When you get feedback from playtests, it can be a bit overwhelming. But I’ve found some simple techniques that can help you focus on what’s really important.
Set Goals Beforehand: Before you start playtesting, think about what you want to learn. Are you looking at how the game feels to play, how it looks, or how the levels are designed? Having clear goals makes it easier to filter through the feedback and find what matters.
Sort Feedback into Categories: After playtests, group the feedback into categories. You could use labels like “Gameplay,” “Graphics,” “Story,” and “User Experience.” This will help you spot patterns in specific areas and not get lost in random comments.
Look for Common Themes: Notice what players mention a lot in their feedback. If several people point out the same issue, it’s probably something you should fix. Figure out what most players are feeling, rather than just focusing on a few unique opinions.
Consider Who is Giving Feedback: Think about who is offering their thoughts. A game developer may give different advice than a casual gamer. Balancing these viewpoints helps you figure out which feedback is most useful for your audience.
Test Quick Changes: Sometimes, making quick changes based on feedback can show you what works and what doesn’t. Try out new ideas and then playtest again to see if those changes help.
Use Numbers to Measure Feedback: If you can, gather data using surveys or stats during playtests. For example, if you want to know if players are enjoying the game, you can look at their scores or how long they spent in certain sections. This information can be very helpful along with their comments.
Use a Prioritization Chart: Finally, consider creating a chart to compare feedback based on its importance and how much effort it will take to make those changes. This simple tool helps you decide what to work on first.
By using these techniques, you can turn a confusing mix of feedback into a clear plan for improving your game. Happy designing!
When you get feedback from playtests, it can be a bit overwhelming. But I’ve found some simple techniques that can help you focus on what’s really important.
Set Goals Beforehand: Before you start playtesting, think about what you want to learn. Are you looking at how the game feels to play, how it looks, or how the levels are designed? Having clear goals makes it easier to filter through the feedback and find what matters.
Sort Feedback into Categories: After playtests, group the feedback into categories. You could use labels like “Gameplay,” “Graphics,” “Story,” and “User Experience.” This will help you spot patterns in specific areas and not get lost in random comments.
Look for Common Themes: Notice what players mention a lot in their feedback. If several people point out the same issue, it’s probably something you should fix. Figure out what most players are feeling, rather than just focusing on a few unique opinions.
Consider Who is Giving Feedback: Think about who is offering their thoughts. A game developer may give different advice than a casual gamer. Balancing these viewpoints helps you figure out which feedback is most useful for your audience.
Test Quick Changes: Sometimes, making quick changes based on feedback can show you what works and what doesn’t. Try out new ideas and then playtest again to see if those changes help.
Use Numbers to Measure Feedback: If you can, gather data using surveys or stats during playtests. For example, if you want to know if players are enjoying the game, you can look at their scores or how long they spent in certain sections. This information can be very helpful along with their comments.
Use a Prioritization Chart: Finally, consider creating a chart to compare feedback based on its importance and how much effort it will take to make those changes. This simple tool helps you decide what to work on first.
By using these techniques, you can turn a confusing mix of feedback into a clear plan for improving your game. Happy designing!