DPS-001.2 — Movement Playtest Protocol
Purpose
Test whether movement alone is fun, clear and responsive enough to continue into combat implementation.
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Test Setup
Use the Experience Lab scene.
Required environment:
- One flat ground surface
- One raised platform
- One wall or vertical surface
- Player placeholder
- Debug overlay available
No enemies.
No combat.
No production art.
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Tester Instruction
Say only:
> Play for five minutes. Move however you want. Try to find what feels fun.
Do not explain hidden mechanics unless the tester is blocked.
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Test Script
Step 1 — Free Movement
Duration: 60 seconds
Observe:
- Does the tester walk/run immediately?
- Does the tester jump without instruction?
- Does the tester test edges/platforms?
Question:
> What did movement feel like in the first minute?
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Step 2 — Jump Test
Duration: 60 seconds
Ask tester to jump repeatedly.
Observe:
- Are jumps consistent?
- Does coyote time help near edges?
- Does jump buffer feel natural?
Question:
> Did jumping feel predictable?
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Step 3 — Dash Test
Duration: 90 seconds
Ask tester to dash repeatedly on ground and in air.
Observe:
- Does dash feel immediate?
- Does the tester voluntarily dash again?
- Does dash preserve flow?
Question:
> Did dash feel like a burst of speed?
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Step 4 — Chain Test
Duration: 90 seconds
Ask tester to combine:
Run → Jump → Dash → Land → Run
Observe:
- Does the movement chain feel continuous?
- Does landing interrupt flow?
- Does the player improvise?
Question:
> Did these actions feel connected or separate?
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Step 5 — Free Replay
Duration: remaining time
Say:
> Keep playing however you want.
Observe:
- Does the tester keep moving?
- Do they repeat dash/jump chains?
- Do they experiment?
Question:
> Would you want to keep playing for another five minutes?
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Post-Test Questions
Ask:
1. When did movement start feeling fun?
2. Which action felt best?
3. Which action felt worst?
4. Did you ever feel out of control?
5. Did you want to keep moving?
6. What one thing should be improved first?
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Pass Criteria
DPS-001.2 passes when:
- 80% of testers say movement feels responsive.
- 80% voluntarily keep moving after initial instructions.
- Average Flow score is at least 4/5.
- Average Momentum score is at least 4/5.
- No tester describes movement as sluggish or delayed.