PlaytestCloud offers the ability to playtest multiplayer games.
The first part of this article is a rundown on how multiplayer playtesting works with PlaytestCloud; the second part (the last section) explains how to get started with your multiplayer playtest.
Multiplayer games can be divided into two categories: asynchronous multiplayer and synchronous multiplayer.
Asynchronous multiplayer - Players can play whenever they like
Asynchronous multiplayer means that players don't need to play at the same time as each other. Words With Friends is a good example of an asynchronous multiplayer game. With asynchronous multiplayer games, there is no need to play at the same time – even though you are playing against someone else.
Playtesting asynchronous multiplayer games on PlaytestCloud is as easy as just ordering a playtest like you normally would. You do not have to select the "Yes, all players should play at the same time" option under "multiplayer testing".
With this setup, our players will be free to play your game as soon as they get the invite to the playtest. If you think it would be better to have all players play during the same time slot, please read on!
Synchronous multiplayer - Players need to play at the same time
Synchronous multiplayer is a fancier way of saying "players playing against each other in real-time." Good examples of synchronous multiplayer games are Hearthstone and Clash Royale.
PlaytestCloud has a built-in option that makes playtesting synchronous multiplayer games easy. Just select "Yes, all players should play at the same time" in the multiplayer testing section of the order form.
If you select this option, all of our players will be required to play during the same time slot. PlaytestCloud will pick a convenient time slot automatically. This ensures that enough people play the game at the same time in order to make a full multiplayer session.
Once the playtest is live, our players will install the game on their devices. However, they will not be able to play the game before the time-slot opens up.
Once the time slot is about to start, we’ll send the players alerts to remind them about the upcoming play session.
Multiplayer playtesting gives you insight into how your players interact with your game. PlaytestCloud’s playtests help to:
Measure the fun and stickiness of your PVP/multiplayer mechanics
Balance team battles
Identify player interaction points
As a game designer, you can then use this information to create a more addicting and immersive synchronous multiplayer game. Moreover, these insights gained during the playtesting phase make your game more likely to succeed in the competitive mobile market space.
Playing together with our playtesters
It is possible for you and your team to play together with our playtesters. To request this, leave us a note under "No, I have a special request" at the bottom of the order form.
Limitations to the multiplayer testing option
For multiplayer testing, you will need to limit your target audience to US & Canada or US only. This is so that we can determine a convenient time slot for all players.
Multiplayer testing is available for Single-session Playtests and Longitudinal Studies. If you want to set up Multi-session or Internal Panel playtests with the multiplayer option please either leave us a note under "No, I have a special request" at the bottom of the order form or reach out to us by opening the chat bubble in the lower right corner of your screen.
Testing released multiplayer games
If your game is already live and actively being played by enough players, you most likely don’t have to select the "Yes, all players should play at the same time" option, as you will have enough players online and our playtesters will have people to play with.
Next steps
Questions? Reach out to us by opening the chat bubble in the lower right corner of your screen.
Happy playtesting!