FAQ - What to expect when you playtest games from Games by Stitch!
1. What does it mean to playtest a game?
The purpose of a playtest is to observe playtesters engaging with a game (or part of it) without any external input. In most cases it will look quite different than the final product. Games are playtested at different levels of development and playtester feedback is instrumental in helping us create a better game. We are curious to see how the game will make you feel and react. Do you look where we thought you would look to? Or do you do something entirely unexpected? This provides us key information to improve on.
2. What type of games will I be playtesting?
Our game catalog spreads across multiple platforms (mobile, web, virtual reality and consoles) and genres (casual, mid-core, educational)
3. Who can be a playtester?
Anyone! We are looking for a wide variety of gamers with different experience levels and perspectives to test our games. From beginners to hardcore enthusiasts, everyone is encouraged to sign up. No previous playtesting experience is necessary and as a playtester you can do no wrong, if anything goes wrong it’s our fault, so just do your best!
4. How do I become a playtester?
Sign up by entering and submitting your email address at the top of this page.
5. What happens once I’ve signed up?
We’ll get back to you with additional questions through email when we have a playtest coming up. You may not hear from us right away. Rest assured that we review submissions periodically.
6. How can I prepare for the playtest?
It would be good to review this FAQ and our additional guide on How To Setup / Record my Playtest. When we have a playtest coming up we will send you an email with the next steps and any extra information that you’ll need in order to participate.
7. What is expected of me when I playtest a game?
You will be asked to record your gameplay as well as narrate everything you are thinking aloud (self-talk) as much as possible. The more you describe what you are thinking and feeling the better! Be honest about what you dislike or struggle to get through, as well as what you enjoy.
8. How and when will I get compensated?
Some playtests are on a voluntary basis, others might offer swag, snacks and/or compensation for your time (cash, gift card…etc). Cash compensations are through Paypal (1-2 weeks after completing the playtest) and will be sent to the email you've used to sign up. We will always tell you what compensation is being offered up front before you agree to participate.
9. Can I communicate about the games I playtest?
Our unreleased games are still in private development, and details are not to be leaked. We require playtesters to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) as they shouldn’t share any details of what they experience.
10. Can I opt out of the playtest at any time?
Yes. If you no longer wish to participate in the playtest, please email us at playtest@gamesbystitch.com and let us know that you would like to opt out.
11. How is the playtest happening?
These days most playtests are conducted remotely and are self-directed. This means that you’ll record yourself playing the game and share the video with us afterwards. We'll tell you how to record your game footage. Some playtests may include a live session (video chat with one of our staff members) after you’ve recorded yourself.
12. How long is a playtest? When can I do the playtest? Does it have to be a specific time?
Playtests are generally between 30 min to 2 hours long. Different time slots will be offered to accommodate different time zones but you’ll be asked to complete your playtest within the selected time slot. Compensation will vary depending on the length of the request.