Being A Game Tester: Answering The Common Questions

“I assure the quality of video games!” Won’t you be jealous of this answer if you ask someone about their job?

A dream job for game enthusiasts, of course, like any other software-based jobs Game Testing also has pressure and stress.  But none can deny the fact that the job is exciting and would evoke jealousy in many.

Due to this exact reason, there are a lot of questions and misconception about the job.

Let’s address all that once and for all.

What’s Game testing?

Like in normal software testing, a Game tester will check for any bug and issues that prevent the user from experiencing a quality game. They would play the game continuously and systematically to check for errors and measure the performance. While doing so they will also evaluate it against the aim of the designers and will make sure that everything is aligned perfectly.

Is it a fun job like they say?

Proficiency of a game tester is proportional to the bugs that he finds.  For that to achieve he/she has to constantly play the game for months which is tiring and demanding. Not only that, once the glitches or bugs have been found it has to be reproduced in front of the developers so that they can fix it.

gametesting
What’s it like to be a game tester for a day?

There is a widespread misconception that Game Tester’s only responsibility in the office is to play a game all day long. Even though working with video games is a part of the job a game tester has to break down the game find out issues and should report it to programming, design or art teams (DEVs). Apart from there will be team meeting, Client conversation and emails to reply to.

What all processes does a game go through in QA testing?

First of all, a thorough understanding about the game (storyboard, game architecture, Game features, characters, rules, game points, stages of the game, the concept of the game etc.) will be carried out by the testing team so that they will be able to come up with an effective testing strategy.

Next would be the devising the testing strategy for implementation. For that to happen data’s such as in-scope, out-scope, timeframe, no: of testers, Testing cycle count, type of testing, defect documentation style, Service level agreements, risk calculation mitigation etc. are taken into consideration.

Third in the process would create test cases, both positive and negative. Followed by test cases is critical path testing to identify the critical path in the game. This process helps a tester in revealing factors which caused the failure.

5th is to evaluate through exception path testing to find out an alternate path and document it.

6th would be error guessing, boundary value analysis and equivalence portioning.

7th in the process is to execute the game test cases. Along with that alpha, beta and gamma testing will also be done to evaluate the quality of the game.

8th in the process is to test the content of the game to make sure that everything is conveyed to the audience.

Above all, Screenshot of errors should be saved with notes accordingly and all the information regarding the tests must be documented.

What are the different types of testing in game development?

  • Combinatorial Testing:
  • Clean Room Testing
  • Functionality testing
  • Compatibility Testing
  • Tree Testing
  • Load Testing
  • Play Testing

To read in detail about the testing methods, click the link below

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How to be a Game Tester?

Obviously to be one you have to be an avid game player who has got deep-rooted knowledge about the gaming industry and has to be an ardent game player.

Patience and perseverance is the most important trait of a game tester. If you wish to be one you have to be

Regarding the educational qualification, Game Testers are usually educated in gaming design, programming or some courses related to video graphics or computer science or any other software related course.

There are certificate courses on game testing which will make sure that you are learning what’s needed to gain a job in the industry.

Apart from the educational qualification communication and documentation skills is also needed to that bugs can be reported to the programming team.

What’s the salary for a game tester?

Obviously, like any other job salary of a game tester solely depend on his/her proficiency, experience and track record. An average salary of a game tester can start from 15000 USD per annum to 60,000 USD. There are testers who work on an hourly basis too. Their average salary is about 16.86 USD per hour.

Software Testing: What Future Holds?

We wonder why it took us so long to write on this topic, maybe we wanted some time to let our theories brew.  As the year’s progress, software testing industry is seeing greener pastures. This rapid development in the industry has kept everyone on a hook, especially the testers, expecting them to continuously upgrade their skills.

Software testing plays an important role In the Software Development life cycle (SDLC) which helps improve the quality and performance of the systems. With the growing importance, many big software companies tend to start their testing activities right from the start of the development activities.

Many experts believe that by 2020, software testing will not just be limited to delivering the software without bugs, but will be a huge focus and demand for high-quality products. That’s because software testing is rapidly becoming a standard, rather than a more advanced approach for software development teams.

