Playtest Pilot runs structured playtests with genre-matched players and turns recorded gameplay, survey data, and player behaviour into a clear insight report, so you can approach your next demo, milestone, or launch with confidence.
Players are not sure where to go next.
Player wanders past the first objective without interacting.
After months of development, it becomes hard to see your game like a first-time player. Objectives feel obvious. Mechanics feel natural. UI labels make sense because your team already knows what they mean.
But new players bring no context. They miss prompts, misunderstand goals, overlook key information, and sometimes lose interest before they reach the best parts of your game.
Not knowing where to go
Players wander without understanding the objective or next step.
Missing the objective
Key goals get overlooked entirely, even when displayed on screen.
Missing interactables
Objects and triggers players can interact with go completely unnoticed.
Understanding mechanics too late
Core systems click only after players have already disengaged.
A fixed-scope playtest for indie developers preparing a demo, milestone, or launch.
Introductory package · Fixed scope
Introductory fixed-scope package. Additional testers, longer sessions, full recording delivery, or a debrief call may require a custom quote.
Best for playable PC builds where you need to understand onboarding, clarity, pacing, difficulty, or early engagement.
A cosy sim player, a roguelite player, and a tactical RPG player bring different expectations. If the wrong players test your game, you can end up with feedback that is technically honest but commercially misleading.
Playtest Pilot matches your build with players who actively play your genre, so the feedback is closer to the audience you are trying to reach.
We match based on gameplay habits, not just genre labels.
A few things developers usually ask before booking.
Playable PC builds for teams preparing demos, milestones, early access updates, publisher pitches, Steam Next Fest, or launch.
Testers sign NDAs before receiving access to unreleased builds. Build access, footage, and feedback are handled confidentially.
No. This is player experience playtesting. Severe bugs may be noted if they affect the session, but the focus is clarity, onboarding, friction, pacing, and player understanding.
The target is around 7 days after sessions are completed. Final timing depends on scope, build access, and tester availability.
Tell us about your game and what you want to learn from players. We'll review your submission and confirm fit within 24 hours.
A focused playtesting package for teams preparing a playable PC build before a demo, milestone, Steam Next Fest, publisher pitch, early access update, or launch.
We handle recruitment, sessions, evidence review, and report delivery. You receive clear findings backed by real player data.
Genre-matched players
10 players selected for genre fit and recording readiness.
Recorded gameplay
Full session recordings captured with audio.
Player survey
Structured surveys completed after each session.
Curated clips
Key moments with timestamps. No need to watch every recording.
Insight report
Human-reviewed findings backed by player behaviour and evidence.
Priority friction list
Player-facing issues ranked by frequency and impact.
Six steps, a clear timeline, and no surprises. You always know where things stand.
Submit project details
Share your game, genre, build version, milestone, and what you most want to understand from players. The more context you give us, the sharper the test we can design.
Confirm scope and fit
We review your submission, confirm that Playtest Pilot is a good fit, agree on the core questions the test should answer, and lock in the session scope before anything is booked.
Recruit genre-matched players
We handpick 10 players from our verified pool who match your genre, target audience, and platform. Players are briefed on the session format and confirmed before any sessions begin.
Run sessions
Players each complete a structured 45-minute session, playing your build with screen and audio recording enabled. Each player then completes a post-session survey. You do not need to be present.
Analyse the evidence
We review all recordings, identify repeated friction points, curate the most relevant clips with timestamps, cross-reference survey patterns, and write up prioritised findings with supporting evidence.
Receive your report
You receive a structured report with an executive summary, priority findings, issue evidence table, curated clips with timestamps, survey results, and recommended focus areas. Delivered around 7 days after sessions complete.
When a player says they were confused, that is useful context. When 7 of 10 players miss the same objective marker, that is a finding worth acting on.
The report connects what players said with what they actually did, with survey responses supported by gameplay clips, timestamps, and repeated patterns across multiple sessions.
What players did, and where they hesitated
What they missed, repeated, or misunderstood
Which issues appeared across multiple players
Supported by clips, surveys, and timestamps
Opinion
"I was a bit confused about where to go."
Useful as individual context. Hard to prioritise without knowing how common it is.
Behaviour
7 of 10 players missed the objective marker.
Supported by 5 gameplay clips, 6 survey mentions, and repeated observed player behaviour.
Fixed scope, fixed price. No guesswork on what's included.
