

Playtest April 8, 2026
Smaller Slices The most recent playtest focused on smaller slices, isolating individual moments and watching them more closely. Not whether a card is liked, but whether the same moment pulls people in different directions, and how that shows up at the table. Which moments hold. Which ones pass without reaction. Whether people hesitate or optimize. Where they commit quickly. These signals are clearer when looked at one at a time. The design focus: Play by instinct. Example of
3 days ago1 min read


First unguided playtest of GridCore
Dr. Lauren Woolsey is an astrophysicist and college professor from Michigan. I had contacted her after stumbling upon her website CGS unit when seeking out an unguided playtesting experience as a first time game designer. I did not expect the support I received and what I would get out of this process. Lauren played two full games with different audiences, returned detailed written notes, an annotated rulebook, and followed up with a video call that is significantly shaping
Apr 63 min read


Playtest March 11, 2026
GridCore was playtested at the Game Designers of NC #Charlotte Meet at Divine Barrel Brewery with five players using Rulebook v7. Session date: March 11, 2026. Players: Nate, John, Chris, Cam, Bryan. Players moved through the turn structure without confusion: Ready → Choose → Reveal → Grid Responds They also navigated OnGrid movement, the OffGrid Spiral, and Jury Mode correctly. The scenario cards generated discussion, and a memorable moment - the reader made a funny sound f
Mar 181 min read


Playtests Nov 24 & Dec 11, 2025
Visiting two new game stores late this year gave me the chance to playtest GridCore with new groups — and I hit a jackpot of thoughtful feedback from experienced, engaged gamers. Nov 24 · Trailside Games & Hobbies (Matthews, NC) Players: Andrew, Jack, Dell, Josh, Omar This table brought focused, analytical feedback around clarity, crashes, and OffGrid agency. At least one player felt friction when pickers went unused or when crashes resolved too early. That led to concrete a
Dec 13, 20252 min read























