Playtest with Us
Sign up here to be invited to our playtests
PLAYTEST WITH US!
What is playtesting?
Playtesting is trying out a game that is in development, a prototype. You help make the game better by playing it in an unfinished state and sharing your feedback. Games go through many rounds of playtesting before they are ready for release.
Why should I sign up for a Ludoliminal playtest?
You will have the opportunity to try a new game before it is even released. You’ll also get a peek behind the scenes at how the game design process works!
How do I find out about a playtest?
We put out our playtest invitation a shortly before each playtest event through our mailing list. The invitation is open for several days or until the playtest is full. We typically accept 4-10 families per playtest. We playtest often with families local to us in Pittsburgh, PA, but we do also mail game prototypes to playtesters further away or run print & play or digital playtests.
Our Games in Playtest Mode
Creature Rescue
Reports of lost pets and sightings of animals all over town keep your team of creature rescuers busy, chasing up eyewitness reports and trying to catch a glimpse (and actually catch!) the missing creatures.
- Ages 6+
- 2-4 players, cooperative
- 20-30 minutes
Sleepytide
It’s nap time for the baby otters and their aquatic friends, but they are hiding in the kelp. Work together to find them.
- Ages 4+
- 2-4 players, cooperative
- 20 minutes
Diatoms
Diatoms is a colorful puzzle game about making microscopic art. Place your tiles strategically to collect diatoms of different shapes and colors to score big.
- Ages 8+
- 2-4 players, competitive
- 45 minutes
How does playtesting work?
Step 1: Playtest Invitation
When we have a game ready for playtesting, we announce the playtest through our newsletter and social media channels. The invitation will include some information about the game like target ages, number of players, any required supplies, etc., as well as the dates of the playtest.
Step 2: Apply to Participate
If your family is interested in playtesting the game, you apply via the invitation. We can only accept a limited number of families for each playtest because we learn so much from each family that participates.
Step 3: Receive Playtest Kit
We ship you a playtest kit! It will include an prototype copy of the game and instructions.
Step 4: Pick A Time and Play
Typically you'll have a window of 1 week to play the game together. We generally recommend you plan a 2-hour block for the playtest- that includes learning to play, playing the game twice, and completing the feedback step.
Step 5: Send Your Feedback!
This is the most important step! We will give you a survey to fill out and may ask you to take some photos to share with us. Your feedback will help us make the next version of the game.
Step 6: Return Your Prototype
Once you're done playtesting, we'll make arrangements to have your prototype picked up (if you're local) or shipped back to us so that it can be updated and sent off to the next set of playtesters!
