ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses one of the most important activities a designer engages in: playtesting. Playtesting and evaluation are the way that designers understand how players are understanding and engaging with their game design and make decisions about how to improve the design. A step-by-step process for preparing and holding successful playtests is broken down, including recruiting playtesters, conducting a playtesting session, writing a playtesting script, creating a survey, and running a test session. Methods of testing, tools for testing, and an example script are provided. Basic testing techniques are discussed, including asking good questions, gathering data, and testing control situations. A detailed exercise for testing practice is included.
