Browse categories
Explore
Fiverr Pro
English
$
USD
I will playtest and give expert feedback on your board game
Zach Smith
4.9
4.9
About this gig
Are you designing a board game and need honest, expert feedback before publishing or pitching to publishers?
I'm Zach Smith, a professional board-game designer, developer, and marketer at Garphill Games, an award-winning publisher from New Zealand.
I've designed five titles in different stages of publication and helped playtest and develop dozens more, guiding projects from early prototypes through to full publication. My experience also includes running marketing for seven successful Kickstarter campaigns (11,000+ backers and $2.2 M NZD raised), so I understand what makes a game not only play well, but sell.
Depending on your package, I will:
- Playtest your game (solo or live) on Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia
- Provide recorded sessions, written reports, or live feedback calls
- Highlight issues in mechanics, balance, clarity, and flow
- Suggest practical improvements for your next iteration
Whether you're preparing for Kickstarter or polishing your prototype, Ill help you make your game shine.
Lets make your design the best it can be, order your expert playtest and feedback today!
Get to know Zach Smith
Zach Smith
- FromNew Zealand
- Member sinceOct 2025
- Avg. response time1 hour
- Last delivery4 weeks
Languages
English, Italian
Hi, I’m Zach, a Kiwi–Italian board game designer, developer, and marketer based in New Zealand.
I currently work with Garphill Games, an award-winning publisher, where I design, test, and develop board games from concept to publication. I also manage marketing campaigns, including seven successful Kickstarters with over 11,000 backers and more than $2.5 million NZD raised.
Whether you need help refining your prototype, crafting rules that flow, or building a marketing plan that connects with players, I bring professional industry insight and hands-on experience to every project.
FAQ
What do I need to send you to get started?
Please provide your rulebook (PDF or Google Doc), a playable version of your game on Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia. If you require me to first implement the protype on Tabletop Simulator for you I will need access to all the digital assets in JPG/PNG if transparent.
Do you sign NDAs or confidentiality agreements?
Yes, I completely understand the need to protect your ideas. I’m happy to sign a standard NDA before reviewing your materials. All files and information you share are treated as confidential and will never be shared publicly.
Will you test the game with other players or just solo?
My Basic package includes solo multihanded testing (I play all players). Live sessions (Standard & Premium) are interactive, where you and I play together. If you want multi-player group testing, message me first, I can quote a custom Gig for that.
Can you test on physical prototypes instead of digital platforms?
Currently, I focus on Tabletop Simulator and Tabletopia for accessibility and speed. However, if you want to mail me a prototype, contact me first so we can discuss logistics and shipping. Unless you live in New Zealand, it is probably a bit expensive though.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
You’ll receive specific, actionable notes about rules clarity, pacing, player engagement, component usability, and overall experience, not just general impressions. My feedback is based on real design and publishing experience.
How long does each live session last?
Standard and Premium packages include up to 1.5 hours of live playtesting followed by 30 minutes of direct feedback discussion. Premium also includes two additional full rounds after you implement changes.
Can you help prepare my game for Kickstarter or publisher submission?
Absolutely. My feedback will focus not only on gameplay, but also on presentation, accessibility, and overall pitchability. If you’d like extended consulting for marketing or Kickstarter preparation, I can create a custom offer.
Reviews
9 reviews for this Gig
| (8) | ||
| (1) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) |
Rating Breakdown
- Seller communication level
- Quality of delivery
- Value of delivery
Sort By
Most relevant
X 
xinfang
China
Zach is very easy to communicate with and provided incredibly helpful suggestions along with the session recording. I’m extremely satisfied with this collaboration and will definitely hire him again!
Up to $50
Price
4 days
Duration
Z 
Seller's Response
Helpful?A adrianbrodesser
Repeat Client
Austria
Working with Zach is always a pleasure. He is a game designer himself and is always open to brainstorming to make your game better.
Up to $50
Price
6 days
Duration
Helpful?L luiscanela919
Spain
We played the game and I got very honest review and ideas to improve it, exactly what I needed.
$50-$100
Price
1 day
Duration
Z Seller's Response
Helpful?K kubazajac
Poland
Everything as advertised!
$50-$100
Price
11 days
Duration
Helpful?A adrianbrodesser
Repeat Client
Austria
Working with Zach was a pleasure. Getting feedback from a professional definetly helped me understand some existing bottlnecks that still exist in my game.
Up to $50
Price
5 days
Duration
Helpful?
Reviews
9 reviews for this Gig
| (8) | ||
| (1) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) |
Rating Breakdown
- Seller communication level
- Quality of delivery
- Value of delivery
Sort By
Most relevant
X xinfang
China
Zach is very easy to communicate with and provided incredibly helpful suggestions along with the session recording. I’m extremely satisfied with this collaboration and will definitely hire him again!
Up to $50
Price
4 days
Duration
Z Seller's Response
Helpful?A adrianbrodesser
Repeat Client
Austria
Working with Zach is always a pleasure. He is a game designer himself and is always open to brainstorming to make your game better.
Up to $50
Price
6 days
Duration
Helpful?L luiscanela919
Spain
We played the game and I got very honest review and ideas to improve it, exactly what I needed.
$50-$100
Price
1 day
Duration
Z Seller's Response
Helpful?K kubazajac
Poland
Everything as advertised!
$50-$100
Price
11 days
Duration
Helpful?A adrianbrodesser
Repeat Client
Austria
Working with Zach was a pleasure. Getting feedback from a professional definetly helped me understand some existing bottlnecks that still exist in my game.
Up to $50
Price
5 days
Duration
Helpful?
