The industry’s competition is getting more intense. Game developers for RPG, indie, and VR games would find it vital to do QA testing using improved methodologies to enhance the gaming experience and increase its success. QA testing before market release can help make pertinent revisions.

QA for new gaming trends is essential at every stage to find issues and offer players a responsive action with high speed and performance.

Emerging Trends in Gaming Industry

The ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry offers new challenges for game developers. Some of the latest trends in gaming include:

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment that simulates a physical presence in a real or imaginary place. VR games provide an immersive experience for entertainment, education, or training purposes.

The QA needs for VR games differ from traditional games, as we must test VR games for compatibility with various VR hardware and software platforms and also for usability, functionality, and performance.

AR/MR Games

AR/MR stands for augmented reality/mixed reality. These games are similar to VR games because they provide an immersive experience. However, AR/MR games use real-world environments and objects as part of the game.

The QA needs for AR/MR games are similar to those of VR games. Gaming startups should test their AR/MR games for compatibility with various hardware and software platforms. In addition, we have to check for the usability, functionality, and performance of AR/MR games.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming or “gaming-as-a-service” or game streaming are a form of online gaming that streams video games on remote servers and runs them directly on the user’s device. These gaming services provide users with the accessibility to an extensive library of games we can play from any location with an internet connection. 

The QA needs for cloud gaming are similar to those of traditional gaming. Cloud gaming must be tested for compatibility with various hardware and software platforms. In addition, cloud gaming must be tested for usability, functionality, and performance.

Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming is one of the most popular trends of the gaming industry. These are the games we can play on smartphones or tablet computers, and mobile games are often smaller and more casual than console or PC games.

The QA needs for mobile gaming are similar to those of traditional gaming. Mobile games must be tested for compatibility with various hardware and software platforms. In addition, mobile games must be tested for usability, functionality, and performance.

Metaverse Gaming

Metaverse gaming technology embraces VR technology, where users can use their avatars to play games in the virtual space. Although metaverse is in its early stages, it can be considered the next generation of gaming technology. 

QA is essential for Metaverse gaming as the user interface is pivotal to a satisfactory gaming experience. Along with usability, functionality, and performance testing, it is recommended that compatibility testing and API testing be implemented for metaverse applications to ensure seamless integration and a smooth interface on all platforms. 

Role of QA in the future trends of gaming industry

Game QA testing aims to evaluate, pinpoint, record, and fix any software flaws that can negatively impact the gaming experience. Several gaming platforms require different testing strategies to ensure a smooth gaming experience and set benchmarks in the gaming market.

When proceeding with QA for gaming technology, there are several QA testing that comes into play:

Functional Testing

Functional testing is evaluating a game to determine whether it functions as intended. This sort of testing is usually done by developers or a small team of individuals. The advantage of functional testing is that it identifies any problems with the game’s mechanics and gameplay.

Automation Testing

Automation testing is using a software tool to execute repetitive tasks automatically. This type of testing help in testing game mechanics, gameplay, and other aspects of the game. Automation testing is generally used to supplement manual testing efforts.

Security Testing

Security testing is assessing a game to identify any vulnerabilities attackers could exploit. This testing is essential for any online or multiplayer game and any game that uses sensitive data.

API Testing

API testing assesses an application programming interface (API) to determine if it meets functionality, reliability, and security expectations. This type of testing is often used in conjunction with other types, such as functional or regression testing.

Agile Testing

Agile testing involves carrying out tests in short, iterative cycles. It is often used in conjunction with the agile development methodology. The advantage of agile testing is that it allows for faster feedback and easier identification of bugs.

Compatibility Testing

Compatibility Testing helps to improve and prepare the user interface for different sizes of devices, such as PCs and smartphones. While performing Compatibility testing, testers will also test the game’s compatibility with the gaming environment. Providing a satisfying gaming experience, prompt identification and repair of graphics, software, or hardware keeps the user satisfied and prevents user churn.

Regression Testing

Retesting of the feature’s functionality is what the regression testing is all about. It determines the possibility or presence of flaws or mistakes following the game’s new updates or releases. This testing strategy ensures that the game’s quality and functionality are stable or progressive with every release.

Conclusion