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It's less than 2 weeks until I'll be heading back to the Playtest UK corner of the UK Games Expo. If you don't already know, UKGE is the biggest board game convention in the UK - registering over 40,000 unique visitors last year. Playtest UK host a corner of the convention centre aside just for playtesting, run by volunteers, to help people making games.
If you're going to be playtesting there - or at any other major conventions, here are the tips I wish I'd known before I playtested at UKGE the first time - because it's not quite like playtesting anywhere else!
Either watch the video below or scroll on for the written version of my top tips.
The tips and tricks
1 - Play the smallest part of your game
People at the convention will generally be very willing to come and play your game. But they only have limited time at the convention and there are so many other things to see and do. Think carefully about what the smallest meaningful part of your game is and just test that. The game I took the last 2 years, Station Decimus, is played over 4 missions. Both years I've just played a single mission to limit the time taken and get a broader range of feedback,
2 - Consider a rulebook carefully
Rulebooks are key to a game, but at a convention, reading rulebooks is probably at the bottom of the list of things I'd want to be doing. Consider rules summaries or cheat sheets - even if they won't be in your final game, to speed up the learning curve.
3 - Practice explaining rules
The quickest way you'll get people into your game and providing useful feedback, is to have a well practiced rules teach. Practicing ahead of time will mean more time playing the game and less time answering questions, making it more fun for your playtesters and more valuable to you.
4 - Expect a sore throat
Convention centres can be really loud. Take some water or after shouting rules at people for a few hours you might find you've lost your voice.
5 - Bribery not needed
At least at all the conventions I've been to, I've found there's no need to bribe playtesters. When I've tried I've come home with almost as many chocolates as I went with.
6 - Bring a friend
Playtesting is long and company is always nice. But more than that if you have a big game (4 players or more) being able to have a 4 player game when just 2 people stop to look at your game will make sure you're getting the most from your session. Station Decimus plays up to 6 and it can be difficult to get games at that count so having a friend with me has been really helpful to get bigger playtests in.
7 - Have loaded questions
As with all playtesting, and not to get too deep, but possibly everything in life - if you want good answers, ask good questions. Think of some specific elements of the game you want to get feedback on, people will be more than happy to provide it if asked the right questions.
8 - Don't pack your schedule
A tiring playtest session doesn't lend itself to being followed up with long games or deep thought. You'll be tired and probably not want do anything to mentally strenuous.
So those are my top tips for playtesting at UK Games Expo, or any other major convention. Hopefully they prove useful to you and help you get the most from your playtesting.
Joe
If you want to try Station Decimus sign up below to get a full Print and Play version emailed to you - as well as a link to my Discord if you have any questions.
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