It can be difficult to test games. There are so many factors to consider that it's difficult to know where to begin. Using QA as a service is the simplest and most effective strategy. It's less expensive because you only pay for what you use, and it's much easier to scale up or down as needed.
Table of Contents
How To Test Games
For a better idea of what goes into the process, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Platform
The first step in game testing is to select the appropriate platform. There are several platforms available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:
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- PCs: The most popular game testing platform, PCs offer a wide range of games and hardware configurations. They can, however, be costly and difficult to set up for testing.
- Consoles: Consoles are less expensive than PC gaming rigs and are easier to set up for testing. However, console games are frequently more difficult to test than PC games due to fewer input options and less flexibility in terms of graphics and sound.
- Handheld game testing is similar to console game testing, but with the added difficulty of a smaller screen and less precise controls.
You have the option of testing the games on all platforms or selecting one. The most important thing is to choose one that will allow you to thoroughly and accurately test the game.
2. Select the Appropriate Test Type
Once you’ve chosen a platform, you must select the appropriate test type. There are four main types of tests:
- This test examines the game's functionality, including graphics, sound, and gameplay. Before releasing the game to the public, it is critical to ensure that all game features are operational.
- Compatibility testing ensures that the game will work on a variety of hardware and software configurations. The game should be enjoyable for a large number of players.
- Usability testing determines how simple the game is to use. Players should not become frustrated by the game's controls or interface.
- The performance test determines how well the game runs on different hardware and software configurations. On all systems, the game should run smoothly.
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3. Create a Test Plan
Create a test plan after you've decided on a platform and test type. This document will lay out all of the tests you'll need to run, as well as the criteria for each one. These are some examples:
- Goals of the test: What you hope to accomplish with each test.
- Conditions of testing: The hardware and software configurations for testing that you will use
- Steps for testing: The specific actions that you must perform during each test
- Results to be expected: The results of each test
- Criteria for passing/failing: The criteria that will be used to determine whether or not a test is successful.
Create the test plan before commencing any assessment to ensure that all testers work from the same template.
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4. Prepare and Execute the Test
Now it’s time to set up your testing environment. This includes installing the game on your chosen platform and configuring the hardware and software settings. You may also need to create or purchase test equipment, such as controllers, headsets, and capture cards.
Once the environment is prepared, you can begin executing the tests. Work through each test in the plan, noting any bugs or issues that arise. Be sure to document all findings so that they can be fixed before release.
Take screenshots or video footage of any gameplay issues so that developers can reproduce the issue and find a solution.
5. Analyze and Report Results
After all of the tests have been completed, the results must be analyzed. This includes going over all of the recorded data and looking for trends or patterns. These findings should be compiled into a report for distribution to the development team.
The report should include:
- A summary of the test objectives
- A description of the test conditions
- A list of all the bugs and issues found, along with screenshots or video footage
- Recommendations for fixing the identified problems
When the report is finished, send it to the development team in an easy-to-read format, such as PDF, so that they can fix any problems before the release.
6. Retest After Fixes are Implemented
It's time to retest the game after the development team has had a chance to fix the identified issues. This ensures that all issues have been addressed and that the game is ready for release.
You can retest by starting over or focusing on specific areas of the game that have been affected by the fixes. In any case, make sure the game works properly before releasing it to the public.