Forge Playtesting
Playtesting allows Forge members to experience games and creative projects before publication and provide meaningful feedback that can influence development.
From early concepts and experimental mechanics to near-final builds, playtesters help creators discover what works, what doesn't, and what could become something better.
Playtesting is a free part of the Forge community.
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Whether you're testing an ASCEND Forge Original or participating in an approved creator project, your experience can help shape what comes next.
WHY PLAYTEST?
Don't Just Watch Projects Develop. Help Shape Them.
A finished game only shows the final result. Playtesting gives you the opportunity to experience the development process itself.
Playtesters can help:
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Discover problems
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Test mechanics
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Evaluate balance
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Identify confusing rules
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Explore new ideas
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Improve player experience
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Provide constructive feedback
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Influence future development
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Your feedback becomes part of the information creators use when deciding what happens next.
What's Being Tested Now?
Explore Forge projects currently accepting playtesters
Pic | Project Name | Project Type | Development Stage | Test Type | Players Needed | Testing Period | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ninja | 1st | 4,500,000 | |||||
Ursula | 2nd | 5,750,000 | |||||
Thor | 3rd | 2,000,000 |
Help Creators Build Better Projects.
Playtesting is open to Forge members who want to help develop games and creative projects through thoughtful, constructive feedback.
You do not need to be a professional game designer.
What matters is your willingness to:
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Play thoughtfully
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Follow testing instructions
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Communicate clearly
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Provide honest feedback
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Respect creators and other testers
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Meet testing requirements
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Keep confidential material private when required
Being a Playtester Is Different From Earning Playtester Recognition.
Members may identify Playtester as one of their Forge roles because they are interested in participating in game testing.
However, simply selecting the role does not mean someone has earned official Forge recognition.
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Playtester Role
A community role that identifies your interest in participating in playtesting.
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Forge Playtester Badge
Recognition that may be awarded after completing the required Forge playtesting participation.
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Project Contributor
Recognition for documented contributions to a specific project.
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Official Forge Certification
A formal credential issued by ASCEND Forge through an approved certification process.
This distinction helps keep Forge recognition meaningful.
From Player to Contributor.
PLAY
Experience the project as an actual player.
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TEST
Follow the specific goals, scenarios, or testing instructions provided.
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RECORD
Document observations, problems, questions, and experiences.
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IDENTIFY
Find unclear rules, mechanical problems, balance issues, bugs, or usability concerns.
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EVALUATE
Consider how the experience feels from the player's perspective.
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REPORT
Provide constructive feedback that creators can use during development.
Different Tests. Different Goals.
Early Concept Testing
Explore an idea before major development begins.
Focus: Concepts • Core Mechanics • Player Reaction
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Development Testing
Test systems while they are actively being developed.
Focus: Mechanics • Balance • Usability • Pacing
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Closed Playtesting
Limited testing with selected participants.
Focus: Specific development questions • Controlled feedback
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Open Playtesting
A broader group of Forge members can participate.
Focus: Player experience • Broader community feedback
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Final Testing
Near-complete projects receive final testing before release.
Focus: Polish • Clarity • Balance • Final Issues
From First Test to Final Release.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
↓
PLAYTEST OPENS
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MEMBER JOINS
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PLAYTEST SESSION
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FEEDBACK SUBMITTED
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CREATOR REVIEWS
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ADJUSTMENTS
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ADDITIONAL TESTING
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FINAL DEVELOPMENT
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PUBLICATION
Playtesting does not guarantee that every suggestion will be implemented.
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Instead, feedback becomes part of the information creators use to make development decisions.
Your experience informs development.
Participation Can Be Recognized. Certification Is Different.
Creators may provide their own project-level recognition to participants.
For example:
Project 001 — Playtest Contributor
or
Project 001 — Development Playtester
These recognize a person's contribution to that specific project.
Official ASCEND Forge Certification
Creators who want to provide official Forge-issued certification may request certification services through ASCEND Forge. This is separate from free access to the Playtesting Network.
An approved certification process may include:
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Defined participation requirements
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Verified testing activities
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Feedback completion
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Participation records
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Review of eligibility
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Official certificate issuance
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Verification through ASCEND systems
Official certification is a separate paid service. This allows creators to freely access the playtesting community while giving them an optional professional recognition pathway through ASCEND Forge.
Playtesting Happens Together.
The Forge Workshop is the primary community space for Forge members.
Playtesters can use the Workshop for:
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Playtest announcements
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Finding players
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Test coordination
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Project discussion
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Session organization
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Developer updates
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Community feedback
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Events
The website remains the primary source for official information, project details, applications, resources, and records.
The Workshop provides the community layer around those activities.
Need Real-Time Communication?
Some playtests benefit from live voice communication or quick real-time coordination.
The Forge Discord provides an optional extension of the Forge Workshop for:
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Voice sessions
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Live games
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Real-time playtesting
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Quick coordination
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Casual conversation
Discord is not the official system of record for Forge playtesting.
Discord is optional unless a specific project states otherwise.
Help Build What Comes Next.
The Forge isn't simply where finished projects are published.
It's where ideas are developed, tested, refined, and brought to life.
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Whether you're an experienced tabletop player, an aspiring creator, or simply curious about what we're building, there is a place for you in the process.