All About Video Game Testing

Developers want to ensure that once a game is released there are an extremely few number of bugs, and this is one of the reasons the role of a video game tester has become so important. In the past, video game testing usually required no more than one to two people because, quite simply, games weren't too complex. With some games, testers weren't even needed because those in charge of Game Programming could do the testing on their own. But, today, video game testing is in high demand, and companies are often looking for testers to find bugs in the game design. Companies strive to create a pool of people who are in charge of quality assessment and assurance.

Testing often times takes place before the game is even put into alpha or beta mode, despite what many people think. Of course, testing takes place in all stages, but it is preferable that bugs are found in the earliest stage possible. Companies want to ensure that the game design is flawless before it is put into alpha and beta stages.

What does game testing involve?

Testing involves a lot of game programming expertise, patience, and a true eye for detail. The idea behind game testing is to find and resolve bugs before the game hits store shelves. There is all sorts of testing that goes on, from compliance testing to functionality testing and compatibility testing, along with plenty of others. The testing process for video games is extremely similar to that of software testing.

The first step is to look at the Game Design and identify any type of program behavior that is incorrect. This behavior is called a bug. Once the behavior is identified, a tester will then report the bug through a defect tracking system which creates a report of the bug as well as a way to reproduce the bug. Sometimes real-time video of the bug is put through the system as well.

When the bug is reported and stored within the system, the developer who is responsible for the bug looks at the problem. For example, a game artist would be needed to fix a graphics bug. When the bug is fixed, the game tester will test the game again to ensure that the game programming is intact and that the bug no longer exists.

Of course, sometimes some of the bugs that are reported during video game testing aren't exactly bugs. Sometimes they are simply ignored while others are called NAB, not a bug. But, one thing is for sure: before a video game ever hits the shelves at your local gaming store, it has already gone through proper video game testing. This ensures that the game you buy is up-to-par, performs properly, and isn't buggy.

Gina Kraft wrote the article for Game Shastra. Gina is a supporter of Game Shastra specially, their game design, game programming, and game development areas.

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