Play-testing is the name given to a set of methods that use various techniques of observation and capturing data about a player's game-play experience. Game design play-tests can be used to focus on the analysis of a game's usability, prototype, balancing, levels, etc. Most play-testing methods share a few common concepts:
- Let the players play the game without little or no interference
- Don't make excuses for the game
- Collect play-test data objectively
Methods:
(Literature)
Game Testing All in One (Game Development Series)
(Charles P. Schultz, Robert Bryant, Tim Langdell)Game Design Workshop, Second Edition: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games (Gama Network Series)
(Tracy Fullerton)The Game Inventor's Guidebook: How to Invent and Sell Board Games, Card Games, Role-Playing Games, & Everything in Between!
(Brian Tinsman)