Our P1 game, Battle of the Bachelors, is a fun, social, verbally-driven party game centered around matchmaking and deduction. Players work to discover each other’s “perfect match” through conversation, trivia, and friendly competition.
1. Is the matching mechanic perceived as fair and satisfying?
- Why this matters: Players need to feel that their guesses or deductions are meaningful, not random or predetermined in a way they can’t influence.
- Prototype type: A mechanic-focused prototype where match logic is tested (e.g., players fill out a brief personality form before the game, and others try to guess matches based on that).
- Prediction: Players will enjoy the guessing and speculation more if they feel their own choices and personalities were considerately included in the match logic.
2. Does the game maintain energy and engagement for a full 30-minute session?
- Why this matters: Pacing is key—if the game lacks momentum, players may disengage in the middle of the game.
- Prototype type: Timed full-session playtest with a recorded flow of rounds, tracking when attention or enthusiasm drops.
- Prediction: The first 10–15 minutes will be high-energy, but without new excitement or evolving challenges, attention may drop. Introducing timed rounds, secret mini-goals, or dynamic roles could help.
3. How much rules do players need to stay focused during rounds?
- Why this matters: If players don’t understand what to do on their turn, or how to make progress, the social fun might turn into awkward time.
- Prototype type: Run a rules-light vs. rules-heavy playtest comparison. One group plays with minimal guidance; another plays with scripted prompts and phases.
- Prediction: Too little structure will confuse new players. A moderate amount of structures—like structured rounds, clear turn phases, or example questions—will make gameplay smoother and reduce social awkwardness.
