Games Testing

7 Different Types of Game Testing - Dzone

7 techniques of game testing:

1. Functionality testing:

Developers must test the functionality of their game before release. This includes making sure that the player moves properly, the audio is clear and the mechanics function the way you want it to. 

2. Combinatorial testing:

This stage of testing is meant to determine if the game meets the definite criteria. The execution of this technique will improve the overall quality, effectiveness and cost of the game. 

3. Ad hoc testing: 

This technique is referred to as “general testing”. It is less structured and can be used in any area of the game. Usually, no documentation is needed for this technique. This technique can reveal hidden bugs that are in the game, which is super beneficial. 

4. Compatibility testing:

This technique tests if your game is accessible and optimal for all screens such as mobile, PC or Mac. It is beneficial to make sure that your game is optimal for users as you’re making the game for them and it’s better to keep them satisfied than unsatisfied. 

5. Clean room test and Tree test:

The Clean Room Test helps to ensure the game’s software is consistent and reliable. The goal of carrying out this clean room testing is to create a product with marginal mistakes. The positive thing about this form of testing is that there is no need to plan any test material as tasks and tree can be used to do the same.

 

6. Regression testing:

Regression testing essentially means to re-check your work to ensure that no new errors have occurred during the development process. This is important as game developers must make sure that there are no bugs within the game after it’s released. It’s also a good idea to observe the old results to the new results to see if any errors occurred. 

7. Performance testing:

This testing technique ensures that the overcame functions properly under real-time gameplay. This technique also tests network connectivity, battery consumption, reaction time, etc.

 

Gametesting - New York Film Academy

Why is playtesting important?

Playtesting is important for game developers because we can never know how our game feels in other people’s hands. Some might say it can be time-consuming, but it's one of the most important stages and also the most fun as developers are able to see all of their hard work come to life.

When should you start playtesting?

You should begin your playtesting once you’ve built a working prototype. Although some like to playtest late, this could actually be a bad idea as it can lead you to figure out that your current gameplay isn’t that fun after spending so much time on it.

Who should playtest your game?

The truth is anybody can playtest your game as long as they can handle the basic controls of your game then there shouldn’t be an issue. It is most ideal to get a broad range of crowds that are both experienced players and amateur players. The best candidates however are said to be kids or children as their reaction will be more immediate and also because they’re very brutally honest. Having other people playtest is important, but you must also play test yourself to make sure you’ve accomplished all of your desired ideas!

When others are playing your game, sometimes its best to just step back and observe, you can actually learn a lot from doing this. Learn from a distance. Plus, people are not going to have you constantly beside them while they play your game in the real world. When others playtest your game, it's a good idea to write down timestamps and notes of when the player is stuck on a section, how fast they were able to overcome an obstacle or do they understand the mechanics? etc. 

You could also interview them afterwards to get some feedback on how you could improve the game such as “what was your favourite part?”, “did you find anything interesting?”, “Was the game difficult?”, etc. Some of the information you gather might be useless, but sometimes you can find valuable information from a simple suggestion. At times, testers can make suggestions that aren’t part of your initial plan. It's always a good idea to take into account what others might like, as they’re the ones you’re creating the game for, but If the suggestion doesn’t suit your game idea (to you) then perhaps you should consider compromising and create something that satisfies all parties.

References: 
dzone.com. (n.d.). 7 Different Types of Game Testing Techniques - DZone Performance. [online] Available at: https://dzone.com/articles/7-different-types-of-game-testing-techniques [Accessed 8 Dec. 2020].

Brackeys (2020). HOW TO PLAYTEST! YouTube. [online video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9U1dcUS_-w&feature=emb_title [Accessed 8 Dec. 2020].