Playtesting Can Seem Terrifying at First
Playtesting your new board game can be terrifying. It’s a crucial step in the board game design process, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be riddled with anxiety the entire time. However, playtests don’t have to be daunting. If done right, they can actually be one of the most enjoyable times in the design process. Seeing other people enjoy your game is incredibly rewarding. I’ve been playtesting Factions of Sol with our team for about a year now, and I’ve put together some tips that helped me hone my method.
1. When playtesting, be open to feedback and criticism
This is the most important thing. While it may seem obvious, I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of showing a piece of art to the world and getting a lukewarm reception. Before heading into your playtest, take a moment to remind yourself that whatever people say is not a reflection of you. Breathe and remember that they’re only trying to make your game better. No board game is amazing right off the bat. There are always problems. When playtesters have something negative to say, they’re helping you identify them. Of course, that doesn’t mean everything they say is worth noting down…
2. Learn what criticism is helpful and what is not
Playtesters are people too, and often they won’t say exactly what you need to hear. They can have plenty of good insights, but sometimes they may say something that just isn’t worth worrying about. “I think the pieces should be like this” and “What if you had little aliens instead of robots” are examples of feedback that aren’t helpful when you’re testing out your new mechanic. Take their critiques seriously, but remember that they’re (usually) not board game experts and they don’t represent the majority opinion. If you think your trade mechanic is fine the way it is, don’t change it at the whims of one person.
3. Know what you want feedback on
…and tell your playtesters ahead of time! This is hugely helpful for playtesters. A new game is a lot of information for one person to process. If you tell them beforehand “I’m testing the power deck, let me know what you think” or ask them afterwards “Did the power deck help you finish the quests?” they’re much more likely to provide useful feedback. A general “What did you like?” is useful as it tells you what stands out about your game, but it’s not as helpful when you’re testing something new or looking for feedback on something specific.
4. Have an effective rulebook
You may not think the rulebook is as important when you’re first starting your game, but giving playtesters something to reference really lowers the barriers to entry. The rulebook doesn’t need to be perfect– if the game isn’t finished, your instructions aren’t either. But it’s important that players fully understand your game so they can give helpful feedback. More time spent figuring out rules is less time playing. Put your best foot forward and give them a manual to reference.
5. Be prepared for playtesting to go wrong
No matter how much effort you put into your rulebook or how much time you spend explaining rules, there will be problems. Players will find a scenario you didn’t think about or an exploit you didn’t find. That’s ok! Learn to roll with the punches. The point of playtesting is to find those things. If one playtest goes awry, it’s not a huge deal. Learn what you can, make adjustments, and try again.
