Game Testing All in One (Game Development Series)

Orthogonal Defect Classification (ODC) includes a set of Defect Triggers to categorize the way defects are caused to appear. These same triggers can be used to classify tests as well as defects. Test suites that do not account for each of the triggers will be incapable of revealing all of the defects in the game.

Operating Regions

Game operation can be broken down into three stages: Game Start, In-Game, and Post-Game. These regions don't just apply to the game as a whole. They can also be mapped to discrete experiences within the game, such as new missions, seasons, or levels. There is also a Pre-Game region in which the game environment ‚ hardware, operating system, and so on ‚ is operational but the game has not been started. Figure 15.1 shows the relationship of these operating regions.

Figure 15.1: Game software operating regions.

Pre-Game Operating Region

The Pre-Game region represents the period that precedes the use of the game. For consoles, this would be the time prior to inserting the game disk. On PCs and mobile phones this is the period in time before you start the game app. Cartridge-based handhelds may also have an operational mode prior to inserting the game cartridge. In each of these cases, the user can change settings and do things with the device that potentially impact the subsequent operation of your game.

Game Start Operating Region

The Game Start region accounts for operations that are performed from the time the player starts the game until the time the game is actually ready to be played . Some activities that take place during this time can be interrupted, such as cinematic sequences that provide an introduction or highlights of the game's features. Other activities, such as a screen displaying the "loading" progress, cannot be accelerated or interrupted . The game software also performs activities that are essential to the proper operation of the game but are not visible to the player. At the very end of this process the game may be in a "ready" state, during which it is waiting for the player to hit a button or key in order to enter the game.

In-Game Operating Region

The In-Game region covers all of things you could possibly do when playing the game. Some functions can only be performed once during the course of the game, whereas others can be repeated throughout the game. There are also functions that depend on the player meeting some condition before they can occur. Games that incorporate non-player characters (NPCs) also manage and control these resources during this operating period.

Post-Game Operating Region

The player can end the game or a gaming session a number of ways. Quitting without saving requires less processing than when saving. The player is often given the opportunity to save character data and progress before the game terminates itself. Games played on portable devices can be ended by turning off the device. If the device's Off switch is under software control, the game software can perform save and shutdown operations prior to killing power.

Story-based games treat the user to a final cinematic sequence and roll credits when users reach the end of the story. Some games unlock new experiences for the player who reaches the end so he can continue to enjoy the game when going back through it a second time. This may activate code that is not exercised at all until the game is completed the first time.