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Testing games can be a difficult process. There are so many things to consider, and it’s hard to know where to start. The easiest and most effective strategy is to take advantage of QA as a service. It’s cost-effective since you only need to pay for the resources you use, and it’s much easier to scale up or down as needed.
But 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 testing games is to choose the right platform. There are a variety of platforms available, each with its strengths and weaknesses:
- PCs: The most popular platform for game testing, PCs offer various games and hardware configurations. However, they can be expensive and difficult to set up for testing.
- Consoles: Less expensive than PC gaming rigs, consoles are easier to set up for testing. But console games are often more difficult to test than PC games because consoles have fewer input options and less flexibility in terms of graphics and sound.
- Handhelds: Handheld game testing is similar to console testing, but with the added challenge of a smaller screen and less precise controls.
You can test the games on all platforms or choose one. The most important is to select one that will allow you to test the game thoroughly and accurately.
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:
- Functional test: This test checks the game’s functionality, including graphics, sound, and gameplay. It is important to ensure that all game features are working correctly before releasing the game to the public.
- Compatibility test: It ensures that the game runs on different hardware and software configurations. Many players should enjoy the game.
- Usability test: It assesses how easy it is to use the game. Players must not end up feeling frustrated by the game’s controls or interface.
- Performance test: This gauges how well the game runs on various hardware and software configurations. The game should run smoothly on all systems.
3. Create a Test Plan
Once you’ve selected a platform and test type, create a test plan. This document will outline all of the tests you need to perform, as well as the criteria for each test. These include:
- Test objectives: What you want to achieve with each test.
- Test conditions: The hardware and software configurations you’ll use for testing
- Test steps: The specific actions you must take during each test
- Expected results: The outcome of each test
- Pass/fail criteria: The criteria that will determine whether a test is successful
Create the test plan before commencing any assessment to ensure that all testers work from the same template.
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.
Further, take screenshots or video footage of any gameplay issues so that developers can replicate the problem and find a solution.
5. Analyze and Report Results
After all of the tests have been completed, it’s time to analyze the results. This includes sorting through all of the recorded data and identifying any trends or patterns. These findings should be compiled into a report that you can share with 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
Once the report is complete, share it with the development team in easy-to-read formats such as PDF so that they can fix any issues before release.
6. Retest After Fixes are Implemented
After the development team has had a chance to fix the identified issues, it’s time to retest the game. This helps ensure that all problems have been properly addressed and that the game is ready for release.
You can retest by repeating the entire testing process from scratch or focusing on specific areas of the game affected by the fixes. Either way, ensure that the game is functioning properly before releasing it to the public.