When I’m at game stores or conventions, one of the questions players frequently ask me is if they can be playtesters for Privateer Press. Usually, I’m forced to answer that we’re not currently accepting new playtesters at that time. For the past few times I’ve heard that question, however, I’ve been giving a slightly different answer: "Stay tuned to the Privateer Insider blog."
This blog is the reason for that answer, because it will give those folks (and anyone else reading) the possibility of joining the worldwide Privateer Press playtester community. . . but becoming a part of that playtest community is not simply a matter of interest! It is also a question of aptitude. Playtesters also need a high level of game knowledge, exceptional written communication skills, and the ability to approach a topic they’re passionate about with an objective and scientific edge.
At the end of this blog, there’s a file of character warjacks. These are not real models, and their errors and imbalances are intentional. Aspiring playtest groups of 2-4 players should run these guys through their paces to nail down those errors and imbalances, attempt to accurately communicate any problems, and then propose fitting, helpful solutions to those problems. Once you’ve played a few playtest games and organized your group feedback, you can e-mail your playtest report to me directly at
[email protected]. The cutoff for playtest feedback is August 20th, 2012.
A little under two years ago, we had a similar Privateer Insider open call tryout for playtest groups and ended up adding some new folks to our roster. Prior to that call, I wrote three blogs outlining elements of playtesting with which you may or may not be familiar. I’d strongly encourage you to check out these particular blogs before launching into your own playtest efforts. Even if you’ve read them already, it will serve as a good refresher of what we’re looking for in your playtesting and in your feedback:
http://privateerpress.com/community/privateer-insider/insider-7/12/2010
http://privateerpress.com/community/privateer-insider/insider-7/30/2010
http://privateerpress.com/community/privateer-insider/insider-8/23/2010
Thanks and good luck!
-DC