As I mentioned in my previous blog, Tabletop Simulator is an excellent tool during the board game design and playtesting phases. It can also live on the Tabletop Simulator workshop indefinitely, where other players can download and enjoy your creation.
Tabletop Simulator, often called TTS, is a virtual environment that lets you make your games and invite people from anywhere in the world to your table to play. You can upload your creations to the TTS workshop, making them accessible to a wide audience who can download and try out your game. This feature gives your game a life beyond your circle and allows you to gather valuable feedback from diverse players.
Creating your own game inside Tabletop Simulator is an exciting experience. Watching your ideas come to life in a digital space can be very rewarding. However, be warned: designing a game on TTS can easily become a time sinkhole. Some creators spend hours, days, or even months polishing their game’s graphics and scripting. Depending on the stage of your game’s development, it is usually better to focus more on gameplay flow and mechanics rather than spending too much time on perfecting every component right away. Investing heavily in parts of your game too early might lead to frustration later if you discover those elements don’t fit well with the overall design.
Keeping things simple and useful will serve you best at the start. You do not need advanced technical skills to create a game inside TTS. The platform comes with many pre-loaded components that you can use, and a large community of creators shares their components on the workshop for free. For example, in my game, I used Euro currency components originally made by a user named Marutzo. This makes building your game easier and faster because you don’t have to create every piece from scratch.
Alongside reusable components, there are hundreds of tutorials online to guide you through the process of creating your game inside TTS. A particularly helpful resource is the Ludo Lodge YouTube channel by Ryan Langewisch. This channel offers clear, step-by-step tutorials about making custom components and using scripting features, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to enhance their game.
But why spend so much time creating a game inside Tabletop Simulator? The main reason is playtesting. Many people who enjoy board games and want to test new ideas own a copy of TTS. Sharing your game digitally allows you to connect with testers worldwide. This is especially valuable if you don’t live in an area with a dense gaming community. Tabletop Simulator provides a perfect platform to find players who can give you useful feedback, helping you refine your game before a physical release.
My First Two Days with Tabletop Simulator
When I first started using Tabletop Simulator, I had zero experience with the program and was not very technical. Still, I was happy with what I accomplished in just two days.
I began by creating a custom die that showed numbers 0, 1, 2, 2, 2, and 3 on a six-sided die. This was surprisingly simple. Next, I learned to create a custom deck of cards. Making the cards themselves was a challenge, but I used an online image editor called Photopea along with free icons from Game-Icons.net. This approach allowed me to quickly design usable card images. While they were not perfect or visually stunning, they were functional enough for early playtesting, which was my goal.
Here’s a quick overview of what I did during those two days:
Step 1: I added my custom die and created a half-sized deck of cards placed sideways. I also used standard TTS components to make five unlimited cube bags. My cards featured images of doctors, but it is important to only use patent-free images or your artwork to avoid copyright issues.
Step 2: I added another deck of cards created with icons I mentioned earlier. I also incorporated the Euro currency I found in the TTS workshop, showing how helpful the community-made components can be.
Step 3: I made a background with designated “locations” for different game elements. Usually, games have a board for this, but since my game is designed for solo play, this background helped me keep track of components.
Step 4: I realized that without proper alignment, nothing fit neatly on the board. So I upgraded the background to include a “player board” and added snap points (the green dots) to make sure everything would fit and look tidy during play. While this was probably more work than necessary, it showed how easy it is to get caught in the details when designing in TTS.
After these steps, I decided not to spend more time perfecting visuals and instead focused on the next critical phase: playtesting. About a week after starting, I was ready to test my game with strangers online.
Creating Your Prototype in Tabletop Simulator:
In the first part, I shared how I started creating my game prototype inside Tabletop Simulator, focusing on setting up components and preparing the game environment. Now, in this second part, I will dive into the playtesting phase, which is one of the most important stages of game development. Playtesting in Tabletop Simulator offers unique opportunities to improve your game, connect with players worldwide, and refine gameplay mechanics before committing to physical production.
The Importance of Playtesting Your Game
Playtesting is essential because it helps you understand how players interact with your game, what works well, and what needs improvement. Without playtesting, many game designers risk spending months perfecting rules or artwork that ultimately do not resonate with players or create a fun experience. Tabletop Simulator makes this process accessible by allowing you to share your prototype easily and receive feedback from people who can test your game remotely.
Because your game exists virtually, you are not limited by geography or time zones. This expands the pool of potential testers beyond local friends or gaming groups. Additionally, many people enjoy testing new games on TTS, so finding willing participants is usually easier than you might expect.
