- Does the game naturally create moments of interaction?
This is important because social interaction is the heart of our game, and we want to test whether the mechanics enable meaningful connection, such as debate, laughter, collaboration, or conflict, between players. To explore this, we’ll use a role prototype in a simple playtest form with printed cards and rules. This test will help us observe whether players connect through the game and how the design supports or inhibits that interaction. I predict the interaction to emerge natrually, but early prototypes may reveal new insights that lead to meaningful improvements. We may need to adjust some of the rules to better encourage participation from quieter players and ensure everyone is engaged.
- Do the game materials and flow feel natural and support a playful, social atmosphere?
This question is important because the way players handle materials and move through each turn can significantly affect their engagement, and the overall social energy of the game. We want to ensure that the pacing, physical layout, and turn-taking structure support fluid interaction rather than causing confusion or hesitation. we’ll use a look and feel prototype test with physical cards and any other components or props we may need. This will help us observe whether players intuitively know what to do with the materials support. I predict that the basic structure will work well, but some phases of the game might need adjustments to reduce downtime or clarify what actions players should take.
- What kind of fun will players experience while playing the game?
This is also an important question since understanding the types of fun our game offers, based on the 8 Kinds of Fun, helps us refine our design goals and ensure we’re delivering a meaningful player experience. we’ll use an integration prototype to explore this that combine our current rules, materials, and structures into a complete playable version. This will allow us to observe which kinds of fun naturally emerge during a full game session. I predict that fellowship and challenge will be dominant, and we may also see narrative or expression depending on how our game evolves through iteration.
