The game industry is complex and rapidly changing along with the development of users’ gaming experience. Accordingly, game QA services ensure a stable operation of the game by detecting and fixing bugs before the game is released or from time to time during game servicing.
Today, we will take a closer look on how to solve the functional problems of game development and ways to improve the gaming experience based on the experiences with the game QA process, which is a constantly growing service request among the global game services of Latis Global.
Why Is Game QA Important?
While the game environment is constantly evolving, new technologies and trends keep appearing. Whenever starting a new game, users want to enjoy it without any issues, regardless of it being a mobile game, console game, computer game, VR game etc. This is where game QA services come in.
1. What Is Functional Game QA?
Functional QA is the process of ensuring that the game performs all of its intended functions without errors. This includes testing everything from fundamental game mechanics to complex systems like multiplayer, AI or the game’s physics engine and ensuring that all requirements are met, including non-functional aspects like security, usability, and accessibility.
For example, any game in which objects interact with each other in a virtual environment requires the testing of a collision detection system that identifies when the player’s character collides with another in-game object or character. In order to test this system, it is necessary to place the character in various situations and check if the collision was detected. The responses also need to be tested for errors, such as sound effects or characters getting tripped up by environmental elements in the game.
For racing games, the testing team checks if the correct response is triggered when the player’s vehicle collides with another vehicle, racetrack boundaries and elements such as obstacles or signs. With this data, the testing team can ensure that the game’s physics engine is working properly to provide a flawless and immersive game experience for all players.
2. What Is Functional Testing in QA?
Functional QA testing checks the game’s efficiency and performance on various hardware environments, such as PC/Mac/mobile/console etc. (Device Compatibility Testing), and if the game follows the console manufacturer’s certification requirements (Certification Testing).
When a game company requests certification testing, the testing team starts the process by carefully reviewing the game’s design and functional specifications. The game company provides the necessary information via a technical summary file, and the QA service company compares it to the certification requirements set by the hardware’s manufacturing companies such as Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo.
3. LQA To Ensure the Linguistic Quality of Your Game
Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA) testing refers to the examination of visual elements in the localized version of a global game to ensure the quality of all in-game texts. This ensures that each translated language appears correctly in the game.
It is checked if the words in the game’s UI fit in the text boxes or buttons, and if the text is aligned correctly. The tester hands over any errors discovered while testing to the game developer or the localization project manager to discuss and fix them.
A part of localization testing is also the process of verifying the images used in the game and if the icons and symbols are culturally appropriate. It is most important for translated games to provide the player with an immersive game experience. With this in mind, testing with native testers ensures the quality of cultural elements, translated text, and dubbed voices.
So, Why Is QA Testing Necessary for a Smooth Game Experience?
The purpose of QA testing is to provide players with a consistent gaming experience by identifying and reporting any issues, both functional and non-functional. A game that works reliably without any issues can increase user trust and loyalty, and reduce the number of disgruntled gamers voicing their displeasure through negative reviews.
The developer can identify and solve problems before the game-release to prevent unexpected issues and provide all users with a flawless game experience by requesting professional QA game testing service. Game satisfaction will increase sales and build brand reputation.
