If you’ve ever launched a game and thought, “Why didn’t we catch this earlier?” — you’re not alone.

Playtesting is where good games get better, broken things get discovered, and bold ideas come to life. It’s not just about watching people play — it’s about running smart, intentional sessions that reveal the real player experience: the fun, the friction, and the “why did they rage quit on level 3?” moments.

And if you're wondering, “Wait... what even is playtesting?” — we’ve got you. Check out our blog: What is Playtesting?

Whether you're building your first indie passion project, working in a fast-paced studio pipeline, or trying out platforms like Lysto or Antidote.gg, strong playtesting can take your game from promising to polished.

In this guide, we’ll explore 7 essential tips to master playtesting, helping you refine your approach and harness feedback to sharpen every aspect of your game. Whether you're an indie developer testing a passion project or part of an AAA studio balancing massive player expectations, these strategies will empower you to turn raw feedback into design gold.

Tip 1: Set a Clear Objective

Before you even think about sending a build out, get specific about what you're trying to learn.

Ask yourself:

• What decisions will this playtest help me make?

• Am I testing mechanics, UX flow, or just general fun?

• What does "success" look like for this test?

When your goals are focused, your sessions are tighter, and your feedback is more relevant. Keeping sessions streamlined and purposeful  ensures that every bit of feedback ties directly to improving the player experience.

Pro Tip: Keep post-playtest surveys short and sharp. Survey Fatigue prevents players from finishing (or answer thoughtfully). Prioritize essential questions to avoid this.

Tip 2: Test Early & Iterate Often

Playtesting shouldn’t be something you do right before launch. The earlier you test, the sooner you catch friction points and design flaws that are easy to fix before they become expensive. The process helps to minimize risks associated with game development. 

Big studios like Riot Games test constantly — their Public Beta Environment (PBE) helps tweak balance and catch issues before they go live. You don’t need Riot’s resources to do the same. Even a 5-player test on a grey-box build (or through tools like Lysto) can change everything.

Tip 3: Target the Right Players

The quality of your playtest feedback depends on who’s playing the game — not all feedback carries the same weight. The right testers can surface hidden flaws and offer insights that push your design forward, while the wrong testers might leave you chasing irrelevant issues.

The most effective playtesters are:

• Your target audience: Players who match your genre, platform, and skill level.

• Constructive failures: Testers who struggle just enough to expose design flaws.

• Varied perspectives: People who play in different ways, revealing a range of reactions.

By carefully selecting a diverse pool of testers, you gather feedback that’s not just abundant — but truly varied and tied to your design goals. This approach helps you catch issues early, refine mechanics, and build an experience that resonates with the players you’re designing for.

Tip 4: Make It Simple to Follow

Real players don’t play in labs — they play in noisy rooms, on lunch breaks, and with 10 tabs open. Simplicity in design ensures they stay immersed without frustration. Remote playtesting helps you assess whether sound cues cut through real-world noise, UI elements remain instantly clear, and gameplay flows smoothly even when attention is divided.

While in-person sessions provide controlled feedback, remote tests show how well players can navigate your game naturally. Cluttered interfaces, unclear objectives, or overwhelming mechanics can push players away and testing in real conditions helps avoid all of this.

Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it. Short, focused sessions give you better data than long marathons.

Tip 5: Watch What Players Do (Not Just What They Say)

Players don’t always know why they make certain choices — and post-session surveys can sometimes paint an incomplete picture. Players might say your game is fun, but if they’re pausing a lot, missing objectives, or repeating mistakes, something’s off.

Observing player behavior is often more honest than any survey. Look for:

• Where they hesitate or stop?

• What they skip or ignore?

• When their body language changes (confusion, excitement, frustration)?

  
  

  Gameplay footage, screen recordings, or even face cams (with permission) can reveal so much more than words. And this is exactly what we do at Lysto.

Tip 6: Collect Post-Playtest Feedback

Gathering post-playtest feedback is just as crucial as observing live gameplay. While think-aloud sessions capture raw reactions, post-session insights give players time to reflect. 

Use a mix of methods to get a well-rounded view:

• Surveys for structured, quick metrics

• 1:1 interviews for depth

• Focus groups for shared discoveries

This is also where you can discover motivations. Some players may be participating in playtests to play games and earn money, while others just love being part of game development. Knowing the difference can help frame their feedback.

Tip 7: Look for Patterns Across Player Segments

One person’s feedback is just that — one person’s. But when 5 out of 7 testers mention the same pain point? That’s a pattern.

Segment feedback by:

• Player type (hardcore vs. casual)

• Skill level

• Platform (PC vs. mobile)

Use that data to improve gameplay and retention — especially if you're targeting players who are trying to earn money by testing games or exploring how to earn money from home through gaming.

Playtesting is a Process, Not a Checkbox

Playtesting doesn’t end when the game launches. In fact, it’s just getting started.

Post-launch testing lets you improve live content, patch smartly, and evolve with your community. The most successful games — from indie darlings to AAA giants — grow through iteration. And consistent playtesting is the engine behind that growth.

Ready to level up your playtesting? Start small. Stay consistent. And if you want help designing a playtest that actually delivers insights — let’s talk. Lysto can help build a custom plan that fits your game, team, and goals — whether you're indie or scaling fast.