All of below is written by the GBCP Steering Committee.
Hi all!
Since the start of the collaboration with Steamforged Games, the GBCP has been pumping out loads of design-work regarding new content for the game we all know and love. Among others, there’s obviously the game plan cards, the Lumberjacks, and an upcoming errata 4.7 for next year.
This sudden uptick in new material has proved to be quite tough to handle for our current playtesting group, leading to designs going through the phases of development without getting enough proper feedback.
We have decided to take action.
New Playtester Squads
From this point on, we will be holding open applications for playtester positions.
You can find the application form here: https://forms.gle/5kDQyFQKxDzBe1r98
The application form will ask you to note down any previous experiences you’ve had regarding playtesting or game design.
Requirements
These applications will have some requirements to them, to ensure playtesters remain active. As a result, not meeting those requirements could lead to someone being removed from the playtesting squad. These requirements will apply to all play testers, new or old.
The requirements are:
- The playtester can commit to at least two playtesting sessions/games per month.
- The playtester will provide feedback on these sessions/games in written form, either on the Discord or in a document.
Head of Playtesting
We will also need a Head of Playtesting – someone who checks in with the group and keeps tabs on progress. We will have regular meetings with the Head to ensure playtesters are contributing feedback effectively. You can show interest for this position in the application form.
Final words
This is one-hundred percent a voluntary position, so we can’t force you to do anything. We really do need and value input, so we must adjust our structure to ensure we can better elicit it from our playtesters.
We hope we can count on your help.
– Niels, on behalf of the GBCP Steering Committee
PS: Being a playtester doesn’t require meetings. That’s for the Head of Playtesting. And those meetings will most often be monthly, except for when design-pressure is high.
Playing 1 game per 2 weeks is a requirement, but playing more would be even better. We’ve been very lenient with our playtesters, but it’s getting to the point where we have loads of design waiting for feedback, and it’s pushing our release schedule further and further back.
Those playtesters that are super enthusiastic and provide good and usable feedback might even get promoted, if they are interested.
– The Inspiring Hat
Link again, apply now!
https://forms.gle/5kDQyFQKxDzBe1r98
For those who are interested but missed it earlier; discord links to the announcement post and the talk that followed.