Below we list some of the top trends in this field for an exception 2018 experience for your tests.

1. Open Source Tools

Most of the software companies use and accept the open source tools to meet their testing requirements.  There are several tools available in the market today, but we can see advanced versions of it ready to be used soon in the near future.  Also, many of the tools like Selenium will jump in the world of AI (Artificial Intelligence) automating most of your testing needs.

2. BigData Testing

Companies today are sitting on top of a huge data repository and all these needs a very strong strategy around the BigData testing. Though BigData testing is difficult than any other testing, the advantages it offers cannot be ignored. The industry has faced many challenges- lack of resources, time and tools, but it has also found its way out of these challenges.

Also Read : All You Need To Know About Software Performance Testing

3. Performance Engineering

The success of software depends upon the performance, reliability, and scalability of the system with user experience as a prime factor. Any software system is incomplete without an interactive user interface. Increased demand for user experience shifts the focus of performance testing to performance engineering.

4. DevOps Integration

DevOps is a concept where the various teams/departments of an IT Organization work seamlessly in collaboration and integration for a project. Since testing plays a very crucial role in SDLC, they are a key person in the business and the overall quality engineering aspects. DevOps is, therefore, a propelling business towards the deployment speed.

5. SDET Professionals

SDET stands for Software Development Engineer in Test (or Software Design Engineer in Test). The concept was proposed by Microsoft and many organizations demand these professionals. The roles of SDET professionals are different from those of our regular testers.  It is said that by 2020, almost all the testers will have to wear the SDET hat to enhance their skills in the testing industry.

gametesting
Conclusion:

With the growing needs and changing requirements, software testing professionals need to improve their skills simultaneously. It is not only a challenge for the testing team, but also for the entire development team for addressing the advancements and technological updated. But we are sure the testing industry will knock down these challenges too with their innovations and research.

IoT Testing: Imminent Challenges and complexities

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network or system of physical objects such as vehicles, devices, and buildings that are embedded using electronic devices, software or microchips. Designed with an aim to collect and exchange data of a different type, the technology gives the user an ability to control devices even from a far-off place over a network.

app testing

The real-life implementation of this technology can be seen in wearable gadgets such as Fitbit bands, applications to collect the real-time outdoor lighting data, healthcare devices, etc. Some of the common reasons for an increasing number of organizations adopting this technology are optimization of operations, reduced cost and improved efficiency.

IoT Testing

IoT Testing has become a crucial element to ensure the effective functioning of all the devices and technology that are being used in its environment. To conduct this form of testing, it is important for the QA team to design an effective and comprehensive strategy that allows them to test and cover all the dimensions of the IoT testing. This strategy would include everything from the types of testing, tools for testing, test lab setup, etc. To avoid all sort of hiccups, the team can also plan in advance about the methods to be used for evaluating data simulation and virtualization.

Even while the team might prepare itself well in advance to conduct this form of testing, there are a number of complexities that they might have to deal with. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Multiple IoT platforms

An individual IoT device works on its own software and hardware. It also integrates with an application software to issue commands to the device and examine data gathered by the device. This, in turn, leads to multiple combinations of hardware and software devices that are required to be tested to ensure a smooth functioning of all the devices.

It is, therefore, important to gather relevant information from the users and develop some easy subsets to be tested. This would allow the testing team to analyze all possible combinations that are generally in use by the team.

2. Numerous IoT communications protocols

A number of different communications protocols are used by the IoT devices to communicate with the controllers and with each other. Some of the common ones used are Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) and Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP). Available with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, MQTT is the most popular for its high potential and performance.

The transport layer is often layered with an API, which is generally based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) or XML. These protocols and APIs are used by the testers to conduct automated testing using a testing design and tools that support these protocols and API s.

3. Higher number of attack surfaces and other security threats

Since more than 70 per cent of the IoT devices is vulnerable to develop security issues, it is important to keep a tab on such issues and fix the same. When conducting the tests, it is important for the testers to be very particular about the device’s password policy so as to ensure that these are fulfilled and the minimum requirements are fulfilled.