Testing your game with diverse players can reveal unexpected challenges, confusing rules, or balance issues you might have missed during solo development. This feedback is invaluable as it shapes your game into a more polished, enjoyable experience. Often, playtesting leads to changes in game mechanics, component design, or even the overall theme to improve player engagement and satisfaction.
Preparing for Playtesting on Tabletop Simulator
Before you invite others to test your game, it’s good practice to prepare a few key things. First, make sure your prototype is stable enough for others to use. This doesn’t mean it has to look perfect, but all essential components should be functional, and basic rules or flow should be clear. The goal is to let testers focus on gameplay rather than troubleshooting technical issues.
Providing instructions or a quick reference guide inside your game can be very helpful. Since you cannot be physically present to explain rules during remote sessions, clear written guidelines or notes within the game can reduce confusion and keep the testing session productive. You can add these as notecards or simple pop-up instructions in Tabletop Simulator.
Next, decide how you want to conduct playtests. You can schedule sessions with specific people or host open invitations through online communities and social media. Some designers even stream their playtests live, which allows a larger audience to watch and give feedback. Whatever method you choose, be prepared to guide players through the setup and be open to answering questions.
Inviting Players and Gathering Feedback
Inviting players to test your game is exciting, but it can feel intimidating if you are new to online communities. Start with friends or acquaintances who enjoy board games and are willing to spend time helping you improve your design. Once you gain confidence, reach out to broader groups on gaming forums, Discord servers, or social platforms focused on board gaming.
During playtesting, it’s important to observe how players approach the game and listen carefully to their comments. Encourage honest feedback by letting them know you want to identify weaknesses and improve the experience. Avoid defending design choices prematurely; instead, treat every critique as an opportunity to learn.
After the playtest session, gather detailed feedback through conversations, surveys, or written notes. Ask questions about game length, clarity of rules, enjoyment, balance, and any confusing moments. Sometimes players may also suggest new ideas or alternatives that you hadn’t considered.
Adjusting Your Prototype Based on Playtesting
The real work begins after you collect feedback. Review all comments carefully and look for common themes or recurring issues. It is normal for a game to require several iterations before it feels right. Some changes might be small tweaks like adjusting card effects or component placement, while others might involve rethinking entire mechanics.
When adjusting your prototype inside Tabletop Simulator, keep simplicity and functionality in mind. Avoid overcomplicating the game as you add new ideas. Playtesting should be an ongoing cycle: update your game, test again, then revise further. This iterative process helps refine your game gradually until it reaches the desired level of polish and fun.
Also, don’t hesitate to remove features or components that don’t add value. It can be difficult to let go of ideas you spent time on, but keeping your game streamlined often leads to a better player experience. Tabletop Simulator’s flexibility makes it easy to experiment with different versions without costly physical production.
Technical Tips to Enhance Playtesting in Tabletop Simulator
While creating a playable prototype is the primary goal, there are several technical features in Tabletop Simulator that can enhance the playtesting process. Using snap points for components ensures everything aligns neatly on the virtual board, reducing clutter and confusion during gameplay.
You can also create custom buttons or scripted actions to automate repetitive tasks or enforce rules. Although scripting can seem complex at first, many creators share scripts in the workshop or offer tutorials that help beginners implement basic automation. These tools speed up gameplay and reduce errors, making testing smoother and more enjoyable.
Adding clear visual markers or labels can help players quickly understand the status of game elements. For example, color-coded tokens or highlights can indicate player turns, resource availability, or special conditions.
Remember to keep backups of your game versions before making major changes. This allows you to revert to earlier versions if needed or compare different iterations side by side.
Personal Reflections on Playtesting My Game
During my first week of playtesting on Tabletop Simulator, I invited a few players online who had never seen my game before. Watching their reactions and listening to their suggestions was eye-opening. Some rules that seemed obvious to me were confusing to them, and certain game elements that I thought were balanced needed adjustment.
One of the key lessons I learned was to stay flexible. Instead of sticking rigidly to my original plan, I welcomed changes that made the game more fun and accessible. For example, I simplified some card abilities and tweaked resource management based on tester feedback. These adjustments greatly improved the flow and player engagement.
Another rewarding part of playtesting was connecting with other designers and players who shared their tips and experiences. The Tabletop Simulator community is very supportive, and many people are eager to help newcomers learn the platform and refine their games.
While it was challenging to juggle design, technical setup, and coordinating playtests, the process helped me grow as a creator. The ability to test quickly and remotely saved time and money compared to physical prototypes. It also allowed me to reach a wider audience, which gave me valuable insights.
