Setting Up a Playtest

Running a playtest in FirstLook helps you distribute keys, collect insights, and manage player access - all in one place.
This guide walks you through each step, from initial setup to launching signups.

If you have already configured your FirstLook following the Getting Started then you are ready to begin.

Steps Overview

Here’s what you’ll cover in this guide:

1. Confirm your FirstLook Setup
2. Connect your Discord Bot
3. Add an NDA (optional)
4. Upload Steam Keys
5. Define Playtest Structure
6. Build your onboarding flows
7. Configure roles and access
8. Enable signups and go live

Confirm Your General Setup

Before starting, make sure your core FirstLook is configured, this ensures a seamless experience when you go live.

• Branding: Upload your logo and key art for a polished signup experience.
• Homepage: Customize the landing page players will see when they visit your FirstLook.

These only take a few minutes but sets the foundation for the rest of your playtest.

Connect Your Discord Bot

Your Discord server is a powerful tool for communication and access control.
Connecting the bot allows FirstLook to automatically manage:

• Role assignment (e.g. Playtester, Accepted, Invited)
• Channel access
• Automated welcome or onboarding messages

Learn how to connect your Discord bot →

Add an NDA (Optional)

If your test involves unreleased content that you do not want players disclosing, you can attach a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to your onboarding flow.
Players must accept the NDA before receiving access to your playtest.

You can:

• Customize an NDA players to review and sign
• Store acceptance automatically in their player record

Learn how to add an NDA →

Upload Steam Keys

Once your NDA (if any) is in place, you’ll need to provide access to your build. You can upload keys for a variety of different providers but for this guide, we will focus on Steam.

Upload a batch of Steam Keys to your dashboard. FirstLook will handle distribution automatically as players complete onboarding.

Learn how to generate keys in Steam →

Understand Key Management in FirstLook →

Define Playtest Structure

Before inviting anyone, decide how you want to structure your playtests.

The structure you define determines:

• Which roles apply to each user
• Who receives certain announcements or surveys
• What version of the game (or key) they’ll receive
• etc.

It is important to align on a proper plan early on in order to proceed in the most scalable and repeatable way.

Learn more about player segmentation →

Build Your Flows

Your onboarding flow is the player’s first experience in your playtest.
Use this opportunity to communicate clearly — every screen can include custom text or visuals.

Make sure to:

• Personalize each step
• Preview your flow before publishing
• Include clear next steps for players

Learn how to build onboarding flows →

Configure Roles & Access

Roles control what a player gets and sees.

Use them to automate:

• Which Key is assigned
• Which Discord roles are granted
• Which surveys or announcements they receive
• and more!

Once configured, test your entire setup using a sample account before going live.

Configure player roles and access →

Enable Signups

When everything looks ready, it’s time to open the doors.
Toggle Signups → Enabled from your dashboard to start accepting players.

After launch, you can monitor:

• Signups
• Key redemptions
• Feedback and survey responses

Inviting Players

You can invite players:

• Manually, from your player list.
• By sharing a signup link publicly (for open tests).

Once invited, players will see your playtest on their dashboard and can redeem a Steam Key instantly.

Before You Go Live

Take a moment to double-check:

• ✅ Branding and homepage look correct
• ✅ Discord bot is connected and roles tested
• ✅ NDA (if used) appears properly in flow
• ✅ Keys are uploaded and distributed correctly
• ✅ Flows include clear messaging at every step

Once you’re confident, go live — and start collecting valuable insights from your community.