How to Set Up a Remote Playtest in Under 10 Minutes
How hard is it to set up a remote playtest? After working with hundreds of game studios, we’ve seen the same answer over and over. Teams were spending days or even weeks handling the logistics of playtesting. Distribution, recruitment, communication… it all added up and slowed them down when they just wanted feedback to […]
Playtesting Doesn’t Improve Your Game. Acting on Feedback Does
I’ve seen this pattern too many times. A studio runs a playtest, gets feedback from players and then… nothing changes. The same issues that players flagged show up in the next build and eventually, at launch. It’s like asking for directions and then choosing to drive the other way. After 10+ years in this […]
How To Keep Games Alive After Launch
First‑Time User Experience (FTUE) can make or break a game. Discover simple, proven tactics for crafting intuitive onboarding that teaches core mechanics fast and hooks players for the long haul.
Choosing Between Moderated and Unmoderated Testing
One of the biggest debates in User Research is whether you should run moderated or unmoderated playtests. Well, both approaches have their place, but the ultimate choice depends on what you’re trying to learn. In this article, I’ll walk you through when each approach works best and help you decide which method serves your research […]
Why Remote Playtesting Should Be in Your User Research Toolkit
I was talking to a UX researcher recently who said: “We’ve always done our playtesting in the lab. It’s just how we’ve always done it.” That phrase made me pause because limiting yourself to only one research method can seriously restrict what you learn about your players. Your players aren’t going to experience your game […]
Player Creativity in Gamification
First‑Time User Experience (FTUE) can make or break a game. Discover simple, proven tactics for crafting intuitive onboarding that teaches core mechanics fast and hooks players for the long haul.
Addressing Security in Remote Playtesting
First‑Time User Experience (FTUE) can make or break a game. Discover simple, proven tactics for crafting intuitive onboarding that teaches core mechanics fast and hooks players for the long haul.
Where to Find Playtesters for Your Research Study
“Where can I find playtesters for my research study?” I get this question at least three times a week and honestly, I understand the frustration behind it. You’ve poured months into developing your game, you know you need player feedback, but suddenly you’re staring at the daunting task of finding the right people to test […]
The Story Behind Star Racer, an Indie Game by Whatnot Games
In case you didn’t know, we launched our Indie Program last year. The program’s mission is to make playtesting more accessible for smaller teams, who don’t have the resources or opportunity to playtest their games (which is important to validate concepts & build player community). We’re proud to share the story of one of […]
Why Building Your Game Community Early Is Everything
If you’re waiting until launch to build a player community, you’re already behind. I know that might sound harsh, but by the time your game launches, it’s too late. You’re playing catch-up, rushing to find people interested in your game while competing with thousands of other releases for attention. This is something I see all […]