Introductory package
Best for: Playable PC builds preparing for a demo, milestone, Steam Next Fest, early access update, or launch.
Final scope and timing confirmed before booking. Additional testers, longer sessions, full recording delivery, or a debrief call may require a custom quote.
Real players. Real behaviour. Real insight.
This report for Emberwake Hollow v0.3.2 is fictional but representative. Every Player Insight Playtest delivers the same depth of evidence, analysis, and guidance.
All player data and game details are fictional and created for illustration purposes only.
Every Player Insight Playtest delivers the same level of evidence, detail, and guidance as the report above. For your game, your genre, your build.
Playtest Pilot recruits passionate gamers to test unreleased indie PC games. You play, record your session, share honest feedback, and get paid for it.
No lengthy commitments. No complex setup. Each session is straightforward and paid on completion.
Play the game
Play an unreleased PC game for 45 minutes.
Record your screen
Record your screen and audio as you play.
Give your verdict
Answer a post-session survey honestly.
Get paid
Get paid after each completed session.
The technical bar is intentionally low. If you play PC games regularly and can record your screen, you likely have everything you need.
Apply NowWindows PC
Able to run PC games at a stable framerate, with screen recording and audio capture
Stable internet connection
For downloading builds, uploading recordings, and completing surveys
18 or older, fluent in English
Sessions are conducted in English. Clear written feedback required
Willing to sign an NDA
Required before receiving access to any unreleased build
Discord account
Accepted testers join our private Discord community, where playtest information and build links are posted
Microphone
Optional but helpful. Think-aloud commentary improves session value
No random assignments. Tell us what you play and we'll match you with games in the genres you love.
Testers come from every background and skill level. The one thing they share: they play honestly and say what they actually think.
Tom K.
Roguelite · StrategySessions completed
47
Reliability score
4.9/5.0
Recording ready
Yes"I notice when progression gates feel arbitrary versus earned. That's usually the first thing I flag."
Sarah M.
RPG · Action RPGSessions completed
31
Reliability score
5.0/5.0
Recording ready
Yes"Combat feedback is everything. If I can't tell whether my hit landed, I lose trust in the game fast."
Jamie L.
Horror · SurvivalSessions completed
62
Reliability score
4.8/5.0
Recording ready
Yes"Horror lives and dies on audio. I always note where sound design builds tension and where it breaks it."
Being a Playtest Pilot tester means joining an invite-only Discord community. It's where upcoming playtests are announced, build links are shared, and testers connect between sessions.
First to know
Upcoming playtests in your genres are announced in the server before anywhere else.
Build links posted directly
When you're confirmed for a session, the build download link is shared in the server.
Community of testers
Connect and chat with other testers who love gaming as much as you do.
Private by default
The server is invite-only and stays that way. You earn your spot by being accepted as a tester.
Everything you need to know about how testing works.
Every session pays the same flat fee. You'll see the rate when you're invited to a session.
Testers are matched to specific projects based on genre fit and availability. You may be invited quickly or wait a few weeks depending on what playtests are coming up.
Sessions are 45 minutes. Factor in a short setup check before you start and a post-session survey afterwards. The full commitment per session is usually under an hour.
Unreleased indie PC games, matched to the genres you listed in your application. We do not assign testers to games outside their stated preferences.
We review every application by hand. If you're a good fit for Playtest Pilot, we'll reach out via email and invite you to the private Discord. Not every applicant is accepted immediately.
Our private Discord is a community for accepted testers. Playtest information, session details, and build links are posted there. It's also a place to hang out with other testers between sessions.
No. We recruit testers at every level. Developers need to understand how players of all backgrounds experience their game, not just veterans. Honest, specific feedback is worth far more than skill.
Yes, every time. You will sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving access to any build. Content from sessions must not be shared, streamed, or posted anywhere.
We review every application by hand. If you're a good fit for Playtest Pilot, we'll be in touch.
We run structured playtests for indie PC games and deliver a full insight report. See a sample or get in touch.
Tell us about your game in the form below. We'll reach out within 48 hours to discuss next steps. No commitment until you approve the plan.
Submit the form below
Tell us about your game and what you want to learn from the playtest.
We get back to you within 48 hours
We will be in touch within 48 hours to confirm session timeline and discuss next steps.
Playtest run, report delivered
10 players test your build. Your full report lands within 7 days of the playtest ending.
Every field helps us match the right players and structure the right playtest for your build.