What is Playtesting, and Why Is It Important in Game Development?

Playtesting involves having real players test video games designed for platforms, like devices or consoles, before they are officially launched to the public market. This process differs from quality assurance (QA) testing, which concentrates on technical aspects. 

Playtesting focuses instead on assessing aspects like playability and game balance to enhance players' overall enjoyment. By identifying problems and refining gameplay based on player feedback during playtesting sessions, game developers can work towards creating bug-free and engaging gaming experiences that increase the chances of a successful launch. 

How Does Playtesting Work?

In the games industry, playtesting can come in the form of small-scale trials, with players or public beta tests where everyone can join in. Unlike QA, which detects bugs, playtesting is about the player’s experience. How engaging the game is, how difficult it can be and how much fun it provides. Players frequently offer feedback on areas that developers may overlook, helping them enhance the game further. 

Why Is Playtesting Important?

1. Finding Bugs: Playtesting can be beneficial as it enables developers to address glitches promptly and prevent potential frustrations for upcoming players. 
2. Balancing Difficulty: Ensuring that a game is neither too easy nor too hard is very important. Playtesting provides insight into whether difficulty levels are appropriate for different types of players.
3. Enhancing Gameplay Experience: Playtesting helps developers see what works and what doesn't in terms of game mechanics and design. It ensures that the game remains fun and intuitive.
4. Obtaining Player Input: Players offer feedback by pointing out parts that were unclear or enjoyable. This is a key to refining the game before launch.
5. Commercial Success: Playtesting helps ensure the game is ready for the market. A well-playtested game is more likely to succeed, as it meets player expectations and avoids potential negative reviews due to technical issues or unbalanced gameplay.

Kwalee Playtesting

At Kwalee, we begin by testing our mobile games internally to fine-tune gameplay and user interfaces, ensuring the first-time user experience (FTUE) is smooth and enjoyable. FTUE is crucial because it hooks new players and directly affects Day 1 and Day 3 retention rates. D1-3 are key metrics that track how many users return after installing the game.

We also conduct multiple playtests across versions to maintain balance and consistency, preventing any sudden changes that could negatively impact the FTUE or retention. After internal testing, we expand to external platforms like PlaytestCloud. Post-launch testing is equally important, as ongoing feedback helps refine updates and features to keep players engaged.

By focusing on retention, especially in the early days, we increase the chances of players returning, which ultimately leads to more opportunities for in-game engagement and monetisation through ads or purchases.

Examples in the Industry

Numerous popular games have benefited greatly from playtesting sessions, in their development process. For example, Minecraft allowed players to access the game in an alpha version and provide feedback and financial support from them during the development phase. Similarly StarCraft II’s expansion pack, Heart of the Swarm, focused on refining its multiplayer aspects through playtesting.

These practices have evolved into what's commonly referred to as Early Access, a strategy where developers make unfinished games available to players. This approach boosts user engagement through playtesting. It also fosters direct interaction between developers and players who are aware of the ongoing developmental phase of the game. 

It's also important to mention that playtesting continues long after the official release to ensure new features and updates achieve all important stamps of approval from the community. Game studios tend to prefer to introduce new features in a beta form, allowing players to test and provide feedback before these features are added to the full game.

Playtesting is a very important step in game development for phones, PCs, as well as consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. By involving actual players during the early stages of development to spot problems and enhance gameplay before the official launch happens leads to a more polished, enjoyable game, increasing its chances of success in the market.