AI-assisted game testing
Tabletop R&D
A company applying simulation and AI to help tabletop designers explore gameplay and evaluate game balance.
Why this project is interesting
Physical playtests are valuable but can be slow to repeat and difficult to scale across many game configurations. Simulation can help designers investigate more in depth how rules and balance choices affect play, alongside subjective human feedback.
The problem
Designers need practical ways to test complex tabletop systems and compare gameplay outcomes.
Approach
The project combines digital representations of tabletop games, simulation and AI agents to run and analyse gameplay. More details and example projects are available on the company website and in related publications.
My contribution
My role as co-founder and director focused on business development, as well as product design and research coordination. I have worked on several specific projects, as well as implementing new tools for fast and cohesive imlementations of new games and AI agents. I have coordinated technical developments in the UK Creative Catalyst programme and represented the company at many trade shows and conferences, including UK Games Expo and Spiel Essen.
Outcomes and evidence
- Co-founded and directed Tabletop R&D.
- The current product direction is focused on AI-assisted tabletop playtesting and balance analysis.
- Over £120k raised in funding for research and development.
- Clients include Bright Eye Games, AP Board Games and Underdog Games.