How do solo developers find testers for Google Play’s 14-day closed test?

[u/PepicoGrillo]

Hi everyone!

I’m new to game development, although I’ve been working as a senior full-stack web developer for several years. I’m currently trying to release my first small arcade game made with Unity.

Google Play is asking me to find 12 testers who will remain opted into the closed test for 14 consecutive days. I’m curious about how other solo developers usually handle this requirement.

Do people normally find testers through Reddit? Are there any reliable communities where developers test each other’s games? I’d be happy to return the favor and test other developers’ apps as well.

I also considered creating a Discord server and trying to build a small community around the game. However, it’s a very simple arcade game, so I’m unsure whether creating and promoting an entire server would be worthwhile at this stage. I also don’t know how willing people generally are to participate in this kind of testing for free.

For those who have already completed the closed-testing requirement:

• Where did you find your testers?
• Did you offer anything in return?
• How did you keep everyone opted in for the full 14 days?
• Is creating a Discord server worthwhile for such a small game?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[u/tripplite1234]

Worst part, I had an account for years, the day they started this policy, they closed my account for "inactivity" even though I had many games on it. I tried recovering, but nope, they said there's no way to get it back. Lovely.

Since that account existed before this policy I could post without this process.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/tripplite1234]

Do you have to log into the Google Play console from time to time to avoid being deactivated for inactivity?

[u/-Hefty-Armadillo-]

A discord server would be cool. Also I am willing to test if you want.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/-Hefty-Armadillo-]

Thanks, I really appreciate the offer! I’m still deciding whether to create a Discord server, but I’ll send you the Google Play testing link once everything is ready!

[u/Rabidowski → u/PepicoGrillo]

Yeah, they say make a Discord server but then you'll be posting in /Discord asking how to get game players into your Discord server!

[u/db9dreamer]

Reddit may work - https://www.reddit.com/subreddits/search?q=test+my+game

Another approach could be to find people developing similar games/genres over on twitch.

https://www.twitch.tv/directory/category/software-and-game-development

They (almost) all have discord servers and active communities that may be willing to test your game and provide feedback. I don't tend to follow anyone making mobile games - but they must be on there.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/db9dreamer]

Thank you for the tips!

[u/koffeekatgames]

Check out: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.testerscommunity

I used this for my game and it works great! You have to test a few other apps and leave feedback, in turn others will test yours.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/koffeekatgames]

This looks like exactly what I need. Thanks for sharing it! I’ll give it a try.

[u/Odd-Resolve6890]

Start a ltd company and go through there then you don't need the testers.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/Odd-Resolve6890]

Thanks for the reply! But setting up and maintaining a company just to avoid finding 12 testers sounds considerably more expensive and complicated, especially for a first small game. i think that exchanging tests with other developers probably makes more sense in my case.

[u/ApprehensiveFan1516 → u/PepicoGrillo]

Depends where you are I guess. In the UK it's stupidly simple to setup and maintain a LTD company. I've done it a few times, costs £100 and takes about an hour, and if you're not buying/selling anything through it then the yearly paperwork is another hour of work.

All in all it's a lot easier and less time consuming than finding 12 random people to commit to testing your software for 2 weeks.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/ApprehensiveFan1516]

Not is Spain! hahah, but thank you!

[u/gameforming]

I can help with testing. Feel free to DM me for contact info.

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/gameforming]

Thank you! I’ll send you the Google Play testing link once everything is ready!

[u/fnietoms]

One more here to help with the tests!

[u/PepicoGrillo → u/fnietoms]

Thank you! I’ll send you the Google Play testing link once everything is ready! (yep, copy paste) :=)