What is the best way to design a game testing strategy?

When you're getting ready to test your game, start with a solid plan. Think about what your game's all about—its key features and what you want players to experience. You need to know what good performance looks like and be aware of anything that might throw a wrench in the works. I always make sure to keep an eye on competitor data to see how things should be going. It's also essential to really understand who's going to play your game. What will make their experience special? And don't forget about the business side—figure out how you'll make money and set some clear goals to hit. It's all about staying focused on what matters most for your game's success.

First we need to review the features and their functionalities. for example: - Gameplay mechanics - UI elements - Multiplayer - Any unique selling point Then there is the "expectation part" in which we expect the "Outcome/Performance/Usability Standards" of the flow and testing. After that, there is the "Prioritizing part" which literally means "what to test first".

Picking the right methods is key. Start with unit testing to make sure each part of your game is solid on its own. Then, move on to integration testing to see how these parts work together. Don't skip system testing—it's your chance to check if the game as a whole is ready for prime time, looking at performance, reliability, and more. Playtesting isn't just playing; it's about critically evaluating the gameplay and mechanics. Since we're focusing on mobile, pay extra attention to load times, crash rates, and how smoothly players can navigate your game. Use tools and analytics to streamline this process. And always, always playtest with your team—it's a game-changer to see your work through a new lens and ensure everything feels right.

When setting up your testing schedule, consider how detailed your game is and how all the pieces fit together. Make sure you know who's available to test and what they're best at. Break down the testing into cycles, and keep track of your development milestones. Always have a backup plan for those inevitable hiccups. Communication is key—everyone involved should know the plan and what's expected of them. I've seen how easy it is for new ideas to keep popping up (that's feature creep for you), but staying focused on getting the core of your game right is crucial. Aim high with your goals, but keep them achievable. Remember, a solid foundation will make your game stand out.

Why is it important to stick with the plan? because there may be noises (other minor/major issues) during the testing. And without having a test plan and checklists, team members will easily get derailed by these noises. The noises could be kept in notes, and wait until testing is finished.

Sticking to your testing plan and keeping detailed records is crucial. This means tracking everything—from your test cases to the outcomes. Regularly check your results and make sure any problems are flagged up to the right people. QA is definitely your ally in this journey. Whether you have an in-house team or partner with external experts, thorough testing is a cornerstone for both the product's quality and its growth. Remember, testing isn't a one-time deal. Every time you make updates or changes to your game, go through your testing protocols again. It's all about maintaining a high-quality experience for your players.

Really dig into the results and see how they stack up against what you were aiming for. Use the feedback and data you've gathered to pinpoint where your game shines and where it needs work. This analysis helps you spot opportunities to make your game even better and identify any threats to its success. In the mobile gaming, you're aiming for stability—keep those crash rates and ANRs below 1%. Also, ensure your game loads quickly; anything over 10 seconds can test a player's patience. By understanding your game's strengths and areas for improvement, you can make informed decisions on what to tweak. The cycle of testing, analyzing, and improving is key to producing a quality game that provides player satisfaction.