Picture this: You’ve got an awesome game in the works. You’ve spent countless hours building, tweaking, and perfecting every little detail. But there’s one big question you can’t quite shake—Is this game actually fun?! Will this resonate with gamers? That’s where playtesting comes in!

What is Playtesting?

Playtesting allows real players from your target audience to get their hands on early versions of the game to improve the design by giving feedback—so the final game feels smooth, fun, and polished.

Why Should You Care About Playtesting?

Let’s be real—we all get a little too close to our projects. Designers often become overconfident in their product, missing flaws that only external feedback can reveal. This overfamiliarity can blind them, hurting the final quality. Herein lies the magic of playtesting.

There are plenty of game launches that failed, damaging the game's success and reputation. One such example is Fallout 76 (2018) launched with a multitude of bugs, glitches, and flawed gameplay mechanics. The game’s technical issues, combined with unpolished design elements, drew heavy criticism from fans and led to disappointing commercial performance.All of this could have been prevented with playtesting.

Playtesting isn’t just about fixing problems; it's about crafting a game players actually love. Their feedback helps developers fine-tune gameplay, which not only makes the game enjoyable but also profitable in the long run.

In contrast to Fallout 76 (2018), It Takes Two (2021) offers a noticeably different experience. Whenever players start to feel lost or unsure about what to do next, the game introduces subtle gameplay elements that guide them in the right direction. This ensures that the game remains challenging and engaging without causing frustration. It's a clear example of excellent playtesting.

All in all, once you release your game,your players will be the ultimate deciders of whether your game is a hit or a flop.So its a good idea to involve them early in the process in order to let them guide you to success. 

Playtesting Solutions – Tailored for Your Needs

At Lysto, we deliver feedback that matters. Whether you’re into data or want insights on player experiences, we’ve got you covered with custom solutions that fit your game’s needs.

Types of Playtesting

• Alpha Testing: In-house testing to catch the big bugs early.

• Closed Beta: External players test mechanics and provide detailed feedback.

• Open Beta: Larger audiences playtest, offering crucial gameplay data before release.

• Post-Launch: Continuous bug fixing and updates keep the game fresh and running smoothly.

Stages of Playtesting

• Pre-Production: Testing concepts and initial designs.

• Production: Refining gameplay, balancing difficulty and fun.

• Post-Production: Ongoing feedback to ensure long-term quality.

Playtesting Formats

• Single Session FTUE (First Time User Experience): FTUE testing helps you understand how intuitive your game is for new players.

• Multi-Session Playtests: Track long-term player engagement and retention across multiple sessions.

Additional Services

• Surveys: Gather detailed player feedback with structured questionnaires.

• Competitor Testing: See how your game stacks up against others in the market.

• Stress Testing: Simulate heavy loads to test your game’s performance under pressure.

Global Playtester Access

With 350,000+ playtesters globally, Lysto has an army of unbiased players ready to dive into your game. Whether you need players who fit specific criteria (like genre, skill level, or age group) or you’re looking for players across different regions, we’ve got you covered with Targeted Player Recruitment. You tell us who you need, and we find them.

PS: Playtesting ≠ QA (Quality Assurance)

Playtesting is NOT the same as QA (Quality Assurance). While both are essential to the development process, they serve different purposes.

Playtesting focuses on the overall gameplay experience, ensuring that mechanics are intuitive, levels are well-balanced, and the player feels engaged and challenged throughout. Playtesters provide feedback on how enjoyable or frustrating certain aspects of the game are, helping developers fine-tune pacing, difficulty, and flow.

The Wrap-Up

In the end, playtesting is the real MVP of your game development process. It’s not just about fixing issues; it’s about discovering what makes your game shine. At Lysto, we’re all about making sure your game is built with players in mind—every step of the way. So, if you want to turn your game into the next big thing, we’re ready to help you make that happen. Let’s get testing!