body language can provide deeper insight into the user experience.

What does analysis involve?

Analysis is the last phase of the playtesting process. It involves a thorough review of all the information collected: videos of the play sessions, audio recordings and notes taken during play. At this stage, we validate whether the prototype meets expectations and identify areas for improvement. Although we will not go deeper in this guide, the analysis of this data will be discussed in future lessons to optimize the results obtained.

How is a playtesting questionnaire elaborated?

The questionnaire is a powerful tool for obtaining direct feedback from players. Some recommended questions to include are:

• What do you consider to be the goal of the game?
• Did you feel the need to do something else that is not implemented?
• What was the aspect that generated the most satisfaction or frustration for you?
• At any point did you have the feeling of wanting to close the game?
• Does it remind you of another game, why?
• Rate the overall experience from 1 to 10.

These questions help to evaluate whether the game meets its objectives and to identify possible areas of improvement and unique aspects of the game.

What playtesting services are available?

If you have the resources, you can hire professional playtesting services. These services help you reach your target audience and perform comprehensive tests that are tailored to your needs. They define aspects such as demographics, age range, gender and geographic locations, among others. Although they are optional and can be costly, they are useful to obtain detailed and targeted insights for specific markets.

How to get started in the video game industry as a tester?

The tester position is fundamental in the video game industry. This role not only helps to identify technical problems, but also provides crucial feedback to improve game features. For those who want to break into the industry, starting out as a tester can open doors to other areas of game development. Changing roles is common; many professionals have started their careers as testers before advancing to more advanced positions.

Following the content of this playtesting will allow you to discover areas of improvement in your video games, generate more engaging experiences and receive valuable feedback that will optimize your developments. Remember that at Platzi you can find specialized courses to improve your playtesting skills, we encourage you to continue learning and perfecting your game development skills!