Play Tester Expectations
Definition of Terms:
As a play tester for Incarna, you will be expected to participate not only in the active play time (formal [scheduled] sessions) of the game itself, but also rules review and case testing outside these. If you cannot devote time to this outside of the regularly scheduled play test sessions, your status of a tester and the benefits therefore may be revoked. If you have temporary issues leading to scheduling conflicts, contact the
PTC
to make alternative arrangements or change the schedule.
The expectations outlined on this page are included for reference only. These are the general guidelines that we expect you to abide by as a play tester. Some groups may be more or less demanding in terms of time and effort. Any additional or specific expectations, outside of this document should be clearly communicated to you by your
PTC.
Minimum Requirements
- Sign and adhere to the terms of a Non-Disclosure Agreement
- An active email account (accessible daily)
- Internet Access (accessible daily)
- Ability to get to the location of a formal session (bus, car or arranged transportation)
- Participation in active test sessions (frequency determined by Play Test Coordinator)
- Allot time outside of test sessions for assigned activities (volume determined by Play Test Coordinator)
Typical Personal Qualifications
- Preferably 21 and older (not required; 15 minimum & depends on test parameters)
- Some familiarity with role-playing game systems and concepts
- No bias or expectations towards specific genres (sci-fi, fantasy, etc.)
- Ability to critically analyze issues and provide quality feedback
- Ability to work within deadlines
- Ability to accommodate differing views and play styles
External Activities
On average, The Play Test Coordinator will assign four (4) hours of materials in between formal sessions. This will depend on time between sessions and agreed on parameters.
See the Play Tester's Home for resources.
Where appropriate, use the specific online questionnaires and forms for feedback. Any written or typed materials should be turned in to the Play Test Coordinator at or before the next session or as required by the Play Test Coordinator. Below are possible activities that you can perform when not specifically assigned something by the Play Test Coordinator.
Informal content review:
Review and edit assigned material for spelling, grammar and the like – not rules, and concepts. This material will be made available of the Incarna website. It is preferred that you do this by using the online feedback mechanisms.
Character creation testing:
Each week you should come up with at least one new character concept and see how the system can be worked to create them. Blank character sheets and an evaluation form will be provided on the Incarna website. These should be completed and submitted either electronically or physically at the next play test session. Do this to get very familiar with the system and to test mechanics that you normally wouldn't. Try all manner of settings and concepts from a medieval tailor to a space age gun slinger. Individual Play Test Coordinators may provide additional parameters for creating characters as desired.
Resolution testing:
Run mock conflicts and scenarios and record the results. Note any actions the system forbids or has difficulty in serving to enact or resolve. Note your expected conflict outcome and why, as well as actual outcome and issues. This conflict may be a simple combat between two characters, a bartering session, a singing competition, or any other manner of conflict you can imagine. A conflict evaluation form will be made available in the play tester section of the Incarna website for your use.
Rules, concpets, and mechanics review:
Choose a concept or specific mechanic. Review it carefully and test out the rules. Examples of applicable sections: Aptitudes, traits, skills, core mechanics faith, core mechanics magic, guide to the low arts, etc. Does the material make sense? If not, what should be fixed? Are there holes, both literally and conceptually? If there are places where there should be data and there is none, circle it. If there are places where a concept is not explained to your satisfaction or a transition is poor, tell us where and why you think so. Use any online feedback forms or request a format from the Play Test Coordinator.
Website review:
Peruse the website and search for and report broken links or other things that are abnormal (e.g. calling non-existent functions). Give feedback upon the Appearance of website. How should it look different? In what ways could it be structured so that it functions and appears better? Try out as many of the provided functions on the site as possible such as log in, feedback forms, and subscription services.
Active Sessions
Venue/Timeline: (This may vary by group; as arranged by the PTC.)
Prior to any session should be an announcement, usually via email, with a statement about the topics and events to be covered at the session, as well as location and contact information.
Typical Session:
First Hour: Everyone gathers and submits work to Play Test Coordinator. If required, discuss what work testers did between sessions and the feedback they have based upon the work done. This wraps up with a briefing on what the agenda is for the session.
[As time permits]: Test and discuss the rules which the session focuses on. The context of the test may vary from campaign to a stand alone adventure to a simple scenario without story. Any continuity issues or presentation format is dependant on the specific Play Test Coordinator overseeing the session.
1 hour: As the session comes to a close you will be expected to provide feedback. The format of any feedback - scope, pace, and process is dependant on the Play Test Coordinator as well. The Play Test Coordinator may provide feedback forms for testers to fill out and return.
I ____________________ hereby declare on this day _______________ that I understand the duties required of me as a play tester for Incarna. I agree to allot time according to the expectation above and produce related materials in a timely manner to be collected by the Incarna Play Test Coordinator.