Testing your game before releasing it to the public is crucial. It helps you identify and fix issues to ensure the game runs smoothly, delivering a seamless user experience (UX). Device-based compatibility testing is one of the testing approaches adopted by testers to check if the game runs effectively across different devices, platforms, and configurations.
With multiple devices being used to play games, you must ensure the game works as expected across all devices to attract and retain a broader audience. Here, you may need to collaborate with a game QA partner to thoroughly test your game across multiple platforms and devices. But what are some device-based compatibility testing solutions you should look out for in your game QA partner? Let’s find out.
10 Device-Based Compatibility Testing Solutions to Look for in Your Game QA Partner
Here are some device-based compatibility testing solutions and factors to look out for when selecting a game QA partner:
1. Device Inventory
How many devices has the game QA partner worked with before? Games are played on different devices in the modern-day world. Therefore, you must work with a game QA partner with extensive knowledge in testing games across multiple devices. Otherwise, you’ll release a gaming product that doesn’t satisfy a specific group of users, limiting the chances of your game succeeding in the competitive market.
A reliable game QA partner should have an extensive inventory of devices representing different manufacturers, operating systems, screen sizes, and models. This will ensure comprehensive device-based compatibility testing coverage.
2. Simulators and Emulators
The lack of adequate actual devices is a critical challenge in device-based compatibility testing. While these devices are crucial, simulators and emulators can be cost-effective for testing many virtual devices. With simulators and emulators, your QA partner can test your game’s device compatibility faster and enjoy more scalability in test coverage.
3. Automated Testing Tools
Gone are the days when we relied on 100% manual testing. Automated testing tools have been built to facilitate faster and more efficient game testing. Also, they improve test coverage by allowing testers to focus more on complex device-based compatibility issues.
An efficient QA partner should have experience with automated testing frameworks and tools like Selenium and Appium. This can streamline the testing process and ensure consistent testing results across devices.
4. Cloud-Based Testing
Cloud-based testing is crucial in modern-day game testing. It enables game QAs to access a cloud-based device farm and test numerous devices, particularly for mobile games. Therefore, your game QA partner should have experience in cloud-based testing.
One key benefit of this approach is that cloud solutions offer scalability and allow QA to test games on devices that may not be physically available. This broadens their test coverage, ensuring the game can run seamlessly on devices that haven’t been physically tested.
5. Manual Testing
Although automated testing is valuable, it doesn’t mean you no longer need to test your game manually. Remember, most automation solutions are designed to handle routine testing tasks. This means they can miss out on specific device-based compatibility issues that your game may have. And that’s where manual testing comes in.
When looking for a game QA partner, consider their manual testing experience. This will allow them to identify nuanced device compatibility issues that automated scripts may miss. Look for a partner with skilled manual testers for the greater good of your game.
6. Operating System (OS) Version Compatibility
Different devices run on different operating systems. From Android to iOS, your game should run smoothly across all operating systems, including older versions and the latest releases. This will help accommodate a wider audience, boosting its chances of success.
Your QA partner should have the required skill set to test the game on different versions of operating systems. This is crucial in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, where diverse operating systems exist.
7. Experience
Device-based compatibility testing is crucial in identifying glitches, bugs, and performance issues that affect the end-user experience or the game’s functionality. Many QA solution providers exist in the market. This means you must be careful with whom you entrust to test your game’s device compatibility.
Find a Game QA service provider with a proven track record in testing device compatibility for games. Check their reviews on various platforms, such as Reddit, to know what partnering with them feels like. Go for the ones with a deep understanding of the gaming industry’s unique challenges and positive feedback from previous clients.
8. Reporting and Documentation
Device-based compatibility testing can help you identify a wide range of issues in your game. Each problem has its severity score regarding how much it can impact the game’s performance or functionality.
A reliable QA partner should provide comprehensive reports and documentation of the compatibility test results, including issues identified, their severity score, and recommendations for improvement. Working with such a QA partner can help you prioritize the device compatibility issues and improve the overall game experience.
9. Network Testing
Your game players will be from all over the world. Remember, the world is a global village, and once you’ve uploaded the game, it may go viral and be played in areas you never knew about. Therefore, during the device compatibility testing phase, you should test how the game performs in different network connections and speeds (3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi).
An effective QA partner should be able to test all these connections. This will ensure the game functions optimally under different network environments.
10. Communication and Collaboration
When looking for a QA partner for device-based compatibility testing, don’t only focus on their technical capabilities. Things like how they communicate and collaborate with your team matter.
Only work with QA partners who work closely with your development team and are responsive to your needs. This is crucial in ensuring long-term partnership and successful results.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a game QA partner can determine the likelihood of your game’s success. These technical and non-technical compatibility testing solutions and factors can help you select the right QA partner to thoroughly test your game across different devices. This can lead to a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for your players.
