This guide will help you set up a playtest request on Lysto, whether you're looking for a Single-session, Longitudinal, Survey only, Multi- session or Concept playtest. Follow these simple steps to gather valuable player feedback through video sessions and surveys.
1: Add Your Game
To get started, click on <Add Game> in the Lysto dashboard. You'll be asked to provide some basic details about your game.
Game Name: Enter the name of the game you want to playtest.
Game Description: Write a brief description of your game.
Platforms: Select the platforms your game is available on (Android, iOS, PC).
Genres: Choose the genres your game falls under (Can be more than 1). (Know more)
Release Date: Input the game’s release date.
2: Choose the Type of Playtest
To create a playtest request, click on <Create a Playtest Request> on the Lysto dashboard. Lysto offers various types of playtests, each with its own specific setup. Choose the one that best fits your needs:
Perfect for quick feedback and first impressions after one gameplay session (FTUE).
Great for gathering immediate reactions to specific parts of your game.
Ideal for tracking player behaviour and retention over time.
Suitable for tracking engagement trends and monitoring player activity across multiple days or sessions.
For gathering focused feedback without a gameplay session.
Use when you only need player insights via surveys without interaction with the game itself.
It can be used to test concepts, validate assumptions, and get answers to key questions before you build.
- Multi-Session Playtest:
Designed to track player progression and learning across 2–4 sessions in a short span.
Helpful in assessing tutorial retention, session pacing, and early feature adoption without requiring full longitudinal tracking.
- Concept Playtesting:
Best for validating early game ideas, themes, or feature directions before building.
Helps gather player sentiment, expectations, and preferences using visuals, narratives, or prototypes.
3: How to Create a Playtest
Follow this 4-step process to set up a playtest and collect actionable feedback from real and experienced playtesters.
(Steps include variations for Single Session, Longitudinal, Survey only, Multi- session and Concept playtests)
Step 1: Project Details
Define what your test is about, who it's for, and what kind of data you want to collect.
Project Name: Enter a unique name for internal tracking of the playtest project.
Game Name: Add the game name ( added earlier in step 1) that you want playtesters to test.
Project Description: Describe what you're testing — e.g. new features, usability, balance, etc.
Select Type of Playtesters: Choose whether to recruit playtesters from Lysto’s panel or Bring Your Own Playtesters (BYOP). (BYOP not applicable for Longitudinal & Survey only)
Select Type of Request: Choose whether you want just a playtest or a playtest with a survey, or survey only.
Playtest: Let playtesters test your game and track gameplay behaviour — no survey involved. (Not applicable for Survey only)
Playtest + Survey: Combine gameplay testing with post-play feedback via a survey. (Not applicable for Survey only)
Survey Only (for Survey Only playtests): No gameplay, just player feedback via survey — helpful for market research or concept testing.
Objective (only for Longitudinal): Select your playtest goal — e.g. track player engagement, retention, or progression over time.
Step 2: Playtest Setup
Configure when the test starts, how long it lasts, and how playtesters will access your game.
Start Date: Choose whether the test should begin immediately or on a specific future date.
Playtesting Instructions: Write simple gameplay directions or tasks for playtesters to follow during the playtest. (Know more)
Choose Playtesting Device: Choose the platform you want your game tested on — Android, iOS, or PC — so we can connect you with the right playtesters.
Game Upload or Download Link: Share your game build for playtesting—upload files (.apk, .exe) or provide download links (Drive, Steam, Epic store, TestFlight, Play Store, App Store); supports Android, iOS, and PC games, whether unreleased or publicly available. (Not applicable for Survey only)
Step-by-step Tasks (only for Single Session): Add in-game checkpoints or flows you want playtesters to experience or focus on.
Duration (only for Single Session): Set the expected session length (e.g., 15 mins, 30 mins) for a one-time play.
Days and Daily Playtime (only for Longitudinal): Define how many days playtesters should test the game and how long they should play each day.
Step 3: Playtest Survey
Set up surveys to collect feedback from playtesters during or after their play sessions.
Choose Survey Tool: Select whether you want to use Lysto’s inbuilt tool or link a third-party survey (e.g. Alchemer, Google Forms). (Know more)
Survey Upload or Link: Upload your questions(if selecting the Lysto Survey Tool) or paste a link to your survey (If selecting the 3rd Survey Tool - ex: Alchemer)— to help us create a feedback survey for playtesters.
Survey Frequency:
Single Session / Survey Only: Send a survey after gameplay or standalone.
Longitudinal:
Choose to send the same or different surveys daily.
Optionally set a final-day survey to capture overall impressions.
Step 4: Player Requirements
Define the kind of players you want to playtest your game — by age, habits, platform, and more.
Number of Playtesters: Enter how many playtesters you want to recruit (minimum of 2).
Age Range: Specify the minimum and maximum age for your test audience.
Gender %: Set the desired gender mix for your testers (e.g., 50/50 or custom ratio).
Gamer Profile: Choose from:
Casual (<10 hrs/week): Ideal for light/early-stage games
Midcore (10–20 hrs/week): Suited for deeper or competitive experiences
Hardcore (>20 hrs/week): Great for high-skill or genre-heavy games
Region: Select geographic regions where your playtesters should be located.
Genre Played: Choose game genres your ideal playtesters should already enjoy or be familiar with.
Additional Targeting Requirements: Add specifics like device type, skill level, game rank, preferred language, games played etc.
Step 5: Submit the Playtest Request
Review all your details, submit the playtest, and start collecting insights.
Review Summary: Double-check your entries for accuracy across all steps.
Submit for Launch: Submit the playtest — Lysto will recruit playtesters, begin tracking, and stream insights to your dashboard.
4. Post-Playtest Actions
Once your playtest is live:
Watch Live Sessions: View player sessions as and when they happen (uploaded on Lysto dashboard).
Review AI-Generated Insights: Get automated insights from our Lysto AI.
Track Completion Rates: Monitor how many playtesters complete the sessions.
Download Reports: Share findings with your team or stakeholders.
5. Need Help?
If you need any assistance, feel free to contact our support team at contact@lysto.io You can also book a one-on-one consultation with one of our playtesting experts for personalised help.
Happy Playtesting!
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