Structured testing with real players.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
What you want to learn.
WHY
An unfocused test produces unfocused feedback.
WHAT TO PREPARE
A build that runs without your help Clear instructions on what to try A way to report problems A short questionnaire
WHO TO RECRUIT
People matching your intended audience People who have not seen the game
WHAT NUMBER IS USEFUL
Few, observed closely, rather than many, unobserved.
WHY
Watching one person reveals more than ten survey responses.
WHAT TO OBSERVE
Where they hesitate What they misunderstand When they stop What they do that you did not anticipate
WHAT TO ASK AFTERWARDS
What they were trying to do at specific moments What confused them What they would tell a friend about it
WHY THAT LAST QUESTION
It reveals what the game actually communicated.
WHAT TO DO WITH FEEDBACK
Categorise it, and act on what recurs.
WHAT TO IGNORE
Single opinions about preference.
WHAT TO ACT ON IMMEDIATELY
Anything preventing play.
WHAT TO REPEAT
The test, after changes.
