Michigan Playtest Events

Event Information

These events are a shared effort as a community of game designers. We appreciate the part you play! If you have questions, email Mike.

Playtest Fest - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The first six hours of the event will be a Playtest Fest. Designers with a badge will have an assigned table (2.5' x 6') to run their game(s). The public is invited in to take part in the event for free. Playtesters who attend will enjoy:

• Free pizza, snacks, and pop (also available for the designers!)

• Playtesting games created by local designers

• A firsthand look at the game creation process

• Drawings for prizes -- By submitting feedback on games, playtesters can enter the drawings!

Important:  Designers need to be aware of these things related to the Playtest Fest:

• We count on game designers to invite their friends, family, and supporters to attend. It's fun and free! We promote it heavily, but please do your part to help bring in a crowd. 

• Playtesters do not have to register. Because of this, we have no idea how many will be there. If we don't have enough for all designers to run their games the whole time, please support other designers by playing their games while you wait. 

• Do you have one or two games to donate for the giveaways? Published games you've made would be excellent, but any game in very good condition from your collection that you'd be willing to donate will be appreciated. 

Mini-Protospiel - 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The best thing about a Protospiel event is designers testing with designers. At 6:00 we will shift the focus from entertaining the public to playtesting each other's games. Playtesters can still hang around and help. We are glad to have them! But we won't be running giveaways. 

A quality playtest at Protospiel usually means playing some or all of the game, then having a wrap-up conversation. (Compare that to Playtest Fest, where you run your game and then the testers fill out feedback forms.)

The golden rule for sharing time at Protospiel events is playtest for at least as much total "designer time" as as you take.  Since this is a mini-Protospiel, this time management becomes extremely important. Four hours will go fast! 

If your game takes over an hour to play, don't expect to play the whole thing in this part of the event. See the FAQ for more details on this. Play the parts you need most, then take some time for a wrap-up conversation. Then you'll have time to be a playtester for other designers. 

**Be sure to read the FAQ for full information and suggestions to make a great experience.**

Additional information will be sent by email to the address you use when you buy your badge.