Before running a full playtest with external players, we strongly recommend conducting an internal test—also known as a smoke test or pilot test—especially if you’re testing a build for the first time. This lets you test the game with our software, which helps identify major issues, verify functionality, and ensure the playtesting flow meets your expectations.
Follow these steps to set up your test using PlaytestCloud.
Step 1: Place an Order
Begin by placing an order as you would for a standard playtest:
Log in to your PlaytestCloud account.
Click on "Order a Playtest."
Upload your game build and configure your playtest settings as usual.
Step 2: Add Your Teammates as the Target Audience
To run an internal test with your own team:
When you reach the "Specify your target audience" section, choose "Use Your Own Players" instead of PlaytestCloud’s player pool.
Enter the email addresses of the teammates or internal testers you want to participate in the playtest.
Step 3: Avoid Adding a Special Request
When completing your order:
Leave the "Optional: Custom requirements" section on 'yes'.
Adding a special request will pause the playtest for manual review, which may delay the process.
By skipping this section, PlaytestCloud will automatically invite your team members without delays.
Step 4: Wait for the Email Invitation
After placing the order:
You and your teammates will receive an email invitation to participate in the playtest.
The email may take a few minutes to arrive as the system processes your order.
Important Note About the Invitation Email
The invitation emails sent to your team will mention your email address and may indicate that players are receiving a reward from you.
This differs from what real players see—when you later launch the real playtest using our panel, PlaytestCloud players won’t see your email and will be informed that the reward is provided by PlaytestCloud.
Step 5: Request a Refund for Internal Tests
You’ll initially be charged a small amount for the playtest, but will happily waive the charge for you. To adjust the cost:
Send an email to hello@playtestcloud.com with a link to your playtest.
Request that the price be set to zero for an internal playtest.
The PlaytestCloud team will manually refund your video tokens for the test.
Step 6: Launch the Full Playtest
Once you’ve reviewed your internal test and are ready to proceed with a real playtest:
Place a new order.
Select "Use PlaytestCloud testers" instead of using your own.
Launch your playtest with confidence, knowing your game is ready for real player feedback!
Need Help?
If you have any questions about ordering a pilot test, feel free to reach out to us at hello@playtestcloud.com. We’re happy to assist!
By following these steps, you can ensure your game is well-prepared before launching a full-scale playtest with external players. Happy playtesting!