Alternatives for a regular game group to test with

when i was preparing my game, I presented it to my FLGS and they let me organize and run playtests at the shop. It went well and I got a lot of good feedback

Try to organize a game night FOR them. I used to run Magic tournaments for the FLGS and got a casual crowd to amass there and buy things. After that, I had a good relationship with the store owner, and he was more than happy to help facilitate playtest sessions. Even now that I have moved away, we still occationally chat and I still buy things from his shop via the mail from time to time.

Game production and completion is all about who you know once you get beyond the initial design. I even got to use part of my game shop owner friend's table at a convention for free to release/ help promote my game!

that cafe sounds quite awesome...needs to be more like that

I have a great deal of experience gathering play-testers from unusual areas. I have organized groups from local hobby stores, the public library, and from a renaissance fair! You can get gamers to gather and be excited about your prototype with a few easy steps. Please try to keep in mind the reality here. This IS your first shot at marketing your product. If you can’t convince some random gamers to give the project a go then what chance would you have in a real market setting?

1) Ensure that the game is professional looking. This is often not the case with new projects but I assure you that a little pagination and some images “borrowed” from the internet can make all the difference.

2) Make sure that when you talk to folks about the game you never imply any pressure. You would love it if they come but if they can’t or don’t want to, you wouldn’t be bothered.

3) BE EXCITED! When you get your first chance to talk to people about the game GET AMPED UP! People want to know that YOU believe in your product. If you aren’t excited about it how can you expect them to be~?

4) Keep the groups exclusive. If you have 4 testers and that offers you what you need in testing then tell the group that only four are ALLOWED to come. This feeling of exclusivity makes the gamers feel like they are part of something unique. I can’t tell you how valuable this characteristic is when trying to form a group later (for a new project). You will find that gamers who are familiar with your work and the exclusivity of your groups will be chomping at the bit for a slot in your game night.

5) Pick your targets carefully. You will need to be forthright and aggressive. This is your first chance to “market” your game and convince people it is AMAZING! Try to find a pack alpha, someone that seems to speak loudest in the group. This is usually the GM for a D&D group, the rules lawyer for a 40k group, or the guy who actually OWNS most of the games at board game night. This person will act as your advocate when convincing others to join your ranks. Convince the alpha that the game is worth playing and that SINGLE player will offer you a substantial selection of play testers. This is always my tactic and never fails.

6) Offer them stability. I know this sounds odd but you’re trying to get an alien social group to trust you. Offer food, beverages, proper seating and amenities, a CLEAN playing area. To be frank, don’t take them home if you live like a pig. Some great perks that work nicely are; a home cooked meal, snacks and soda, and depending on the weather…air conditioning!

7) Finally, when you’re trying to get play testers you must keep in mind the truth of the situation. You won’t pay them, they will work. Because these individuals offer such a unique service to you and your project you should be ready to think outside the box.

That’s just about everything. Your approach to the group and your ability to work your product into conversation can be the trickiest of all. Once the material is in someone’s hands make sure you’re ready with a great description. Before any company will sell it for you, it’ll be YOU selling it to gamers!

E

Biggest mistake I made with my regular group was trying to run a playtest without written rules in hand. I'd done so many drafts, made so many changes, and I thought I had it down pat.

To this day, I still get ribbed by my friends every time we try a new game. We'll do the rules review, play a few rounds, then somebody will hold up a finger and say, "Incidentally...!" as I did several times that dreadful night.

Ditto on the professional look. Though perhaps professional is too strong. What's important is color. Simple but true. Show up with a brilliant, elegant design lovingly crafted in black and white and people's eyes will stray all over the room through rules, play, and wrap up. Fork out a little cash at Office Max for color printing and everybody's attention span quadruples.