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps After Playtesting
After multiple rounds of playtesting and revisions, your game will start to take a clearer shape. At this stage, you can focus on improving graphic design, polishing rulebooks, and considering physical production options if you want to release a tangible game.
Many designers continue to use Tabletop Simulator even after finalizing their game to promote it and build a fan base. Uploading polished versions to the workshop allows new players to discover and try your game, potentially creating buzz and word of mouth.
You can also use recorded playtest sessions or live streams to showcase your game’s appeal to publishers or backers if you plan to crowdfund or seek professional help for production.
Tabletop Simulator provides a versatile, cost-effective way to develop your prototype from concept to a near-complete game. The combination of digital tools, community resources, and remote playtesting opens doors that were difficult to access in traditional game design workflows.
Creating Your Prototype in Tabletop Simulator
In the earlier parts, we explored the initial setup of your game prototype and the crucial playtesting phase inside Tabletop Simulator. Now, it is time to dive deeper into the exciting world of scripting and advanced customization. These tools offer incredible potential to bring your game to life, automate complex processes, and create a smooth, immersive experience for your players. While it might seem intimidating at first, even simple scripting can add great value to your game prototype without requiring extensive programming knowledge.
Why Use Scripting and Advanced Customization?
When you begin creating a game in Tabletop Simulator, you start with basic components like cards, dice, tokens, and boards. While these provide the foundation, many games require rule enforcement, automatic shuffling, dealing cards, or triggering special effects. Doing all of these manually can slow down gameplay and distract from the fun. This is where scripting shines.
Scripting in Tabletop Simulator uses the Lua programming language, which is lightweight and relatively easy to learn. It allows you to create custom functions that execute actions automatically based on game events. For example, you can write scripts that shuffle decks when a button is pressed, track player scores, or even control turn sequences.
Beyond scripting, advanced customization includes using snap points, custom UI elements, and scripted buttons to enhance game interaction. These features make the virtual table more intuitive and visually appealing. The goal is to reduce manual effort for players and make the game flow naturally.
Using these tools effectively helps you prototype games faster and creates a more professional feel for your project. It also impresses testers and potential collaborators, showing that your game has polished mechanics and smooth operations.
Getting Started with Scripting in Tabletop Simulator
If you are new to scripting, the idea of writing code can feel overwhelming. However, the Tabletop Simulator community provides a wealth of resources, sample scripts, and tutorials that help beginners get started. Many workshop items come with open-source scripts you can study and adapt for your game.
A good starting point is to learn how to create simple, scripted buttons. These buttons can perform specific actions like drawing a card, rolling dice, or resetting the game board. You don’t need to know everything about Lua at this point; focus on understanding how to connect a button to a function.
Once comfortable, you can move on to event triggers such as detecting when a card is played or when a player ends their turn. These triggers allow your game to respond dynamically to player actions, opening up many design possibilities.
It’s helpful to keep your scripts modular and organized. Break down complex tasks into smaller functions that can be tested independently. This approach makes debugging easier and allows you to reuse code for different parts of your game.
Practical Examples of Scripting to Enhance Gameplay
One practical use of scripting is automating card shuffling and dealing. In many games, shuffling decks manually or dealing cards takes up time and can cause errors, especially with many players or complex card setups. A simple script that shuffles a deck and deals a certain number of cards to each player at the start of the game speeds up setup and ensures fairness.
Another common script is tracking player turns and enforcing turn order. This can be as basic as highlighting the current player’s area and disabling other players’ actions until it’s their turn. More advanced scripts can include timers to limit turn length or trigger special effects at the start or end of turns.
You can also script resource management elements, such as automatically counting tokens, calculating scores, or adjusting resource pools. This helps prevent manual counting mistakes and keeps the game state clear for all players.
Scripts can also help manage hidden information. For example, cards can be dealt face down to players’ hands or secret zones on the table, ensuring that only the relevant player can see them. Automating this process reduces accidental reveals and maintains game integrity.
Enhancing User Experience with Custom UI and Buttons
Beyond scripting game logic, Tabletop Simulator allows you to design custom user interfaces and interactive buttons that improve player experience. These UI elements can provide information, display scores, or offer quick access to game functions.
You might add a scoreboard panel that updates automatically as players earn points or lose resources. Or create buttons that reset the game, roll dice with special effects, or trigger animations. These interactive tools make your game more engaging and easier to play, especially for newcomers.
Custom UI can also include tooltips or pop-up windows that explain rules or provide reminders. This reduces the need for players to consult external rulebooks constantly, speeding up gameplay and lowering confusion.
