Playtest Day Announcements

Recent Updates for 9/27

Updated September 20, 2026

Tentative Schedule

This is mostly an informal event, so times will probably get shifted a bit as we go. We may have more drawings than what's listed here. The main thing is doors open and we can start setting up our games about 20 minutes before the event starts. 

11:40 - Doors open for designer setup

12:00 - Playtest Fest starts - Open playtesting until 6:00!

12:20-12:30 - Pizza

1:30 - Drawing #1

2:30 - Drawing #2

3:30 - Drawing #3

4:30 - Drawing #4

5:20 - Final Drawings

5:30 - Q&A session with Ken Franklin

6:00 - Mini-Protospiel starts - 2nd food delivery

6:30 - Designing for Experience presentation with Ian Zang

Playtesting continues until at least 9:00 

What can designers expect for the Playtest Fest time? If you paid for a designer badge (which are now sold out), you'll get a 2.5"x 6" table to run your game. We are printing some small signs and stands for the games that were registered in the form (see the next item below).

Game Submission for Playtest Fest: Most designers have done this already, but be sure to complete  this form if you want your game on the feedback list during the Playtest Fest. Also, the information submitted there shows up on the game page.

Game Donation Change of Plans - I was originally asking designers to consider donating a game. We actually have A LOT of donated games now, mostly from publishers, so it's not necessary to bring more if you didn't already tell me you were going to. If you do have something you really wanted to donate, expecially games you made, those will still be appreciated. 

As you prepare for the Playtest Fest and Mini-Protospiel:. These are mostly copied from the FAQ:

• Consider having a sign or printed page that lets people know what to expect from your game. Ages, playing time and number of players should be on it, as well as information on the type of game it is. This is not required, but it can help playtesters decide where they want to spend their time.

• Treats, signs, and any other fun antics you can imagine to draw in playtesters during the Playtest Fest is encouraged. Of course, don't make such a spectacle that it distracts other people testing other games.

• Prep your intro and rules teach. Be sure to set expectations for the playtesters. What target audience are you aiming for? How far along is the game in development? What specific aspects are you most interested in getting feedback on? Are there strategies or play styles the playtesters should try to take on?

• Decide how do you want to get feedback. Will you have a questionnaire for the playtesters, or just have a wrap up discussion? (That's mostly important for the Mini-Protospiel time. During Playtest Fest, we will have a generic feedback form for playtesters to fill out.)

• Invite friends, families and other supporters to the Playtest Fest portion starting at 12:00.

Please consider bringing a game to donate for the prize table. It can be something you designed, if you have a published copy. Or it can be any gently used game you'd like to contribute. It's not required, but it helps us give back to our helpful playtesters.

Ken Franklin and Ian Zang will have presentations! Ken will host a Q&A session near the end of the Playtest Fest time (about 5:30). Ian will give a presentation about designing for experience. It will begin at 6:30. 

Previous Updates

Help Spread the Word!: If you're on Facebook, please share this event. The image I'm using for that event can be shared too. It's copied below. The Facebook event has been getting good attention so far, and I'll continue to promote it widely in the weeks ahead.