Mobile Game Testing: Factors to Consider
Note: This article was updated in September 2020
Worldwide mobile gaming revenue is expected to top $100 billion by 2021.
Why are mobile games so popular? Convenience. You can play wherever you want – while having lunch, on the way home, standing in a queue, and so on.
In the meantime, the growth of the mobile game market brings about an ever-increasing competition. What does it mean? Quality takes the stage.
This article provides a comprehensive checklist of factors crucial for ensuring the maximum game quality and, therefore, a positive gaming experience.
Device fragmentation
The diversity of mobile devices, operating systems, and their versions, complicates game development and causes compatibility issues.
This is called fragmentation.
Fragmentation is a headache for developers and testers. Earlier, it was enough to write a one-size-fits-all code that would work on every device and OS as their assortment was not so wide.
Nowadays, “write once, run anywhere” doesn’t work.
The market is overcrowded with mobile device manufacturers releasing new smartphones every year or even more frequently. Each device comes with its own hardware specifics, technical characteristics, and other parameters that influence the operability of installed apps.
Besides, there are different operating systems. The most popular ones are Android and iOS. Each of them has different versions with new features being constantly implemented.
However, there is one important thing.
Do all of your acquaintances immediately update their devices to the latest version once it has been released? No.
That is why, when it comes to testing a mobile game, check it on different versions of the same OS.
Resolution and Screen Size
The next challenge is the resolution. It may affect the user interface of the mobile game and cause a negative playing experience. When testing mobile games, launch them on devices with different screen resolutions.
Besides, pay extra attention to the screen size as it is an important parameter for mobile game testing. For example, Android devices have a wider variety of available screen sizes.
Game Compatibility
Compatibility testing verifies game stability and operability on as many different devices and hardware combinations as possible. It builds the foundation that the game requires to be successful with the intended functionality.
There is a foolproof formula for ensuring the maximum device compatibility:
model name + OS version + resolution
Game Installation
Do not forget to check the installation procedure.
Installation is the first time a potential player interacts with a game, that is why it is imperative to make sure everything runs as simple and smooth as possible. Unfortunately, installation issues occur frequently bringing about disappointment and irritation.
Authentication Procedure
Someone may think that game testing involves no security concerns. That’s not true. Currently, security verification becomes an inevitable part of every procedure of software development. Gamers will never forgive authentication issues.
People spend a lot on mobile games. They buy expensive armor and weapons, open new levels, etc. Now imagine what happens if after a costly upgrade a gamer is not able to log in anymore. A very sad scenario, isn’t it?
Modern mobile games can involve several combinations of authentication, such as user, device, or social authentication. This approach helps to make games more secure.
Social Integration
Social media integration offers a plethora of built-in benefits to mobile games, from community management and marketing to access to the platform’s analytic tools.
Social and user engagement features may also involve in-game chats, push notifications, guild mechanics, and activity fields to interact, follow the others’ progress, share thoughts on gaming experiences, etc.
Make sure that social integration is accurate as it boosts the game visibility. delivers excellent user experience, and offers opportunities for creating new revenue streams.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of mobile testing involves numerous challenges waiting for an aspiring tester just around the corner. To make the process smoother, check out our webinar “Challenges of mobile game testing“ and get insights from the seasoned QA professionals.
Interested in learning more about Software Testing & QA? Check out our services or chat with us right away!
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