When Does Funtional QA Step In?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t conduct QA just once right before the launch. Instead, it’s an ongoing process that starts as early as the conceptual stage and continues even after the game has been released. Whether it’s the alpha or beta stage, functional QA services are designed to catch bugs early, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Types of Game Testing

So, you might be wondering, “What types of testing are there?” Well, there’s a whole lot of options, but let’s focus on what we do best: functional testing. While other types of testing like manual, automated, and compatibility testing are essential, functional testing is the bread and butter of QA. It’s all about making sure that every feature, every button, and every interaction works exactly as it should. No compromises.

Functional Testing: The Heart of QA

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. First, we meticulously go through every aspect of your game, from the user interface to gameplay mechanics, ensuring everything functions as designed. We’re talking about diving deep into test cases, scenarios, and objectives custom-tailored to your game. Also, it’s not just about breaking things (although that’s fun); it’s about making sure they’re built so well that they can’t be broken.

Test Planning and Strategy

“Fail to plan, plan to fail,” as the saying goes. Before we even consider running the first test, we create a comprehensive test plan. This includes defining the scope of testing, setting milestones, and scheduling test cycles. Then, we align our strategy with your development timeline, ensuring that QA is a seamless part of the entire development process. Trust us; this is one area where winging it just won’t cut it.

Identifying and Documenting Bugs

So, what do we do when we discover a bug? First, we don’t sweep it under the rug and hope no one notices. We document it meticulously, detailing its severity, priority, and the steps to reproduce it. This isn’t just busy work; it’s crucial for effective communication between QA and development teams. The better the documentation, the faster the fix. It’s as simple as that.

The Feedback Loop

Once we identify and document bugs, we send them back to the development team for fixing. However, our job doesn’t end there. After the bugs are squashed, we re-test to ensure they’re gone. This feedback loop is essential for ensuring a high-quality end product. It’s like a game of whack-a-mole but with bugs instead of moles.

Performance Testing

Now, let’s talk speed and stability. Your game might work fine under normal conditions. However, what about when thousands of players are online simultaneously? Performance testing ensures your game can handle the heat. We simulate various conditions, from peak user loads to low-latency networks, to make sure your game performs consistently under any circumstance.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Ever heard the phrase, “The customer is always right”? Well, in the world of gaming, the player is always right. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is where we let real users get their hands on the game. Their feedback is invaluable for identifying issues we might not catch. Also, it’s like having an extra set of eyes, or in this case, thousands of extra sets of eyes.

The Final Verdict: Go or No-Go?

The moment of truth. All the testing, all the bug fixes, and all the late nights come down to this: Is your game ready for launch? Firstly, we evaluate the game against the release criteria, and if it ticks all the boxes, it’s a ‘Go.’ If not, it’s back to the drawing board. However, don’t worry, with our rigorous QA process, your game will be ready for the spotlight in no time.