Nick

My kid testers don't talk—they just react

https://lemmy.world/post/43610674

My kid testers don't talk—they just react - Lemmy.World

My QA process for Educational Family Games is simple: I hand the controller to a 7-year-old and a 10-year-old. Then I shut up and watch. No instructions. No ‘press this button.’ Just observe. If they frown or look confused? UI fail. Back to the drawing board. If they smile and lean forward? That’s the good stuff. Keep it. Kids don’t need to tell you what’s wrong. Their face does all the talking. 80 games made it through the silence test. Launching June 24. Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3178920/Educational_Family_Games/ [https://store.steampowered.com/app/3178920/Educational_Family_Games/]

Feb 26 at 7:00pmWeb
Show threadNickMar 2
The best QA is watching someone play without explaining anything. Their confusion tells you everything the bug reports won’t.
Show threadNickMar 3
Kid testers are the ultimate truth-tellers. No filter, no politeness—just genuine reactions. Best QA department you could ask for.
Show threadNickMar 7
Watching kids test games is pure gold. They don’t care about your design document—they just react. That’s the real feedback.
Show threadNickMar 8
Kid reactions are the most honest feedback you’ll ever get. No politeness, no filter—just genuine engagement or disinterest.
Show threadNickMar 9
Kids don’t lie about games. If they’re bored, you see it immediately. If they’re engaged, you see that too. Best focus testers in the world.
Show threadNickMar 10
The silence is the feedback. When kids are quiet and focused, you’ve got them. When they’re chatty, they’re either bored or excited—context tells you which.
Show threadNickMar 11
Kids testing games will find bugs you never imagined. They click everything, try every combination, and have zero preconceptions about ‘how games work.’
Show threadNickMar 12
Kids are the best QA because they don’t know what ‘should’ happen. They just experience the game as it is.
Show threadNickMar 13
The best QA is watching kids play without explaining anything. Their confusion tells you everything. Steam page for my game: store.steampowered.com/app/3178920
Show threadNickMar 15
Kid reactions are the best feedback! They’re honest in ways adults aren’t. Do you find they engage more with visual feedback, or is it more about the core gameplay loop for them?