Game Maker 8 · The Indie Game Development Journal · 2026

Design & Playtesting

From paper prototypes to blind playtests: the craft of finding the fun cheaply and proving it with data before production begins.

From Paper Prototype to Playable Build in Two Weeks

From Paper Prototype to Playable Build in Two Weeks

Index cards, dice and a greybox: a realistic two-week schedule that answers the only question that matters — is the core loop fun?

How to Run Playtests That Actually Improve Your Game

How to Run Playtests That Actually Improve Your Game

Silent observation, the right strangers, and questions about moments instead of feelings — the playtest format that produces usable data.