If you are a game developer, playtesting is an essential part of the development process.
It’s the process of testing your game to ensure that it works as intended and meets the needs of your target audience. However, some developers may not be aware of the importance of playtesting or may not have the resources to do it properly.
In this article, we will explore the role of playtesting in game development, why it’s important, and whether or not game developers actually playtest their own games before release. We’ll also provide some tips for effective playtesting and examples of how it can improve your games.
The Importance of Playtesting in Game Development
Playtesting is the process of testing a game to identify bugs, ensure that it works as intended, and gather feedback from players. It’s an important part of the game development process because it allows developers to make changes to the game before it’s released.
Playtesting also helps developers understand their target audience. By testing the game with real players, developers can identify what works and what doesn’t, and make changes to improve the overall player experience. This can lead to a more enjoyable and engaging game for players.
Do Game Developers Actually Playtest Their Own Games?
While playtesting is an important part of the game development process, it’s not always clear whether or not game developers actually playtest their own games before release. Some developers may outsource playtesting to third-party companies, while others may rely on their own internal team to do the testing. However, some developers may not prioritize playtesting at all, relying solely on feedback from beta testers and early adopters.
It’s important to note that playtesting is not just about finding bugs in the game. It’s also about identifying areas where the game could be improved, making changes to the game mechanics or user interface, and ensuring that the game is fun and engaging for players. So, even if a developer doesn’t physically playtest the game themselves, they may still rely on feedback from playtesters and other sources to make improvements to the game.
Case Studies: The Role of Playtesting in Game Development
Battlefield 1
In the development of
Battlefield 1
, the team at DICE prioritized playtesting from the beginning. They set up a dedicated playtesting facility where they could test the game with real players and gather feedback on the user experience.
The team also worked closely with beta testers and early adopters to identify areas where the game could be improved. The result was a highly polished and enjoyable game that received critical acclaim from both critics and players alike. The team were able to make changes to the game based on player feedback, ensuring that it met the needs of their target audience.
Fortnite
Fortnite is another example of how playtesting has played a crucial role in game development. The team at Epic Games prioritized playtesting from the beginning and set up a dedicated playtesting facility where they could test the game with real players.
The team also worked closely with beta testers and early adopters to identify areas where the game could be improved. They made changes to the game mechanics, user interface, and other elements based on player feedback, ensuring that it was fun and engaging for players.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The team at CD Projekt Red had a lot of experience with playtesting when they began work on
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
. They had previously worked on The Witcher 2: Assassins of Katania, which received critical acclaim for its deep, engaging gameplay and immersive world.
To ensure that
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessor, the team at CD Projekt Red prioritized playtesting from the beginning. They set up a dedicated playtesting facility where they could test the game with real players and gather feedback on the user experience.
The team also worked closely with beta testers and early adopters to identify areas where the game could be improved. They made changes to the game mechanics, user interface, and other elements based on player feedback, ensuring that it was fun and engaging for players.
Tips for Effective Playtesting in Game Development
1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Before you begin playtesting your game, it’s important to set clear goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve through playtesting? Are there specific areas of the game that you want to focus on? By setting clear goals and objectives, you can ensure that your playtesting is focused and effective.
2. Recruit a Diverse Group of Players
To get a comprehensive understanding of your game, it’s important to recruit a diverse group of players. This includes players of different ages, genders, and backgrounds, as well as players with different levels of experience. By recruiting a diverse group of players, you can ensure that your game is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
3. Conduct User Research
Before you begin playtesting your game, it’s important to conduct user research to understand your target audience. This includes gathering information about their preferences, needs, and pain points. By conducting user research, you can ensure that your game meets the needs of your target audience.
4. Create a Test Plan
A test plan is a roadmap for your playtesting process. It outlines what you want to achieve through playtesting, how you will gather feedback, and who will be involved in the testing process. By creating a test plan, you can ensure that your playtesting is structured and effective.
5. Analyze Feedback and Make Changes
Playtesting is not just about finding bugs in your game. It’s also about gathering feedback from players and making changes to improve the overall player experience. By analyzing feedback and making changes based on it, you can ensure that your game is fun and engaging for players.
Conclusion: The Importance of Playtesting in Game Development
Playtesting is an essential part of the game development process. It allows developers to identify bugs, ensure that their game works as intended, and gather feedback from players. By prioritizing playtesting, game developers can create games that are fun, engaging, and accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re just starting out in game development or you’re a seasoned veteran, playtesting is a skill that will serve you well. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your games are polished, enjoyable, and successful.