Compared to Screentop.gg

Screentop.gg is a browser-based virtual tabletop for creating and playing tabletop games online. Playtest Parlor is a playtesting platform for developing games. Both run in the browser and support custom game creation, but they serve different depths of the playtesting workflow.

If you are a game designer who needs to prototype, playtest, and iterate, here is how the two compare.

Getting testers to the table

Both platforms nail the zero-install, zero-cost tester experience. Neither requires players to buy anything or install anything. Both support spectators well -- Screentop lets anyone view a game without even logging in. The difference shows up on mobile: Playtest Parlor is built touch-first, while Screentop's keyboard-centric controls (Q/E for rotation, number keys for screen switching) require a learning curve on phones and tablets, though experienced users can play complex games effectively.

Playtesting tools

This is the widest gap between the two platforms. Screentop is a sandbox for playing games. Playtest Parlor is a tool for developing games. None of the structured playtesting features -- session records, surveys, replay, analytics -- exist in Screentop because it was not built for that workflow.

Game components

Both platforms support the core components -- tiles, decks, dice, and counters. Screentop can also emulate bags and bowls via containers, and coins via circular tokens. Playtest Parlor goes further with timers, spinners, action buttons, sleeves, and 3D-rendered tokens. Screentop is strictly 2D.

Automation

Screentop has no runtime automation at all -- no scripting, no sequences, no triggers. Players must manually enforce all game rules. Playtest Parlor provides a visual sequence builder with 38+ step types that any designer can use without writing code. Screentop does have a bulk editing system for authoring, but it requires learning a proprietary programming language rather than using a standard format.

Asset management

Both platforms manage assets directly (no self-hosting required). Screentop supports individual image uploads and sprite sheets, but adding images one at a time to a deck is tedious -- there is no way to batch-upload multiple card faces into a single stack. Playtest Parlor supports individual uploads, sprite sheets, batch upload to stacks, and direct import from The Game Crafter. Storage caps on Screentop are tight, especially on the free tier where 32 MB per game can fill up fast with high-resolution art.

Game development workflow

Screentop's Edit Mode / Play Mode separation is a solid design -- edits to the template do not affect running rooms. However, collaboration, revision history, designer/tester roles, and private playtesting are all gated behind the $10/month Pro tier. Playtest Parlor includes these in its core experience.

Networking and reliability

Both platforms are server-based, which is a significant advantage over peer-to-peer tools like Tabletop Simulator. Playtest Parlor explicitly guarantees that games survive host disconnection.

Table and visual tools

Both platforms support snap-to-point spatial placement and custom table backgrounds. Playtest Parlor additionally offers measurement tools, freehand annotations, and more table background layout options.

Pricing

Screentop's free tier limits you to 3 games with 32 MB of storage each. Core features like component creation, game hosting, and multiplayer are available on the free tier. The Pro tier at $10/month unlocks collaboration, revision history, and more games but still caps storage at 64 MB. Playtest Parlor does not gate core workflow features behind a paywall.

Communication

Screentop has no built-in communication tools. Players need to arrange their own voice or text chat externally. Playtest Parlor integrates with Discord for voice, text, and persistent session history.

Platform status

Screentop has a public game library where users can browse and play community-created games. However, the platform's development status is uncertain -- the last public social media activity was in November 2022. The site remains online and functional, but the lack of visible updates raises questions about long-term viability. Playtest Parlor is actively developed.

Where Screentop has an edge

Screentop has a public game library for browsing and playing community-created games, which Playtest Parlor does not offer since it focuses on game development rather than game distribution.

The bottom line

Screentop and Playtest Parlor share the same starting point -- browser-based, no install, free for players. From there they diverge. Screentop is a lightweight sandbox for playing tabletop games online. Playtest Parlor is a full playtesting platform for developing them. If you need structured feedback capture, session replay, analytics, no-code automation, and a workflow built around iteration, Playtest Parlor was designed for that job. If you need a simple, free sandbox to push pieces around a table, Screentop can do that -- though its uncertain development status is worth considering.