Just like normal software, it’s necessary to test games as well to ensure that they work as intended before they reach the audience. There is no defined strategy for game testing as each game and the platforms used differ. While performing game testing, all aspects of the game including functionality, usability, multi-player functionality, regression, endurance, compatibility, performance, content, hardware, recovery and localization need to be tested. The basic game testing process is similar to software test cycle.
The basic steps of game testing include:
Gathering requirements
The testers need to have a detailed understanding of gaming requirements such as storyboard, game structure, game features, characters, concept, rules, game points and levels. It helps the testers to come up with an effective testing strategy.
Devising a game testing strategy
The game testing strategy must include the testing timeline, testers, number of testing cycles, in-scope i.e. what needs to be tested, out-scope i.e. what’s not tested, types of testing to be performed, testing for risks, service level agreements, risks and mitigation, defect finding process, reporting Process etc. Also, it’s important to test the hardware components such as hardware components such as Joy stick, Console, Wi-Fi devices etc. that are not usually the part of game testing environment.
Creation of test cases
The testers must design both positive and negative test cases. Critical path testing, exception path testing, boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, error guessing etc. are some effective testing that can be adopted to design the test cases.
Executing game test cases
This helps to identify more defects in a particular gaming environment and hardware configuration. Also, performing the alpha and beta testing and the testing of the game for specific age groups helps to enhance the game’s quality. Another type of testing that mustn’t be ignored when it comes to games is content testing. This helps to ensure that the content of the game is right for the viewers and is understandable.
Recording of test results
The aftermath of the game testing performed must be recorded. This helps the testers to understand the behaviour of errors being made and improve them.
Categorizing the defects
All the defects that have been identified must be recorded and categorized based on priority. This helps the developers to easily rework the errors.
After game testing is performed and the changes have been made, the game is then sent to the clients for feedback. It is then further improved based on the feedback before delivering to markets for the audience to enjoy a hassle-free gaming experience.