VOLUNTEERS – FAQ
We hold play-sessions at IOI to get some insights into how our games perform with real people, which ultimately helps us to make even better games.
Anyone that takes part in a play-session will be asked to play an un-released game in exactly the same way you would do it at home on your own sofa. Our User Researchers will observe and occasionally ask a few questions. After the play-session, we will often ask more specific questions about your impressions and experience with the game. The entire session is very informal and relaxed and you get a unique chance to have fun with the newest games before they are released, in full confidentiality of course.
We receive a lot of questions about what participating in a play-session is really about, so please read below for an answer to the most frequently asked questions.
HOW LONG DOES A PLAY-SESSION TAKE?
Approximately one to three hours, depending on the scope of the test. You are of course always welcome to decline an invitation for a play-session.
WHEN WILL YOU CONTACT ME?
We cannot guarantee that everyone that signs up will be chosen for a play-session right away. Play-sessions at IOI take place all year around, but we will contact you by phone or email as soon as we need a participant that fits your playing profile.
IS IT OK TO SPEAK DANISH AT THE PLAYSESSION?
Most of our play-sessions are done in Danish. In case we need to do an English playsession, we will choose players who feel comfortable speaking English.
SHOULD I PREPARE ANYTHING?
No, not at all. Just come as you are. It is important that you just show up and play the game just like you would any other game you have just purchased. We want to get a realistic view of how playable/fun the game is.
IS IT IMPORTANT THAT I AM GOOD AT PLAYING GAMES, OR KNOW A LOT ABOUT GAME DESIGN?
No, not at all. The point of a play-session is to simulate real-world playing situations with all kinds of players. Therefore, just come as you are – we are not testing your ability to play games, or your knowledge about games, but instead our ability to make games. During the play-session it is important that you see yourself as a player of games, and not for instance as a game designer (we have plenty of those here already).
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN A PLAY-SESSION FROM HOME?
No. For security reasons, all of the play-sessions take place at the Io-Interactive headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. There is no exception to this.
WILL I GET PAID?
There is no salary for participating in a play-session. You will however be pampered with food, beverages etc. and participants will receive a small gift as a thank you.
WHAT IF I NO LONGER WANT TO BE A PLAY-SESSION PARTICIPANT?
If you at some point no longer are interested in participating in IOI playsessions, all you have to do is send us an email at playsession@ioi.dk and we will erase your profile.
IS PARTICIPATING IN A PLAY-SESSION THE SAME AS QA TESTING OR BETA TESTING?
No. Both QA and beta testing is done to find bugs in the game. Play-sessions are more akin to market research.
I WISH TO WORK AT IO-INTERACTIVE; WILL PARTICIPATING IN A PLAY-SESSION IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF BEING HIRED?
No. Participating in a play-session is not a shortcut to getting hired. However, if you do have an ambition of working within the game industry, you might still find it interesting to participate, just to catch a glimpse. If you wish to apply for a job; make sure you have relevant education/experience, and apply through our online form.
