Automated game testing can transform your testing process and experience. However, you must use the right test automation tools to get the best outcome from automated testing. Join us as we explore the test automation tools, including their overview, pros, and challenges.

Game Test Automation Tools: Overview 

Game testing is crucial to building a robust and high-quality game. One of the ways to improve game test results is through automation tools. Automation tools enable you to run tests on different platforms effortlessly, regardless of their intricacy or complexity. This reduces your testing workload and enhances efficiency. 

Unlike human-driven tests, automated tests deliver more reliable results, as you can run them repeatedly. This makes it easier to identify errors or bugs in your game. Also, automated game testing tools help minimize the cost related to time-consuming manual testing approaches. As a result, they provide additional resources for other production areas.  

What’s more, automated testing tools help developers keep up with the dynamic gaming landscape. They enable you to quickly adapt to new testing platforms. Also, they ensure a seamless user experience (UX) regardless of the device used by the player. 

Top 5 Game Testing Automation Tools  

As a game developer, here are some top game testing automation tools you should know to transform your testing experience:  

1. Selenium 

Selenium is a powerful game-testing automation tool for testing web applications. It allows you to run automated tests on application programming interfaces (APIs), code, frameworks, and software shells. This tool helps quality assurance (QA) teams find and localize game errors and bugs. This capability is crucial in the world of cloud and cross-platform gaming. Its unique features work with Python and JS and support all internet platforms and browsers.  

2. Unity Test Framework 

Unity is a popular game development engine. This engine features one of the most robust built-in automated test frameworks. It is mostly used for testing Unity games. This test framework supports integration and unit testing, helping you identify performance issues and bugs.  

The Unity test framework has features like test fixtures, play mode tests, and assertions. As a result, it facilitates robust testing practices, ensuring the stability and reliability of Unity games. Also, this tool contributes significantly to maintaining code quality and improving the overall development process with the Unity environment.  

3. Appium 

Appium is an open-source game test automation tool. It is mainly used to test mobile applications and games across different platforms and devices, including iOS, Windows, and Android. This automated game-testing tool supports different programming languages. As a result, it supports a broad range of development environments.  

Appium’s flexibility and ability to interact with mobile, web, hybrid, and native applications make it a popular game test automation tool. These capabilities enable it to automate tests in the dynamic mobile game development landscape, ensuring seamless functionality across diverse devices.  

4. TestComplete 

TestComplete is a versatile game test automation tool that supports mobile, web, and desktop application testing. It provides many performance, regression, and functional testing features. Also, it offers robust recognition capabilities, enabling interaction and identification with game elements. This automated game testing tool allows testers to expand test coverage and maximize their efforts to provide high-quality games.  

5. Jenkins  

Jenkins is a popular tool for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) processes. However, it goes beyond its roots in CI/CD to support automated game testing solutions. This automated testing tool boasts a broad plugin ecosystem and great extensibility. Therefore, it enables you to seamlessly integrate different testing frameworks. This ensures robust quality assurance (QA) in game development pipelines. 

What’s more, Jenkins orchestrates the execution of automated tests. As a result, it fosters rapid feedback loops and efficient collaboration. Its adaptability makes it a cornerstone in streamlining game development processes and improving overall project reliability. 

Advantages of Game Test Automation Tool 

Automated game testing tools have become crucial in game development. Here are some benefits of these tools: 

• Game test automation tools facilitate faster and more accurate testing.  

• They facilitate 24/7 testing, delivering consistent results. This ensures smooth launching and running of games.  

• Automated game testing tools save on cost by eliminating manual steps and reducing the need for more testing staff or costly equipment purchases.  

• These game-testing tools deliver detailed test reports, which can be shared across departments. This promotes better communication and collaboration between teams. Also, it streamlines decision-making processes.  

Challenges of Game Test Automation 

While game test automation has many benefits, it has several challenges, including the following: 

• Introducing automated game tests into an existing test suite can be challenging. You must ensure the new introduction doesn’t compromise the current tests.  

• The gaming industry is ever evolving. So, developers must access different emulators and devices to effectively test their games across all platforms.  

