Iteration is at the heart of game design. The Core Design Loop is a cycle, not a straight path, and the Iteration step is where real progress happens. Every playtest provides valuable data, but what you do with that data is what separates good designers from great ones.
Your goal in each iteration is to analyze playtest feedback, adjust your design, and test again—as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is how raw ideas evolve into refined, engaging games.
To iterate, we need to understand the results of our playtests to make changes to the game. That said, your playtest will likely fall into one of these three categories:
Your Core Concept Works
Your test went well. Even if there are flaws (there always are), players responded positively to your core mechanic. The best sign? They ask to play again.
Ask yourself:
What was more fun than I expected?
What got in the way of the fun?
How can I better support the core mechanic?
Your Core Concept Didn’t Work
Your test did not go well. It’s okay—i…
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