Does anyone else use solo play as a means of play testing modules and settings before introducing them to groups for play testing? Any tips on how to go about this?
I ran one of the earlier drafts of Magical Burst through the GME and look forward to doing the same with other systems. Especially those I don't think my gaming group are interested in doing together.
I kind of discovered my own system could be played solo and actually be quite fun that way when testing it before trying it on a group. It came as a bit of a surprise to be honest.
As was finding a community dedicated to solo play rpgs.
I'm really enjoying just creating characters and little scenarios with it now while exploring as many of the amazing resources here as I can as well.
I suspect many designers run through what they are doing in their heads to some extent or another and try things out in practice, but I imagine its normally fairly disjointed. Sometimes it can actually help if its a bit disjointed as well because occasionally you need to isolate bits of the design to test them.
If you are creating something for others to use and enjoy ultimately the real play test is always going to be when they play it, not you. I imagine that actually applies just as much for solo play designs as group ones - it can be great while its in your own head, but you really do need other people to try it and give feedback as well if its meant to be shared.
David Powers http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?331599-The-Ten-RPG-Player-Types
ReplyDeleteyou can also simulate your players (I mean your friends) if you know their style and personalities even if it sounds a little weird to me :-D
I ran one of the earlier drafts of Magical Burst through the GME and look forward to doing the same with other systems. Especially those I don't think my gaming group are interested in doing together.
ReplyDeleteI kind of discovered my own system could be played solo and actually be quite fun that way when testing it before trying it on a group. It came as a bit of a surprise to be honest.
ReplyDeleteAs was finding a community dedicated to solo play rpgs.
I'm really enjoying just creating characters and little scenarios with it now while exploring as many of the amazing resources here as I can as well.
I suspect many designers run through what they are doing in their heads to some extent or another and try things out in practice, but I imagine its normally fairly disjointed. Sometimes it can actually help if its a bit disjointed as well because occasionally you need to isolate bits of the design to test them.
If you are creating something for others to use and enjoy ultimately the real play test is always going to be when they play it, not you. I imagine that actually applies just as much for solo play designs as group ones - it can be great while its in your own head, but you really do need other people to try it and give feedback as well if its meant to be shared.