• Accuracy is crucial in ensuring companies meet QA standards. Therefore, the automation tools should be robust enough to discover issues or discrepancies between multiple software versions or devices before launch.  

As a developer, you must understand these challenges to effectively use automated testing tools. In fact, it will help you save money and time while ensuring the tools deliver accurate and reliable test results.  

Conclusion 

Integrating game test automation tools into the development process is an effective strategy that ensures your game releases are consistent and quality. With these tools, you can identify and mitigate game issues during testing. This ensures you launch a game with maximum performance and minimal errors. Also, they help you deliver games that meet the players’ expectations. However, you must be aware of the challenges related to these automated testing tools. This will enable you to effectively leverage their power to streamline the game testing solutions.  

Frequently Asked Questions: 

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Automated game testing services help you test your mobile games rapidly. It enables you to identify defects faster, minimize manual testing efforts, and expedite the release cycle. As a result, it ensures the quality and reliability of your mobile games. However, mobile game test automation is easier said than done. Here are some best practices to consider when implementing test automation for mobile games to get the best results.  

1. Select the Right Game Test Automation Framework  

Choosing the right game test automation framework determines the success of your game-testing strategy. The selected framework should be flexible, easy to use, and compatible with your preferred testing platforms and programming languages. Some frequently used test automation frameworks are: 

• Calabash 
• Appium 
• XCTest 
• Espresso 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Game Test Automation Framework 

Since this decision determines how well your mobile game test automation strategy will work, understanding the factors to consider is crucial. Here are some factors you should consider when selecting a mobile game test automation framework: 

Compatibility 

Ensure the selected framework is compatible with the application’s platform (iOS, Android, or both). Also, ensure it is compatible with the application development frameworks and languages. This will facilitate seamless mobile game test automation.  

Read Also: The Trends of Automated Game Testing 

Integration Capabilities 

How fast does the selected framework integrate with existing processes and tools? Some mobile game test automation frameworks can be challenging to integrate. This makes them infeasible and unsuitable for specific automated testing scenarios. Choose a framework that easily integrates with your existing processes or tools.  

Availability of Resources and Community Support  

Mobile game testing frameworks can be complex, especially for novice users. They will need some guidance and support to automate mobile game tests. So, when choosing a framework, check the available resources and community support. 

Some frameworks offer numerous resources, including online guides, forums, and tutorials. Also, they boast robust online communities with experts and professionals who provide extensive support to newbies, and anyone stuck with mobile game test automation. This support helps you address issues encountered in your game test automation efforts.  

Your Preferred Programming Language 

Which programming language do you wish to build your automated test scripts in? Each mobile game test automation framework supports specific programming language(s). Therefore, you must select one that aligns with your preferred language.  

2. Create a Robust Test Automation Strategy  

Automating mobile game testing can be complex. For instance, how do you determine which tests to automate and those that will be run manually? Therefore, you need a well-structured test automation strategy to guide you through the process and help you achieve the desired outcomes. Your test automation strategy should include the following: 

• Clear objectives and goals. Why do you want to automate tests? Set clear and measurable goals to monitor progress and performance.  
• Test case selection. Determine the test cases where automation would be most suitable.  
• Test case design. Develop concise tests with minimal steps to break down complex tests into smaller and more manageable ones.  
• Test coverage. Leverage analytics to gain valuable insights on which tests to prioritize and cover in your automation efforts.  
• Test environment. Determine how you will execute your automated mobile tests.  

3. Implement Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

Integrating CI/CD is crucial for effective mobile game test automation. It allows you to implement automated tests into your CI/CD pipeline, enabling you to create a seamless process. This implies that the test suite will be automatically executed whenever changes are made, whether by individual developers or as part of a broader team effort.  

Early and frequent testing helps discover and address problems in your mobile game’s functionality and performance. As a result, it facilitates rapid feedback and minimizes the chances of critical defects reaching production.  

Some frequently used CI/CD tools include Travis CI, CircleCI, and Jenkins. You can leverage these tools to manage automated testing workflows. This ensures reliability and consistency throughout the game development cycle. Also, it saves time and resources while maintaining a high level of game quality.  