The best way to stay secure is to set up a mandatory password change upon its first access. This is required to be considered when the team is developing automated tests for the device.

4. Diversity in IoT apps and devices

The huge varietyofIoT apps and devices demand high testing capabilities in the team. This is to ensure that all the aspects of these applications and devices are tested thoroughly to ensure that these also exceed the desired user expectations. To ensure this, it is required form the testing team to have a strong understanding of the testing processes, the device’s architecture, etc.

If there is some sort of dependency on third-party services and the same are unavailable due to some sort of reasons, it is still possible to run the tests by virtualizing the system and removing all sorts of dependencies on the third-party services.

5. Fast-moving data and increased load

Overloaded WiFi channels, defective network hardware, and slow or inconsistent Internet connections are some of the common issues that occur in connected IoT devices. In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the IoT devices, it is important to test all these devices under different situations and that they respond quickly without causing any sort of data loss.

IoT is the present and the future

The approach to conduct IoT testing varies from system to system but it is important for the testers to ensure that they keep their focus on Test-As-A-User (TAAS) instead of testing as per the requirements.

While the task might seem to be challenging and complicated to the team, but it, definitely, is interesting to test and ensure an optimum functioning network of devices, operation systems, firmware, and protocols. It is expected that in near future, the system will be defined in a much better way hence, reducing all sort of complexities involved in this job.

Presenting Eggplant AI 2.0, An AI testing suite that will change the game

A lot has been done, developed and delivered to improve the scope of testing the software products. However, there have still been glitches and errors that often go unidentified and hence, impact the overall functioning of the software program.

app testing

Understanding the entire scenario, Testplant, a London-based organization that helps the companies to develop amazing digital experiences for the users by keeping them at the center of software testing, had launched its very own Eggplant Digital Automation Intelligence Suite.

With an ability to interact with a software just like a real user, this tool allows to test the product’s real user experience based on features like performance and usabilityas well as generate tests automatically at UI and API level for enhanced productivity. Along with these, it also allows one to manage the test environment, managing the large-scale execution of the tests and create a predictive analytics to comprehend the ways in which a change may impact the users at a broader level.

There are a number of other ways in which Eggplant AI will benefit the testing process such as advanced-level algorithms to identify bugs, massive increase in productivity, full-range testing without any additional efforts and allows one to focus more on improving UX.

Taking a leap forward with Eggplant AI 2.0

The good news here for those in the world of software testing is that the company has now come up with a new and higher version of the tool – Eggplant AI 2.0. The new tool makes use of AI, machine learning and analytics to smartly steer through applications and identify the places where there are higher quality issues to occur. The tool also allows for quick identification and fixing of issues by helping the product teams to correlate the data easily.

Until the launch of this comprehensive tool, testing a software product thoroughly was almost impossible as this required the testing team’s estimating the places where the issues were most likely to occur and then test the same manually using automated test scripts. This, in turn, always had a scope of missing out on places where a user could possibly navigate and hence, a higher chance of unidentified errors.

Eggplant AI 2.0 has been launched with a number of advanced features that take away all this hassle away. Available with enhanced features that allow for easy bug identification, the tool’s machine learning algorithms have specifically been designed to identify places where problems are most likely to occur and auto-generation of the tests to test the user-journeys.

gametesting

Smoke testing is another essential need of the software testers and Eggplant AI 2.0 fulfills this need. Also known as ‘Build Verification Testing’, smoke testing includes a set of non-exhaustive tests that help in ensuring that the product’s most important features work efficiently. This tool allows its users to easily define these must be executed ‘directed’ tests and also combine the manually-defined regression tests and AI-based tests.

Building a better future

It’s not just the product that can define the success of an organization. But, it actually is the extent to which it proves beneficial to the user and meets their needs. Therefore, it is important that a product is rigorously tested before it is delivered in the market and Eggplant AI 2.0 makes it much easier. The tool is truly a future of testing and it is important that the testing teams get used to it as this is what may define their success in near future.

15 Best Anti-Ransomware Tools for Online Security 2019

Ransomware has emerged as one of the fastest growing threats in terms of privacy and security of the computer systems.

