Video game testing is a significant part of the game development process. Based on research, there’s stiff competition in the gaming industry; therefore, game developers should invest their time and resources in creating a top-notch game application.
Obtaining a competitive advantage will increase your odds of flourishing in this industry. Investing in video game testing services might seem expensive, but it’s worth it. A professional game tester will identify errors and bugs that might reduce the efficiency of the game application.
These bugs and errors include map holes, invisible walls, unbalanced weapons, sloppy net code, deformed characters, lethargic controls, missing textures, and long loading times. Quality assurance is an important aspect that ensures gamers get a seamless gaming experience.
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Types of Video Game Testing
There’s an array of services that game testers provide to their clients. These services might differ depending on the type of video game and the client’s preferences. Some types of video game testing services include:
- Console game testing
- Mobile game testing
- AR and VR game testing
- PC game testing
The main objective of these game testing services is to identify and rectify loopholes in the software. Below are the top video testing techniques that testers use:
1. Ad Hoc Testing
It can also be termed as random testing or error guessing. The video game tester doesn’t require a plan or documentation to perform the task. Unlike ad-hoc testing, other methods require special documentation, including test cases, test plans, requirement documents, and proper test planning. Game developers should opt for this service when there’s limited time to perform detailed testing. Essentially, ad hoc testing can uncover bugs and errors at various stages of the game development process. There are different types of error-guessing testing:
- Pair testing
- Buddy testing
- Monkey testing
Pair testing involves two video testers who work hand-in-hand on one module. The tester and the game developer do buddy testing. Finally, monkey testing involves random tests and data, aiming to break the system. It helps the tester to discover new bugs and errors that might not have been caught earlier.
2. Functionality Testing
The main aim of functionality testing is to determine whether the video game works according to its specifications. Game testers will watch out for graphical corruption in the interface, including missing colors, issues with the location, missing graphics, clipping issues, and animation problems. There’s an array of functionality testing techniques:
- Mechanical testing
- Generic graphic testing
- Stability testing
- Interface testing
These techniques will help resolve bugs and errors that might contribute to progression blockages, freezing, and crashing issues. In addition, the QA testing team recommended re-testing to ensure every aspect is working properly.
3. Compatibility Testing
Compatibility testing validates whether the user interface of the game application is compatible with all screen specifications. Different devices have different specifications; therefore, they can manifest different problems. A video game tester will focus on various aspects, including background applications, hardware usage, screen sizes, and graphic detailing. During the verification process, the tester will play a significant role in ensuring the game fulfills the software’s graphics, hardware, and other essential requirements. There are two key objectives of compatibility testing: determine the end-user experience as well as the overall game performance.
4. Regression Testing
This type of testing determines whether the game functions work optimally. The quality of the game will play a major role in improving the player’s gaming experience. The video game tester will identify new errors that might occur due to the changes made. In addition, this test will help the tester identify old bugs that might affect the software’s functionality.
5. Cleanroom Testing
The cleanroom software engineering technique plays a remarkable role in validating and improving gaming software based on reliability and consistency. This approach will help a video game tester identify the main cause of bugs and errors. The game testing team may opt for various techniques to resolve the issue:
- Statistical reasoning
- Design refinement
- Mathematical reasoning
These processes are vital when it comes to the verification, design, and specifications of a video game application. Therefore, a tester will opt for a technique that’ll provide a technical framework and rigorous management for video game development.
6. Security Testing
Security testing is done to determine the safety of the software from both internal and external threats. The tester will protect your game application from the data breach, external threats, and uncontrolled system access. An expert tester will focus on the operating system, encryption algorithms, and communication system of the software.
Why Opt for Video Game Testing Services?
a. Identify Improvement Areas
During the creation of an updated video game application, the developer should have in-depth knowledge about the areas that require improvements. They will assess the performance of the current version and recommend the best advancements. The game developer should determine the feasibility of these parameters. In addition, advancements should be made from time to time to boost the relevancy of the game.
b. Quality Assessment
The quality of the video game can influence your success in the gaming industry. A high-quality product should have the ability to satisfy clients’ tastes and preferences. Therefore, video game testing is an essential process that’ll determines the quality of your software. Professional QA testers will identify and resolve hitches that can affect your market share. A video game application that functions seamlessly will attract your target audience.
c. Video Game Reviewing and Ranking
Currently, there are various websites and independent companies that review and rank new video games in the market. They use qualified game testers to determine the viability of your software. Most gamers make decisions based on the ranking and reviews of your game application. Therefore, game testing will help you launch a polished software that’ll fulfill the needs of your target audience. In addition, a high-quality game application will have a higher ranking on various websites.
Conclusion
There are numerous video game testing techniques: cleanroom testing, regressive testing, compatibility testing, functionality testing, etc. A video game tester should consider various metrics, including performance, retention, download rank, session, and MAU/DAU metrics. Professional game testing will enhance the efficiency of your software.
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