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Playtesting - Why It's Crucial ?
Hi, Game Developers
Playtesting is where real players get their hands on your game before it officially launches. This phase helps you identify bugs, tweak gameplay mechanics, and ensure the overall experience is both fun and engaging. Unfortunately, there is no clear standard on how to do this, so we at Pyxidis, will try to write about what to think about in the abstract.
Playtesting is where real players get their hands on your game before it officially launches. This phase helps you identify bugs, tweak gameplay mechanics, and ensure the overall experience is both fun and engaging. Unfortunately, there is no clear standard on how to do this, so we at Pyxidis, will try to write about what to think about in the abstract.
đź“ť Start with a Plan
First, set clear goals. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s finding bugs, balancing gameplay, or gathering feedback on new features, having a detailed plan keeps everything on track. Try to do new game testing for each build, so you can find bugs right away.
đź‘Ą Choose the Right Testers
Select game testers who mirror your target audience. A mix of experienced gamers and newbies can provide diverse insights. To find bugs it is better to use QA specialists, to find problems in content and get feedback it is better to use your best fans.
🗣️ Gather Useful Feedback
Feedback is gold. Use surveys or questionnaires focused on specific game aspects (and also our analytics). Encourage game testers to give open-ended responses—they might point out things you haven’t thought of. Recording play sessions can also be a game-changer, as you get to see how players interact with your game in real-time.
đź“Š Analyze the Data
Combine qualitative feedback (why players do what they do) with quantitative data (how many bugs, time to complete levels). Both are essential for a comprehensive understanding. AI tools can help by quickly analyzing large data sets and highlighting patterns and anomalies in player behavior.
🚧 Tackle Common Challenges
Bias in feedback is a common issue. Testers might feel compelled to be overly positive or might be too familiar with the game’s development. Keep feedback anonymous and emphasize the need for honesty.
Inconsistent data can also be a problem, arising from different skill levels or varying interpretations of feedback questions. Standardizing the feedback process and asking clear, straightforward questions can help mitigate this.
🎯 Playtesting is a crucial step in game development that helps you refine your game.
Not understanding your players and lack of optimisation before sales will make you bankrupt. With careful planning, the right testers, structured feedback, and thorough data analysis, you can identify and fix issues before your game hits the market. Embrace the game test process—it’s your opportunity to make your game the best it can be for your players.