8 billion was lost last year owing to Ransomware attacks.  It is expected that if ransomware attacks a company, an average of $133,000 will be lost in correcting everything. So what’s the possible escape from this situation? Only one answer! Anti-ransomware tools.  To an extent, they can block ransomware attacks and save your company from a huge loss.

But there are a plethora of Anti Ransomware tools out there in the market. To avoid confusion we have made a list of leading 15 Anti-Ransomware tools for you to choose from

1. Trend Micro Lock Screen Ransomware Tool

anti-ransomware tools

This tool has specifically been designed to help a person get rid of lock screen ransomware, a type of malware that blocks the user’s access to the PC and forces him/her to pay a certain amount in order to get back their data.

The tool works effectively in two situations – firstly, when the PC’s normal mode is blocked but the safe mode is still accessible and secondly when the lock screen ransomware blocks both the normal and safe mode.

In the first situation, the users boot the PC into the same model to avoid the malware and install the software using a keyboard sequence.

A new screen, then, appears asking the user to scan, clean the system and finally reboot the same.

In the second situation, it is possible to load the removal tool onto a USB drive using a mal-free system and executing from there during a boot.

2. Avast Anti-Ransomware Tools

Avast offers 16 different types of ransomware tools. However, not all the decryptors work on all types of ransomware, the available ransomware tools by Avast are free as well as can check for all sort of viruses at the same time.

3. BitDefender Anti-Ransomware

anti-ransomware tools

BitDefender’s tool is planned to act as insurance against being tainted by CTB-Locker, Locky, Petya, and TeslaCrypt ransomware.

Although it is not very clear how the program functions, but once it is loaded, it ought to identify a disease as it initiates, halting it before any documents are scrambled.

The splash screen is perfect and fundamental in feel, highlighting a section that prevents executables from running in specific areas and a choice to divert on insurance from the boot.

The organization accentuates that the program isn’t expected as a substitution for antivirus, however, ought to be utilized as a part of conjunction with it.

4. Zemana Antimalware

anti-ransomware tools

Zemana antimalware is a lightweight security arrangement that brings incredible insurance against ransomware.

Considering the expansion in ransomware assaults, Zemana has invested a lot of time to offer the best solution to offer ransomware protection.

Along with this, this tool also distinguishes and erases spyware, adware and other diverse no-nonsense malware.

The product brings ongoing assurance and add-on features like program cleanup.

5. Malwarebytes 3

anti-ransomware tools

Designed specifically for malware-infected PCs, this is one of the finest examples of products that offer specific ransomware security.

Malwarebytes aims to make use of cutting-edge technology to shield your documents from ransomware.

Because of its hostility towards malware, spyware, and rootkit technology, this tool is capable enough to identify malware as well as evacuating them.

Along with this, the tool also shields the browser and other programs that associate with the web.

6. HitmanPro.Alert

anti-ransomware tools

Although not different, this tool is known as one of the most effective tools that work effectively against malware programming.

Capable of recognizing any conduct of ransomware in your framework, the tool either expels or reverses its effects.

The tool is packed in a CryptoGuard innovation that helps in easily eradicating any growing ransomware in the framework and reestablishing the files before their encryption.

7. Kaspersky Anti-ransomware Tool

anti-ransomware tools

Kaspersky Anti-ransomware tool is another extremely well known tool out there for its anti-ransomware properties.

The product offers security against various web dangers including ransomware, while likewise ensuring your protection and individual data, if there should be an occurrence of an assault.

Along with this, the product also advises the user about any inconsistent websites so that its ransomware does not spread to their framework.

8. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus

anti-ransomware tools

Webroot Secure Anywhere Anti-virus utilizes conduct based tracking to identify any suspicious activities and decrypted infected documents in case you compromise amid a ransomware assault.

While this tool is an anti-virus first, ransomware security and inherent firewall are its additional features.

The tool works by keeping a substantial database of known dangers and inquiries when checking programs.

9. McAfee Ransomware Interceptor

anti-ransomware tools

McAfee is a trusted security brand that also gives assurance to offer protection against any sort of ransomware attack.

