Playtest Session 1: Initial Mechanics Testing

playtesting
First playtesting session with initial card set and basic mechanics. Key observations on game flow, player engagement, and areas for improvement.
Published

January 15, 2025

Session Overview

Date: January 15, 2025
Players: 4
Duration: ~90 minutes
Version: v0.1 (initial prototype)

Participants

  • 2 players with game design experience
  • 1 player with climate science background
  • 1 player new to both domains

Setup

  • Used initial card set: 20 Climate cards, 30 System cards, 10 Tipping Point cards
  • Basic rules: 3 rounds, simple victory conditions
  • No time limits for turns

Key Observations

What Worked

  1. Card Interactions - Players found the system interconnections intuitive and engaging
  2. Tipping Point Moments - The threshold-crossing mechanics created memorable “oh no” moments
  3. Strategic Depth - Multiple viable paths to victory emerged naturally

Issues Identified

  1. Pacing - Game felt slow in early rounds before tipping points activated
  2. Information Overload - Too many system connections to track simultaneously
  3. Victory Conditions - Unclear when players were close to winning
  4. Card Balance - Some climate cards felt too powerful, others too weak

Player Feedback

“The cascading effects are really satisfying, but I wish I had more control over when they trigger.” — Player A

“I love the concept, but the rules need to be clearer. I wasn’t sure if I was playing correctly.” — Player B

“The climate–politics connection is really well done. It feels like real decision-making under uncertainty.” — Player C

Design Implications

Immediate Changes Needed

  1. Streamline Setup - Reduce initial card count or simplify first-round mechanics
  2. Clarify Rules - Add examples and edge case clarifications
  3. Victory Tracking - Add visual indicators for progress toward victory conditions
  4. Card Rebalancing - Adjust intensity values and effects

Future Iterations

  • Consider adding a “preparation phase” before climate events
  • Explore asymmetric player roles (different sectors, different goals)
  • Add more explicit feedback loops between systems

Next Steps

  1. Revise rules document with clarifications
  2. Rebalance initial card set
  3. Design victory condition tracking system
  4. Schedule second playtest with revised mechanics

Metrics

  • Average turn time: ~3 minutes
  • Total rounds played: 3
  • Tipping points triggered: 2
  • Player satisfaction (1-5): 3.5 average

See also: Mechanics Iteration 2