To create custom UI, you can use XML layouts combined with Lua scripting. While this requires some practice, many tutorials and example scripts are available online to guide you through the process step-by-step.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Scripting and Customization
While scripting offers great benefits, there are common pitfalls to watch out for. One major mistake is trying to automate too much too early. If your game design is still evolving, heavy scripting can become a burden when you need to change mechanics or components frequently. It is often better to start simple and add automation gradually as your rules solidify.
Another issue is overcomplicating scripts, which can confuse players and slow down the game. Your scripts should streamline gameplay, not add unnecessary complexity or rigid rules that reduce player freedom.
Testing your scripts thoroughly is crucial. Script errors can break gameplay or cause unexpected behavior that frustrates players. Always back up your work before major script changes and test new functions extensively with different player counts and scenarios.
Make sure your scripting is accessible. If your playtesters are new to Tabletop Simulator or casual gamers, complex automation might intimidate them. Providing clear instructions or toggles to enable or disable scripts can improve the experience for everyone.
Learning Resources and Community Support
There are many helpful resources to learn scripting and customization for Tabletop Simulator. The official TTS forums and Discord channels are great places to ask questions, share progress, and get feedback from experienced creators.
YouTube channels dedicated to TTS tutorials provide step-by-step guides, from basic scripting to advanced UI design. Watching how others solve common challenges can inspire your projects and speed up your learning.
Many workshop items include open-source scripts, allowing you to see real examples and adapt them for your needs. Studying these scripts and modifying them in small increments is an effective way to build confidence.
Participating in online communities also opens opportunities for collaboration and testing. Experienced scripters sometimes offer help or script reviews, which can improve your game significantly.
Personal Experience with Scripting My Prototype
When I started adding scripts to my game, I began with small automation tasks like shuffling and dealing cards. This immediately made gameplay smoother and more enjoyable for testers. As I grew more comfortable, I added buttons to track turns and reset components, which reduced confusion and sped up setup between rounds.
One challenge I faced was balancing script complexity with flexibility. I wanted to automate many processes, but realized it was best to keep some manual controls to allow player choice and handle unexpected situations.
Creating a simple UI panel to display scores and player actions also improved communication during online sessions. Testers appreciated having clear visual feedback without needing constant explanations.
While scripting took additional time initially, it saved much more time during playtesting by reducing manual tasks. It also made the prototype feel more like a finished game, increasing tester enthusiasm and helpful feedback.
Final Thoughts on Scripting and Customization
Mastering scripting and customization inside Tabletop Simulator opens up endless possibilities for game designers. These tools transform your prototype from a static collection of components into a dynamic, interactive experience that can be shared worldwide.
Remember to start small, focus on the player experience, and use community resources to build your skills. Iteration and testing remain key, so use scripting as a way to enhance your design process rather than complicate it.
In the next part, we will explore how to polish your prototype’s graphics and presentation inside Tabletop Simulator, creating a visually appealing game that captures players’ attention and complements your refined gameplay.
Until then, keep experimenting with scripting and enjoy the creative freedom Tabletop Simulator provides.
Creating Your Prototype in Tabletop Simulator:
After exploring the initial setup, playtesting, and scripting phases of building your game prototype inside Tabletop Simulator, the next natural step is focusing on polishing your game’s graphics and presentation. Visual appeal is a powerful factor in attracting players, keeping them engaged, and enhancing the overall gaming experience. In this part, we will discuss how to improve your game’s aesthetics while balancing effort and practicality. We will also conclude the series with insights on the entire process and some encouragement for your ongoing journey as a game creator.
Enhancing Graphics and Visual Presentation
When you first build your game inside Tabletop Simulator, you often use simple placeholder images, basic shapes, and default components. While this is great for initial testing, eventually you want your game to look professional and inviting. Good graphics can communicate the theme, clarify game elements, and add immersion.
Start by improving card art, tokens, and boards using free or licensed graphic resources. Many creators use free icon libraries and royalty-free images as a foundation, then customize them with graphic editors like Photopea or GIMP. Even basic edits such as adding colors, borders, or simple backgrounds can make components look more polished.
Creating a visually coherent style is important. Choose a color palette that fits your game’s theme and use consistent fonts, icon styles, and layouts. This helps players quickly understand the game and reduces visual clutter. Consistency also makes your game look intentional rather than a collection of random images.
High-resolution images improve clarity, especially for players viewing the game on large screens. However, balance image size with performance. Large images can slow loading times or cause lag during online play. Optimizing image dimensions and formats will help keep your game running smoothly.
