How much social exposure feels exciting vs. uncomfortable?
This is an important question because if the game depends on social risk, and if the prompts feel too safe the game may be perceived as boring. However, if they feeling too exposing, players might opt out. To test, I would make a prompt-intensity prototype where there would be a few sample rounds that are using the same structure but vary in how exposing they are. My guess is that the best version will be moderately exposing (in the middle) because prompts that feel a little risky are what make the game exciting, but there should still be space to let players protect themselves.
What kind of round is actually the funniest: challenges, judgment-based, reveal-based
This is important because if we don’t know which round type actually creating and garners the biggest reaction, we risk building a game with to many disconnected ideas. I would initiated 3 small round prototypes, where each one would test each kind of fun and the structure would be the same across all rounds. At the end, I would compare which version produces the more laughter, engagement, and conversation. My guess is that reveal-based rounds would be the funniest overall because of that element of surprise that’s connected to the ability for players to get to know each other.
Do players enjoy judging each other, or do they prefer self-expressions without being ranked?
This is important to answer because it ultimately affects the tone of the entire game. When a game is built around judgment and a ranking system, things can get immediately competitive and dramatic. Compared to a game that focuses on self-expression/getting to know other players that would feel more open and collaborative. I would use an A/B prototype to test this using the same prompt but in two different versions, one where players are ranked/judged and another where they simply share their response without being evaluated. Then I would compare which one players are more willing to play again. My guess is that players will enjoy some judgment, but not constant ranking. I think having an element of light judgment like voting for the funniest thing will feel fun and socially engaging.
