In 2023, the Philippine online gaming industry has a reported revenue of 26.91 million US dollars. Forecasts show that it will continue to grow by +5.57% in 2027. It only makes sense for student gamers with entertainment and multimedia computing skills to study this field. As the online gaming industry grows, game development becomes one of the most in-demand future jobs. However, there is one area in game development that is rarely discussed. That is game testing. You can make a future career out of it, too! 

In this article, we will talk about how to conduct quality assurance in game development properly. For student game developers, we are here to let you know that you have to test your game throughout the game development process.

What is quality assurance in game development?

Every Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing graduate knows that quality assurance is integral in game development. Also known as game testing, it is the process of identifying and fixing bugs, assessing gameplay, and ensuring an overall positive user experience for the end product.

Game testing is a component of game development. It usually happens towards the end of the process (known as beta testing) before the game is released. But for proper quality assurance in game development, game testing could also be conducted during the developing stage (alpha testing).

To succeed in this field, future QA professionals must study the game rules, requirements, and overall game flow and architecture.

The process of quality assurance in game development

Planning stage

Identify the scope of testing, such as the specific features, game modes, or platforms. Afterward, outline the testing objectives, schedules, and resources needed,

Assembling of the testing team

Build up a team of game testers required for your objectives. You might need beta testers, designers, or other game developers to help you. As a student developer, get people with the right entertainment and multimedia computing skills.

Testing of different areas

Quality assurance in game development involves the following:

Functional Testing

At the heart of game testing lies functional testing. It involves rigorous examination to ensure that every aspect of the game’s mechanics, features, and interface is stable and functioning optimally. This ensures that the player’s experience remains free from glitches and hiccups. The ultimate goal is to make the game user-friendly, providing players with a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Compatibility Testing

The gaming industry is diverse, with players using various devices, platforms, software, and configurations. Compatibility testing is the process of ensuring that your game is not limited to a single ecosystem. It aims to verify that the game is playable and performs well across different devices and environments. Whether it’s a PC, console, mobile device, or various software and hardware combinations, this testing ensures that your game appeals to a broader audience.

Performance Testing

For a game to succeed, it must offer a smooth and immersive experience. Performance testing delves into optimizing various aspects, including game speed, frame rate, loading speed, battery consumption, network connectivity, and processor constraints. This holistic approach to performance evaluation guarantees that your game runs at its peak, no matter the player’s hardware or network conditions.

Compliance Testing

In the complex gaming world, adhering to gaming platforms’ and regulatory bodies’ rules and standards is crucial. Compliance testing ensures that your game aligns with these guidelines. Whether it’s the stringent policies of the Apple Store or other regulatory bodies in different regions, this testing guarantees that your game is ready for release without any roadblocks.

Localization Testing

Global expansion is a goal for many game developers. To achieve this, localization testing plays a pivotal role. It involves customizing the game’s software to cater to specific requirements of different countries or regions, such as language support, currency formats, and cultural nuances. This ensures your game feels native to players worldwide, expanding its reach and appeal.

Recovery Testing

Even the best games can encounter unexpected challenges, like crashes or hardware failures. Recovery testing evaluates how your game responds to such disruptions. It assesses the application’s ability to recover gracefully and continue functioning without data loss, providing players with a resilient and uninterrupted gaming experience.

Security Testing

Security testing has never been more critical with the rise of online gaming. It’s imperative to safeguard your game against hacking attempts and cheat codes. Beyond this, it also guarantees that players’ data remains protected, maintaining their trust and the integrity of your game.

Regression Testing

Regression testing becomes indispensable as your game evolves and updates are rolled out. It ensures that the fixes applied to specific issues don’t introduce new bugs or problems in other game areas. This iterative approach guarantees that your game continually improves and maintains a high-quality standard.

In conclusion, game testing is a multifaceted process that encompasses various aspects to ensure the success and longevity of your game. It’s more than just checking for bugs; it’s about creating a seamless, immersive, and secure experience for players across the globe. From functional testing to security and compliance, each facet contributes to your game’s overall quality and success.

Polishing before release

The QA team performs a final test before releasing the game. It involves extensive playing to guarantee an overall enjoyable gaming experience. Graphics, audio, and other elements should be functioning well.

Post-launch support

Quality assurance continues once your game is released. Monitor player feedback to make sure that game problems will be addressed. 

Study Game Development at CIIT!

This is only the basic information that every entertainment and multimedia computing student must know. You can succeed in this industry in the Philippines and the rest of the world! 

To put your success story in the bag, you must have the required game development skills to become successful in the industry. CIIT Philippines is an academic institution that promotes high-quality, industry-based learning–you will learn critical skills and how to apply them in real life so you can be up-to-date and equipped to realize your potential.

With that goal, we opened more opportunities for the early development of our CIITzens. You can apply to our Senior High School Computer Programming Track to develop your creative and technical skills as early as possible. Then, enroll for our Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing to be at the top of your game!