Beyond flat graphics, Tabletop Simulator supports 3D models and custom meshes. If your game benefits from unique 3D components, learning to import and position these models can add a striking dimension. However, this step often requires more technical knowledge and time investment, so consider if it fits your project’s scope.
Organizing the Game Table and User Experience
Visual presentation extends beyond artwork to the layout of your game table and how players interact with it. A well-organized table reduces confusion and makes gameplay smoother.
Using snap points strategically helps players place components precisely where they belong. This is particularly helpful for card zones, player areas, or board spaces. Snap points ensure pieces don’t overlap awkwardly or get lost, making the digital experience feel as tangible as a physical game.
Creating custom backgrounds or table mats with thematic designs can frame your game components and improve immersion. For solo or cooperative games, having designated “locations” or zones on the table visually supports gameplay and helps players keep track of elements.
Consider how players will interact with your game during online sessions. Adding scripted buttons or UI elements for frequently used actions reduces repetitive manual work and speeds up gameplay. Clear tooltips or rule reminders on the table also help players stay focused without referring back to rulebooks constantly.
Balancing Effort with Game Progress
One important lesson from creating a game prototype inside Tabletop Simulator is knowing when to stop perfecting visuals and focus on gameplay. It’s easy to get caught in a “sinkhole” of endlessly tweaking graphics, backgrounds, or minor components.
Especially early on, prioritize functionality and mechanics over aesthetics. A visually stunning game that is confusing to play or buggy will struggle to find players. Conversely, a simpler-looking game with solid rules and engaging gameplay will get better feedback and more interest.
As your game matures and you gain confidence in the core mechanics, gradually improve your visuals. This staged approach prevents wasted time and frustration, and ensures you develop a game that is fun and accessible.
Sharing and Publishing Your Prototype
Once your prototype has polished graphics, smooth gameplay, and basic automation, consider sharing it with a broader audience. Uploading your creation to the Tabletop Simulator workshop allows other players to discover, download, and play your game.
Sharing your prototype widely is an excellent way to gather feedback, find dedicated playtesters, and build a community around your project. Online players can suggest improvements, report bugs, or even offer collaborations.
Make sure to include clear instructions and a description in your workshop listing. Highlight what makes your game unique, its theme, and gameplay style. Good communication attracts the right players who appreciate your vision.
Keep updating your prototype based on feedback and evolving your design. The workshop supports version control, so you can release improved editions over time without losing your player base.
Reflecting on the Journey of Creating a Prototype in Tabletop Simulator
Creating a game prototype inside Tabletop Simulator is a rewarding and educational experience. From assembling your first components, through playtesting, scripting, and polishing graphics, each step teaches valuable lessons in game design, project management, and digital tools.
You start by bringing your initial ideas to life and face challenges such as balancing game mechanics and learning new software features. Playtesting exposes your design to real players, revealing what works and what needs improvement. Scripting empowers you to automate and refine gameplay flow, adding professionalism and ease of use. Enhancing visuals raises your game’s appeal and immerses players in your creative world.
This process also builds patience and problem-solving skills. It encourages collaboration, as many designers rely on community resources and feedback. Importantly, it demonstrates the power of iteration — no prototype is perfect at the start, and continuous refinement shapes a better final product.
Encouragement for New and Experienced Creators
If you are new to Tabletop Simulator or game design, don’t be intimidated by the technical aspects or the time investment. Start simple, focus on one step at a time, and use the wealth of tutorials and examples available online. Remember, every successful game began as a rough prototype.
Experienced designers can still benefit from this platform as it offers unparalleled flexibility to experiment and share ideas quickly. Tabletop Simulator supports creativity across genres, from traditional board games to innovative solo or digital hybrid experiences.
Regardless of your experience level, the most important factor is to keep your passion alive. Game creation is a journey of discovery, learning, and connecting with others who share your love for gaming.
Conclusion:
Tabletop Simulator is a powerful tool for creating and playtesting your games. It provides an accessible way to turn ideas into playable prototypes without needing expensive materials or physical space. With its extensive library of components, scripting capabilities, and workshop sharing, it supports designers at every stage of development.
Throughout this series, we covered the entire process from starting your prototype, running playtests, adding automation, and polishing visuals. Each phase has its challenges and rewards, but together they build toward a complete and engaging game.
As you continue your design journey, keep exploring new features, asking for feedback, and iterating on your ideas. Your prototype will evolve from a simple concept into a game that players enjoy and remember.
Thank you for following along. May your creativity flourish, and may your game find many eager players around the virtual tabletop and beyond.