Light in weight, simple to utilize and available for free, this tool is incredible at blocking ransomware progressively and furthermore adjusting to new strains of ransomware.

It can raise a couple of false location, which is somewhat irritating, however nothing to stress over, truly.

Better for it to be over-careful than miss a dangerous risk.

10. CyberSight RansomStopper

anti-ransomware tools

Available for free, this tool can detect and block all the real-world ransomware samples as well as does not allow the encryption of files.

Know More: Top 52 Software Testing Tools 2019

However, the tool is definitely vulnerable to get affected by ransomware as it allows file encryption only at the boot time.

The product is also similar to some other freely-available ransomware tools like Cybereason RansomFree, Trend Micro RansomBuster, and Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware.

11. Check Point Zone Alarm Anti Ransomware

Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti Ransomware has the ability to analyse suspicious activities in your PC. It can easily detect ransomware attack and restores any encrypted files. Features of Check Point ZoneAlarm Anti Ransomware include,

  • Can restore any encrypted file
  • Even though it’s a stand-alone software  it can work well with any antivirus package
  • Provides the highest level protected by constantly monitoring the OS

12. Acronis Ransomware Protection

Acronis Ransomware Protection is an advanced ransomware protection suit that can protect all of the data in a system such as documents, programs, media files, etc. The software has the ability to observe patterns in which files are changed in a system.  The suspicious pattern will be traced out so that attacks can detect effectively.

Acronis Ransomware Protection makes use of this pattern to learn about attacks and irregularity and will not let this happen again. Another important feature is the defense systems of the software it will not let any action interrupt while file backup.  The system also monitors mater boot record of Windows-based system.

13. WinPatrol War

WinPatrol War is a next-gen anti-ransomware tool that uses AI to defend ransomware attacks.  The first line of defense of WinPatrol War includes blocking threats before they can do any damage to your computer system.

WinPatrol War also offers network protection if a bad program is trying to breach your network system.

The tool basically creates a safe zone in your system and when an unknown/bad program tries to breach your system, WinPatrol War will block it.

14. Neushield

Neushield uses mirror shielding technology (Neushield adds a barrier to all the files in a computer system. So when a program is trying to alter files, it affects the overlay rather than the original file)to block ransomware attacks. What makes Neushield stand apart from other tools is that it can recover the files no matter how badly it’s corrupted.

Some ransomware attacks boot files of the computer. Neushield has the provision to stop that too. Neushield also has the ability to block write access to files that are being altered.

15. The Kure

Your computer has a lot of wanted and unwanted files. The Kure has the ability to recognize the nature of the files and delete the unwanted files.

Kure also has the ability to wash out unwanted changes in the re-boot itself. In short, simple reboot itself is enough to erase unwanted files from your system if The Kure is installed.

Give These a Try:

The above-mentioned tools are really effective in protecting the computer systems from all sorts of ransomware attacks.

And, the best aspect of these anti-ransomware tools is that these anti-ransomware tools ensure maximum protection without leading to any sort of data loss.

Therefore, it is best to stay safe by giving some of these anti-ransomware tools a try and strengthening your online security.

Know More: Top 12 Penetration Testing Tools 2019

Top 17 Hacker Based Movies You Cant Miss [Infographic]

Almost everyone like watching movies as a part of entertainment in this bustling lifestyle. But there are even some hacker based movies that get us inspired to learn new things. In this age of gadgets like smart phones, computers etc. all these electronic devices has turn out to be true companions for geeks and technology enthusiasts.
In the last few years, this has been taken over in many of the world movies (including Hollywood) where hacking has been portrayed as the main theme.

Most of the technologies shown in movies might evolve as real-world techniques in future and some are even based on real incidents.
Vulnerabilities and cyber security are so common these days as from national security to email accounts anything and everything can be hacked.
Because of all this, there is an ever-growing demand for ethical hackers to protect our systems.
Below we have listed the top 17 hacker based movies that are based on the theme of Hacking, Security and Technology, which you can’t miss to watch and also get more idea about the world of ‘hacking’. Take a look…
hacker based movies