1. Playtesting From “Game Design Workshop” By Tracy Fullerton, Christopher Swain And Steven Hoffman

2. So, what is Playtesting? Playtesting is something the designer performs throughout the entire design process to gain an insight into how players experience the game.

3. Conducting a Session Welcome the playtesters Remind the playtesters that you are testing the game, not their skill. Any difficulties in playing the game will help you to improve the game. Ask them to talk outloud. When they are finished playing, interview them. Thank them

4. Ignore Your Ego The most difficult part about this process will be learning to listen without responding to every point. Most designers have the overpowering urge to become defensive. They don’t want anyone criticizing their baby and will do anything to elicit positive feedback.

5. Methods of Playtesting One-on-One Testing – You sit down with each tester and look over their shoulder. Group Testing – Have a group play your game and you ask them questions. Feedback Forms – Give each tester a standard list of questions. Interviews – You sit down with each tester and give them an in-depth oral interview. Open Discussion – You conduct a discussion group after testers have played the game. You take notes.

6. The Play Matrix The horizontal axis is a continuum between skill and chance. The vertical axis is a continuum between mental calculation and physical dexterity. We chose those two because they are core aspects of interactive experiences, and all games can be plotted along them. It’s best to use the play matrix as a tool for stimulating discussion and analyzing gameplay.

7. The Play Matrix