Tools

Following the Game

Understand what your game actually asks of its players.

WHY USE THIS?
Games guide their players through various processes, from the introduction of mechanics to subtle hints that help them progress. Often, the instructions we develop appear clear to us but players might have a very different experience. This tool helps you to locate differing interpretations and streamline the way in which your game communicates with its player.

HOW TO TEST?

  1. Decide what part of the game you want to test (a level, a scene, the introduction of a mechanic, part of its interface, etc.).
  2. Write down what you believe is asked of the player in that segment. What should the game ask from the player? What does it need the player to do in order to progress? And how do you believe that it makes this clear?
  3. Ask the player to follow the game’s directions and verbalise whatever they think the game wants them to do.
  4. Make notes of moments in which the player’s expectation does not line up with your own. How does their experience and behaviour differ?
  5. Analyze your findings. What needs to be changed in order to get the desired outcome?

NOTE
Every player is different, it is advised to do multiple playtestings with multiple players.

REFERENCES
Instrumental and Transgressive Play (René Glas & Jasper van Vugth)