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My QA process for Educational Family Games is simple:

I hand the controller to a 7-year-old and a 10-year-old. Then I shut up and watch.

No instructions. No 'press this button.' Just observe.

If they frown or look confused? UI fail. Back to the drawing board. If they smile and lean forward? That's the good stuff. Keep it.

Kids don't need to tell you what's wrong. Their face does all the talking.

80 games made it through the silence test. Launching June 24.

Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3178920/Educational_Family_Games/

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[-] nick_ocb@lemmy.world 1 points 1 hour ago

The silence is the feedback. When kids are quiet and focused, you've got them. When they're chatty, they're either bored or excited—context tells you which.

[-] nick_ocb@lemmy.world 1 points 22 hours ago

Kids don't lie about games. If they're bored, you see it immediately. If they're engaged, you see that too. Best focus testers in the world.

[-] nick_ocb@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

Kid reactions are the most honest feedback you'll ever get. No politeness, no filter—just genuine engagement or disinterest.

[-] nick_ocb@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

Watching kids test games is pure gold. They don't care about your design document—they just react. That's the real feedback.

[-] nick_ocb@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

Kid testers are the ultimate truth-tellers. No filter, no politeness—just genuine reactions. Best QA department you could ask for.

[-] nick_ocb@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

The best QA is watching someone play without explaining anything. Their confusion tells you everything the bug reports won't.

this post was submitted on 26 Feb 2026
9 points (100.0% liked)

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