Tips on play-testing your video game!
I have been going to a lot of game shows to promote and showcase our game, Asura. There are a lot of things I learnt while doing this. I would like to share some of the points so that you may maximize your efficiency while showcasing your game and avoid the mistakes which I have made over the years.
🔸1. Watch your visitors play — You will identify mistakes and pain points of your game quite easily which can be ironed out to enhance the game-play experience.
🔸2. Avoiding asking them direct questions — like “did you like the game?” “how was the experience?” Most people are kind and since they know that you are from the developing team/studio, they won’t respond with an honest answer to avoid confrontation or negativity. Instead…
🔸3 Ask them what games do they enjoy? What genre is their favorite? The response will make you aware of what kind of audience the visitors are which will then help you in analyzing as to how they respond to the game. For eg. your game is a rogue-like and the visitor is a fan of Binding of Isaac, he should be able to play your game and hopefully have a good time with the general experience. If he is not, then you might have to fix somethings! (depends on a lot of variables but you get my point!)
🔸4. Give a brief introduction about the game and then politely ask them if they need your assistance while playing the game. Some people like to interact with the developers, asking questions while they play the game where as other’s just want you to shut up and let them play. So Ask!
🔸5. Analyze the player’s expressions and body language when they play your game (Don’t be creepy!) A lot can be said about an experience by looking at the way they interact with it.
I hope the above pointers help you in your journey.
If you have any questions, feel free to share them in comments and I shall try my best to resolve it.
If you have any pointers you would like to add then I would love to hear them in the comments!
be kind, STAY EPIC! :)
Zain Fahadh
Founder/ Creative & Biz Guy
Artist & Game Designer
www.ogrehead.com
