"Kickstarter Killed It": 10 Playtesters to the Rescue

Ditch the Kickstarter Hype: 10 Playtesters to Sanity

So you’ve got a game idea, and you’re itching to show the world. Kickstarter beckons, promising validation and funding. But before you pour your heart (and wallet) into a flashy campaign, let’s talk about a cheaper, more effective safety net: 10 dedicated playtesters.

Kickstarter is not a substitute for pre-production. Treat it as a marketing tool, not a focus group. I learned that the hard way on my last project. Wasted a fortune on a slick video that promised more than the buggy prototype could deliver.

This article isn’t about replacing later, larger-scale playtesting or crowd-sourced funding. It’s about using a focused group early to drastically increase your chances of success and avoid those early-stage pitfalls. Let’s dive in.

Finding Your First Testers: Beyond Friends and Family

Your mom and best friend are lovely, but their feedback is likely biased and, frankly, not harsh enough. You need testers who can be honest, even brutal.

Start within your network. Look for gamers, designers, or even people with analytical minds, regardless of their familiarity with game development.

Reach out to local game development communities, online forums, or universities with game design programs. Offer free copies of the game, credit in the game, or small stipends for their time.

Pro-tip: Don’t just pick people who say they like your genre. Look for evidence of critical thinking in their forum posts or reviews.

I made the mistake of relying solely on enthusiastic genre fans early on. They were too forgiving of clunky controls and confusing UI.

Structuring Playtesting Sessions: Get Real Data

Don’t just unleash your testers and hope for the best. Structure your playtesting sessions to maximize the value of their feedback.

Provide clear objectives for each session. What specific aspects of the game do you want them to focus on? “Play the first hour” is not an objective. “Assess the clarity of the tutorial” is.

Use observation checklists. Don’t rely solely on verbal feedback. Watch how testers interact with the game and note areas where they struggle or get confused.

Debrief testers immediately after their play session. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to elaborate on their experiences.

A common mistake is overwhelming testers with too much information at once. Focus on one or two key areas per session.

Prioritize the Fun: Core Mechanics First

Forget the fancy graphics and intricate story for now. Focus on the core gameplay loop. Is it fun? Is it engaging? Does it make players want to keep playing?

Ask testers: “What was the most enjoyable part of the game?” and “What was the least enjoyable part?” These simple questions can reveal fundamental design flaws.

Pay close attention to their reactions during key gameplay moments. Are they excited? Frustrated? Bored? Their body language will tell you more than their words.

My first prototype was gorgeous, but the core mechanic (resource gathering) was tedious. Players praised the visuals but quickly lost interest.

Don’t be afraid to make radical changes to your core mechanics based on early playtesting feedback. This is the time to experiment and iterate.

Actionable Feedback: Turning Insights into Improvements

Receiving feedback is only half the battle. You need to know how to interpret it and turn it into actionable improvements.

Categorize feedback into different areas: gameplay, UI/UX, story, technical issues. This will help you prioritize your efforts.

Look for patterns in the feedback. If multiple testers are struggling with the same thing, it’s a sign of a serious problem.

Don’t dismiss negative feedback, even if it stings. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve your game.

I initially ignored a tester who complained about the movement controls. He was right. Everyone else had just been polite.

Implement changes based on the feedback and then re-test. Iterate until you’re satisfied with the results.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Don’t Argue with Testers!

One of the biggest mistakes developers make is arguing with testers about their feedback. It’s their experience, not yours.

Avoid explaining your design decisions to testers during the session. Let the game speak for itself.

Don’t take criticism personally. Remember, they’re trying to help you make a better game.

Another pitfall is trying to fix every problem at once. Focus on the most critical issues first.

Document everything. Keep a detailed record of the feedback you receive and the changes you make. This will be invaluable later in the development process.

Beyond 10: Scaling Up Your Testing

Once you’ve refined your core mechanics and addressed the most critical issues, you can start scaling up your playtesting efforts.

Consider using online playtesting platforms or attending game conventions to get feedback from a wider audience.

Remember, even with extensive playtesting, there will always be surprises. Game development is a process of continuous learning and refinement.

This initial group of 10 serves as a crucial filter, ensuring that your game is fundamentally sound before exposing it to a larger, more critical audience. You are mitigating risk and saving yourself a mountain of potentially painful feedback down the road.

Kickstarter success hinges on a compelling product. These 10 playtesters will help you build that product, one honest opinion at a time.