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Dovetail Games Join The Dovetail Playlab – Help Shape The Future Of Our Games

Discussion in 'Dovetail Live Article Discussion' started by DTG Harry, May 22, 2025 at 2:03 PM.

  1. DTG Harry

    DTG Harry Community Manager Staff Member

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    [​IMG]


    Ever wanted to get early hands-on experience with Dovetail Games titles and influence how they develop? Now’s your chance.

    We’re inviting a small group of players to take part in the Dovetail PlayLab, a new in-person playtesting programme at our studio in Chatham, Kent. Whether you're a long-time fan or completely new to our games, your feedback will play a key role in helping us create better, more player-focused experiences.
    Apply now and be part of shaping the future of Dovetail Games.

    What Is the Dovetail PlayLab?
    The Dovetail PlayLab is our dedicated space for game testing, where players are invited to try early-stage content and share honest feedback with our development teams. Sessions typically last 2–3 hours and may involve questionnaires, informal interviews, or small group discussions.

    The first round of playtests will take place in-person. Remote opportunities may be explored in the future.

    Playtest Details
    • Location: Dovetail Games HQ, Chatham, Kent
    • Date: First session planned for mid-June 2025
    • Group size: 4–8 players per session
    • Reward: A gift voucher (value confirmed in advance, based on session length)
    FAQs

    What is a playtest?
    A playtest is an opportunity for players to experience a game in development and provide feedback that helps shape its future direction. Feedback is gathered through gameplay, interviews, surveys, or group discussions.

    Where do playtests take place?
    Initially, all playtests will take place at our studio in Chatham, Kent. We may offer remote options at a later stage.

    Can I share details of the playtest afterwards?
    No. All sessions are confidential. Participants must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before taking part.

    Can under-18s take part?
    PlayLab sessions are currently open to participants aged 18 and over. However, if you’re under 18 and interested, we encourage you to complete the application form with parental or guardian consent. While you won’t be eligible for current sessions, we’re actively exploring age-appropriate opportunities in the future and will retain your details for when these become available.

    Is this a paid opportunity?
    PlayLab sessions are not paid, but all participants will receive a gift voucher as a thank-you for their time. The value will vary depending on the length and format of the session.

    Is this part of the Train Sim World Beta Test programme?
    No – the PlayLab is a separate initiative. The Train Sim World Beta Test programme will continue as normal. You can find out more information and apply on our Dovetail Games Forums.

    What’s Next?
    The PlayLab is just getting started.
    We’ll be running more playtests throughout the year across a variety of projects. Updates will be shared with those who register, through our existing channels, and on a dedicated PlayLab page coming soon.

    Apply now and be part of shaping the future of Dovetail Games.
     
    DTG Harry, May 22, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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  2. cloudyskies21

    cloudyskies21 Well-Known Member

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    When is the closing date for the application process?
     
    cloudyskies21, May 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
    #2
  3. DTG JD

    DTG JD Director of Community and Marketing Staff Member

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    We'll keep it open for the foreseeable future, no plans on 'closing' the applications. We'd ideally like to keep a steady stream of people who are interested applying.
     
    DTG JD, May 22, 2025 at 2:19 PM
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  4. cloudyskies21

    cloudyskies21 Well-Known Member

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    Okay, much appreciated. Thanks, JD.
     
    cloudyskies21, May 22, 2025 at 2:23 PM
    #4
  5. Agent Qracle RUS

    Agent Qracle RUS Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't mind giving it a try, but 99% of the players are clearly not only from Kent
     
    Agent Qracle RUS, May 22, 2025 at 2:24 PM
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  6. Crosstie

    Crosstie Well-Known Member

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    Would you consider sending me a first class return air fare and Britrail pass. Meals and 4 star hotel too of course. Plus some tickets for a few Premier League games for when I'm not play testing. ;););)
     
    Crosstie, May 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
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  7. OldVern

    OldVern Well-Known Member

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    For practical purposes this is pretty much limited to people who live within an hour or two's travel of DTG Towers, particularly if costs of getting there and back are not being paid. Even with my "free" retired rail staff travel, it's still a long old haul from Swindon to Chatham.
     
    OldVern, May 22, 2025 at 5:34 PM
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  8. Crosstie

    Crosstie Well-Known Member

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    Well I guess that's a no then. ( I was only kidding, Vern. ).
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2025 at 5:51 PM
    Crosstie, May 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
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  9. TimTri

    TimTri Well-Known Member

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    Will you publicly share if/when you start doing remote sessions so I can sign up then? I’m obviously interested, but traveling to your office from Germany takes some time! ;)
     
    TimTri, May 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM
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  10. lovetrains 3628

    lovetrains 3628 Active Member

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    I wish it was for remotw people
     
    lovetrains 3628, May 22, 2025 at 6:50 PM
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  11. marcsharp2

    marcsharp2 Well-Known Member

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    Bit of an expensive trek for me from Leicester.
     
    marcsharp2, May 22, 2025 at 7:46 PM
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  12. chrism#4685

    chrism#4685 Active Member

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    I'm 5 minutes up the road (or a few stops on SEHS in train terms) from dtg towers so I'm tempted to apply...
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
    chrism#4685, May 22, 2025 at 9:30 PM
    #12
  13. R3DWolf91

    R3DWolf91 Well-Known Member

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    Cover the airfare from New York and I'm there!

    dtg_jan if you fly in from Germany, I'll bring my dice and we can have a one-off session lol
     
    R3DWolf91, May 22, 2025 at 9:37 PM
    #13
  14. jack#9468

    jack#9468 Well-Known Member

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    I don't exactly live close, but tempted.

    I work nights (either 4 or 5 in a row), so would be entirely dependent on when I'm not at work.
     
    jack#9468, May 22, 2025 at 10:29 PM
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  15. Es4t

    Es4t Well-Known Member

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    Is it just TSW thats in the PlayLab or are there other games too?
     
    Es4t, May 22, 2025 at 11:12 PM
    #15
  16. pogodoyle#7387

    pogodoyle#7387 Well-Known Member

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    I’d love to get involved, but looking at sample fares from Bath its going to cost around £80 à session … can’t afford that I’m afraid :o
     
    pogodoyle#7387, May 22, 2025 at 11:48 PM
    #16
  17. Killer-Of-Night

    Killer-Of-Night Active Member

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    As nice of an offer as this is, unless you are in the vicinity of Kent, this is pretty much inaccessible to the rest of the player base, maybe once that remote offering becomes available, then maybe we got something.....
     
    Killer-Of-Night, May 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM
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  18. Tigert1966

    Tigert1966 Well-Known Member

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    I would also be prepared and happy to join remotely, but being based in another country to DTG, a trip to Chatham isn’t high on my list of holiday locations.

    Although it wouldn’t be my motivation for attending, a gift voucher would most likely be useless assuming it’s in GBP. Codes for future products would be far more appealing.
     
    Tigert1966, May 23, 2025 at 10:41 AM
    #18
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  19. antony.henley

    antony.henley Well-Known Member

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    Well if you manage to get in dont forget you may know the date in advance so you could get a few pounds off by going online and ordering from your favourite UK Ticket vendor, when you do make sure you use Split ticketing if it allows it.

    Hentis
     
    antony.henley, May 23, 2025 at 3:51 PM
    #19

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