4. Monitor, Analyze, and Iterate 

Automated testing doesn’t end at generating the test reports. Instead, continuous improvement is vital in ensuring the long-term success of mobile game test automation. Here are some practices to consider to ensure continuous improvement: 

Track test results. Regularly monitor and review the automated test results from the CI/CD pipelines. This will help identify trends and patterns in test failures. 

Analyze test data. Leverage visualization and data analytics tools to gain valuable insights into your test execution.  

Create reports. Generate comprehensive reports based on the test analysis results.  

Iterate and improve. Adjust your mobile game test automation strategy, test scripts, and framework based on the analysis and reports. This will help improve their efficiency and effectiveness.  

5. Test Across Multiple Platforms and Devices 

Mobile devices and platforms have increased significantly with time. This has led to more devices, network configurations, and operating systems, making mobile game testing daunting.  

So, when implementing automated mobile game testing, you must ensure the tests cover multiple mobile devices, configurations, and operating systems. Doing so helps identify compatibility issues. Also, it streamlines your game’s performance across various devices.  

Final Thoughts 

Automating mobile game testing can save the time and effort needed to test your game. These best practices can help you get the best outcome from mobile game test automation. However, it’s crucial to monitor the performance of your test automation suite, maintain an organized and clear environment, and regularly update your automated test scripts to accommodate game changes. Also, continuous improvement and adaptation are vital to successful mobile game test automation. 

Planning to deliver engaging and highly immersive games to players worldwide? iXie’s would be the right choice with massive experience in the gaming industry over the past decade. 

FAQs for the blog: 

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Remember, we live in an interconnected world where your video game can go viral overnight, attracting significant traffic. This means you must design your game to handle an increased workload without affecting functionality. And that’s where video game testing tools come into play. Join us as we review some popular video game testing tools to level up your game QA or quality assurance.  

1. Unity Test Tools  

Unity is one of the most used game engines globally, with about 70% of developers using it for mobile game development. This platform offers a set of robust testing tools to help you you’re your video games.  

One of the test tools offered by Unity is the Unity Test Runner, which promotes the creation and execution of tests. This tool helps in ensuring the functionality and stability of video game elements. Also, it supports integration with several testing frameworks and offers an avenue for automated testing, strengthening game QA efforts.  

Unity Test Tools streamline the process of detecting and rectifying glitches and bugs. This enhances the overall gaming experience by facilitating seamless gameplay and minimizing post-release issues.  

2. TestComplete 

TestComplete is a comprehensive automated testing tool that supports numerous types of applications, including video games. It supports different types of testing, such as:  

• Load testing, 
• Regression testing, and 
• Functional testing. 

This feature set enables you to thoroughly test your video game, ensuring it works as expected and is free from errors. TestComplete’s scripting capabilities enhance customization, allowing you to tailor your tests to meet specific needs.  

Additionally, this game testing tool helps game developers systematically evaluate gameplay elements for inconsistencies and bugs. But why do many testers prefer TestComplete for video game testing?  

Well, it automates repetitive testing processes. In doing so, TestComplete expedites bug detection, allowing developers to allocate more resources and time to refining gameplay mechanics. Also, it enables you to simulate user interactions and test across different environments, ensuring seamless gaming experiences.  

3. Xcode Instruments 

If you’re building video games for iOS, Xcode Instruments can be an ideal testing tool to level up your game QA. This game-testing tool offers useful tools for inspecting and improving your video game. It is a flexible and powerful performance analysis and testing solution.  

Xcode instruments offer numerous testing capabilities, enabling you to level up your game QA efforts. Here are some ways you can use Xcode instruments for video game testing: 

• To discover memory problems. 
• To track down issues in your source code.  
• To analyze the performance of your video game and identify areas of improvement.  

4. BugSplat 

BugSplat is a robust tool that enables you to quickly detect defects when testing video games. It is a crucial crash-tracking and reporting tool that supports meticulous crash and exception analysis. These capabilities help you pinpoint problems that disrupt gameplay stability.  

As a result, you can assess and assign newly found defects from actual crashes experienced by game players in minutes. This enables you to fix the most crucial issues by the end of the day, minimizing your video game’s downtime.  

BugSplat provides actionable insights into the root causes of crashes, facilitating efficient bug fixes. In doing so, BugSplat elevates your overall video game quality, enhancing player satisfaction.  

