QA vs. Playtesting: 3 Mistakes Every Game Dev Should Avoid
Co-author: Lydia Galeano, UX Researcher at Antidote In game development, the concepts of quality assurance (QA) and playtesting are often used interchangeably, even by the most experienced devs. Although they appear similar, both testing methods aim to achieve specific outcomes and misusing them can compromise the quality of the feedback. In this article, we’ll explore […]
Antidote’s Security Measures for Playtesting Your Games
Introduction At Antidote, securing the intellectual property of your game during playtesting sessions is our number one priority. We recognize the countless hours your team has spent on planning, designing and creating your game, as well as the resources invested to realize the project. Therefore, it’s critical to ensure that your game’s details are […]
Player’s Toolkit: A Guide to Antidote Playtests and Studies
Introduction At Antidote, we offer a variety of exciting initiatives for our community members to get involved in. Some come with the chance to win fantastic prizes, while others provide different kinds of rewards. Whether you’re diving into the gameplay of unreleased games or participating in more ‘formal’ activities like interviews and surveys, there’s always […]
Your PC Playtesting Platform for Remote and Unmoderated Studies
Trusted by top studios and publishers worldwide, Antidote has been delivering comprehensive playtesting services for PC and mobile games since 2017. Our continuous innovation and expertise in Game User Research (GUR) have contributed to the success of many renowned titles, providing actionable insights to enhance player experiences. Some of our partners and clients include: […]
Women in Gaming: Mapping Women’s Territories of Relaxation
We recently asked women in our player community about their experiences with video games, including how they began playing, their other hobbies, and how they balance their obligations with their free time. 405 women from diverse backgrounds, geographic locations and from 16 to 77 YO collaborated in this research. Based on the results, here are […]
How to Lead a Successful Multiplayer Playtest: An In-Depth Guide
Co-author: Lucila Drughieri, UX Researcher at Antidote Multiplayer playtesting is a research study that aims to evaluate a game’s social dynamics and overall user experience, focusing on uncovering real player interactions within multiplayer environments. This Game User Research (GUR) method goes beyond assessing basic functionality, ensuring the game mechanics are engaging, balanced and enjoyable. […]
3 Unique Insights That A Full Playthrough Reveals for Your Game
Co-author: Theadora Vaxevanou, UX Researcher at Antidote A full playthrough is a Game User Research (GUR) method that involves playtesting your game from start to finish. The aim is to closely observe how players interact with the game’s mechanics, engage with the narrative and perceive the overall gameplay experience. But why should game studios consider […]
Stress Testing in Games: 4 Key Factors You Should Consider
What makes a stress test a non-negotiable step in your game development process? When picturing the ideal game launch, studios often prioritize stunning visuals, gripping narratives, and intuitive in-game mechanics. While these Game User Research (GUR) factors are vital components of a memorable gaming experience, there is often an overlooked element – the assurance […]
Hogwarts Legacy | Antidote UX Review: A Potter-Head’s Perspective
Hogwarts Legacy is the most-watched single-player game on Twitch, breaking records with 1.3 million concurrent viewers. But did it live up to the hype? A Potter-Head shares her perspective on the game’s UX, including its attention to detail, character development, map design, and menus.
Women in Gaming: Girls Just Want To Play!
An Ongoing Issue In 2021, a study conducted by Reach3 Insights and Lenovo revealed that 59% of women in gaming from the US, Germany, and China hide their gender while playing to avoid harassment. When asked what type of intimidation these gamers were facing: 70% mentioned comments about their skills 65% referred to gatekeeping […]