Legendary developer and Industry Icon Shigeru Miyamoto once said, “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.” This statement stood true for a long time in the industry, no doubt. But the games of today are a different beast. A rushed game can eventually be patched and turned into beautiful works of art. Look no further than Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky for examples. But what is still a key factor, both in the days of old and today, is testing.
Testing is vital for a game of any size or scope to make sure that a playable and enjoyable product reaches the customer upon release. We have covered various aspects of testing on our blogs over the years. While most types of game testing can be conducted by a keen-eyed tester who understands games, compliance testing requires talent with a deep understanding of the platform being tested on. But why is compliance testing so important and how does iXie deliver first-submission passes across platforms? Let’s have a look.
The need for compliance testing
In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, compliance with gaming platform holders’ requirements is crucial for developers seeking to release their games on various platforms. Today, games are available on various platforms like home consoles, mobile devices, handheld gaming devices, cloud gaming services, and the various launchers available on PCs. While some compliance parameters may be shared among platforms, each platform has a set of unique rules that need to be adhered to in order to pass submission on that platform. Some of these parameters include conditions like meeting specific performance benchmarks, load times, and frame rates to ensure optimal gameplay.
Developers must ensure their games run smoothly on the target platform and are compatible with various system configurations. Where applicable, strict guidelines are followed regarding explicit content, violence, and language to maintain an appropriate gaming environment for users of all ages. Developers are also required to implement robust security measures, safeguarding user data and preventing cheating or unauthorized access to online features.
The iXie Approach to Compliance Testing
So, how does iXie approach these scenarios and ensure that the client’s products pass compliance each time?
By having testers primarily focus on a single platform, iXie creates platform experts who excel in understanding the smallest details of that platform. While learning opportunities on other platforms are available and provided, there is a focus on one platform for the tester on which they are an expert of.
Testers thoroughly review the respective platform’s compliance documentation to identify potential issues and address them before submission. Making use of platform-specific tools provided by the platform holders is key. These tools help perform tests more efficiently and help find issues that would otherwise be impossible in a retail environment.
In-game features unique to the platforms like Trophies and Achievements are tested extensively to ensure that they meet the requirements. On platforms like PC and mobile, extensive testing is conducted on various devices to ensure smooth performance and compatibility between different configurations. Testers familiarize themselves with Steam, EGS, and app store guidelines and ensure the game meets all necessary requirements before submission.
Conclusion
Compliance with gaming platform holders’ requirements is an essential step for developers seeking to release their games on various platforms. Each platform has its own unique set of compliance standards that encompass technical, content-related, and security aspects. By planning early, utilizing platform-specific testing tools, and conducting thorough testing, iXie ensures that the client’s game passes compliance in the first submission.