5. GameBench 

GameBench is one of the leading tools for performance data collection, analysis, and optimization for video games and other applications. It is tailored for mobile games and provides a comprehensive solution to assess the stability and efficiency of games across different devices.  

GameBench measures critical video game metrics, including memory consumption, battery usage, and frame rates, helping you detect performance issues that may hinder gameplay experience.  

This tool empowers you to optimize your video games for a wide range of mobile devices, ensuring high-quality and consistent performance across various mobile platforms. Its ability to unearth potential issues early in game development helps ensure a seamless gaming experience.  

6. Hatchet 

Hatchet is a cloud-based testing solution that allows you to perform testing on various devices. It offers automated testing and helps developers detect compatibility issues across different hardware configurations. As a result, developers can identify and rectify glitches and bugs in the early development stages, improving the overall video game performance and quality.   

7. Appium 

Appium is an exceptional framework whose use cases cut across different development aspects. For instance, many of today’s popular video games are tested using Appium. It is an easy-to-use game-testing tool that supports graphics-based content, including video games.  

Appium’s cross-platform compatibility enables you to test your video game on Android and iOS devices using one script. This ensures faster and more efficient game testing.  

8. Valgrind 

Valgrind is a useful video game testing tool that can level up your game quality assurance efforts. If you’ve primarily built your video game using C or C++, Valgrind can be an invaluable testing tool. It facilitates profiling and debugging in C and C++ applications. Developers use this tool to detect memory leaks and other low-level issues in their video games.  

9. PlaytestCloud 

PlaytestCloud enables you to playtest any video game on any platform, including iOS and Android. This tool focuses on gathering user feedback and playtesting. It allows you to remotely test your video game using actual players and collect insights on gameplay, bugs, and user experience.  

Final Thoughts  

Video game testing is crucial in ensuring a seamless gameplay experience and quality. These game-testing tools can help you level up your game QA. However, choosing your preferred tools should be based on the specific need, development environment, and target platforms. Also, assessing the capabilities and features of each tool can help you select the testing solution that best fits your video game QA requirements.  

The post 9 Popular Video Game Testing Tools in the Market to Level Up Your Game QA  appeared first on iXie Gaming.

This may sound challenging – especially when producers launch their games globally as the game must run well across devices.

If we look at the portion of Google Play and App Store revenues, they are generated by mobile games. There is absolute necessity to seamlessly test and test automation for the mobile game components

Challenges in Testing Mobile Games

The mobile game market segment has ferociously contended and the game users have short attention span. Customer’s lifetime value for each game is heavily dependent on additional content and user relationship. This means that everything has to work over several application updates, back-end updates over an extended period of time to recover the initial marketing investments.

What are the challenges to test the aspects of mobile games?

Firstly, a majority of games use direct screen access in form of OpenGL or ActiveX bypassing the OS level services. This leads to the problem that all of the native mobile test automation frameworks are becomes unusable with mobile games. Without access to the object level information the automation can only utilize XY clicks without ample feedback or validation about the internal status of the game.

Secondly, performance is a key driver for user experience and the real performance can only be monitored using real hardware. Frame rates also matter with the richness and variety of mobile devices, where every model counts.

In fact, sometimes supporting just one more popular Asian mobile device model can bring additional $5 million of revenue during the lifetime of a game.

Also for many game application binaries are massive (which sums up to 3Gb) and games consume a lot of memory, CPU, GPU, and battery. All these need to be accounted for performance testing so that the real end user experience does not face issues to physical realities of mobile devices.

Finally, most of the games utilize sensors or other hardware features that are not consistent from one device to another. This is left unchecked and will prove to be a nasty surprise down the road.

The range of tools used, methods, best practices and frameworks for mobile game testing is pretty huge, but there are certain things that all game developers do the same way. In spite of different game engines selected, over 90% of game developers use some form of image recognition.

We will discuss more about mobile game testing techniques in our upcoming blogs. Stay Tuned for updates.

HAPPY GAME TESTING!!!

In case you’re interested to try out this for your game, please contact us and we’ll be happy to share some great cases and show how it can be done for your game.

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