Game Design: Prototyping & Playtesting

This lecture covers the importance of playtesting in game design, emphasizing the Playcentric Design Process where player experience goals are set, prototypes are created, and playtesting is conducted early in the development. It explores the iterative design process, different types of prototypes (paper and digital), and the role of playtesting in refining game mechanics, aesthetics, kinesthetics, and technology. The lecture also delves into the different playtester types, the playtesting process, and the structure of a playtest session, highlighting the need for constant testing, refinement, and openness to feedback from various sources.