Since the video game business has expanded more recently, if the market for video games was worth more than $ 130 billion in 2018, it is predicted to be worth more than $ 300 billion by 2020, according to data from Global Data.  Game production companies must be competitive with the games they release because this growth also increases competition in the video game market. Due to the wide variety of games available at the time, player expectations for quality have risen. The video games ought to be as fun and bug-free as possible. That’s where game testing comes in.

Why is it necessary to test games?

Video game testing should be sufficiently funded by game production companies to guarantee that the final output is free of faults and defects. The player experience would suffer as a result, and you should already be aware that the player experience is what makes gaming so popular. A game will succeed if the user experience is positive. The App Store and Play Store each have millions of games available, but thriving in such a crowded market takes a lot of perseverance and effort. You need to be unique if you want to stand out and leave your imprint in the sea of games that are released every day. Complex levels are insufficient to keep players interested in your game and telling their friends about it. Users are ready to delete a game and go to another if it does not function as expected by them.

Before a product is released to the general public, quality assurance testers search for bugs and weaknesses that can be fixed. Additionally, they need to make sure that elements like the amount of fun and emotional connection to the game are at their best using a variety of ways. We go through a few of the typical methods employed by QA testing specialists for video games below.

• Functionality Testing

The purpose of this game testing method is to determine whether the video game performs as intended. The functionality testing method may encounter faults with general visuals, interface, stability, or mechanical components. Additionally, issues like freezing, crashing, and progression blocks can be fixed using this method. 

In the interface, game testers look out for any graphical corruptions such as missing visuals, missing colors, problems with location, or problems with animation & clips. Game testers compile a list of all the problems and faults they find and provide it to the game developers so they may be fixed. The game is sent back to the QA testing team for additional testing after the game developers have fixed the problems. 

• Combinatorial Testing

This method of testing video games enables you to determine how many tests the game actually need. The combinatorial testing technique examines all of the game’s outputs and inputs in order to provide a clear picture of many potential combinations and results. This study has significant testing implications because it shows that parameter combinations can be tested to produce highly accurate fault detection.

• Ad Hoc Testing

This approach is not formal; rather, all of the steps are taken at random. This method of testing video games, sometimes known as “error guessing,” entails finding problems by picking them out at random. As a result, no particular documentation, such as requirement documents, test plans, test cases, or adequate test planning on its schedule and order of performed tests, is required.

Ad-hoc testing is more of a “wild-child” testing technique that doesn’t need to be structured, hence it is generally advised that it only be done once the current test bucket’s execution is complete. When thorough testing cannot be done because of time constraints, this is another option.

• Compatibility Testing

The user interface of the game must be compatible with all screen sizes, and this technique for testing games lets you determine this. Due to the individual nature of each device, there may be issues with screen size, graphic fidelity, hardware consumption, or background programs. The video game must, after inspection, satisfy the hardware, graphics, and other prerequisites for the program. The most precise performance assessment and understanding of end-user experience can be achieved by doing conventional compatibility on physical devices.

• Cleanroom Testing

The cleanroom testing method verifies and enhances the performance of the dependability and consistency of gaming software. Cleanroom testing enables you to pinpoint the root cause of faults and minor errors. The idea is for game testers to design tests that behave exactly like gamers do when they play the game. As a result, they will have an easier time figuring out what the players are up to.

• Regression Testing

This method of game testing’s goal is to make sure the game’s features are optimally functioning, which aids in maintaining the game’s high quality, which is crucial to the players’ overall experience. Practically speaking, game testers continue to play the game and compare the outcomes to the tests’ findings. They are looking for any existing bugs as well as any new faults that might have arisen as a result of the adjustments.

In conclusion, if your game’s finished result is full of bugs, it doesn’t matter how fantastic your game’s concept is. Users won’t be able to play it smoothly, which will result in the failure of your game.