Playtest

A playtest is the process by which a game designer tests a new game for bugs and design flaws before bringing it to market. Playtests can be run "open", "closed", "beta", or otherwise, and are very common with computer games, board games and role-playing games, where they have become an established part of the quality control process.

An open playtest could be considered open to anyone who wishes to join, or it may refer to game designers recruiting testers from outside. Prospective testers usually must complete a survey or simply provide their contact information in order to be considered for participation. A closed playtest is an internal testing process not available to the public. Beta testing normally refers to the final stages of testing just prior to going to market with a product, and is often run semi-open with a limited form of the game in order to find any last-minute problems. With all forms of playtesting it is not unusual for participants to be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, in order to protect the game designer's copyrights.