spelvarv

Spelvarv is a Swedish term used in gaming contexts to refer to a cycle or iteration of play or development. The word combines spel, meaning game, with varv, which can mean a lap or circuit as well as a rotation or winding. The sense of varv as a cycle or period helps explain how the term is used in discussions about game testing and development processes.

In playtesting and analysis, a spelvarv denotes a single run of the game from start to finish, including setup, actions, outcomes, and scoring. Teams may record observations and balance data for each spelvarv to evaluate pacing, difficulty, and replayability. The concept emphasizes the cyclical nature of testing, where multiple runs are compared to identify improvements or regressions.

In development contexts, the term can describe one iteration of the game loop or a sprint focused on implementing and validating a set of features. A project may compare several spelvarv across builds to assess how changes affect gameplay experience and stability. The term highlights iterative work rather than a one-off play session.

Usage of spelvarv varies by author and community, and it is not a standardized term in formal game studies. Outside Swedish-language discourse, it may be unfamiliar or used with different connotations. See also game loop, playthrough, playtest, and iteration.