Game testers are very important to the development of a successful game. They generally are most active in the last stages of the game’s development, although they are used throughout the development cycle to test any new elements that are brought in to the game’s design. Game testers are also involved in what is known as regression testing to ensure that older game elements still function properly when newer elements are added.
Thorough regression testing is of critical importance to a bug-free final game. All the time that new elements are introduced in to the game, there is the opportunity for those elements, and associated blocks of game code, to interfere with what would otherwise seem to be unconnected existing game elements.
Some developers do not pay enough attention to, or place enough important on, proper regression testing. This is a huge mistake for the developer to make and it shows either inexperience or budgeting issues. Inexperienced developers sometimes take the line that because a video game element worked in the past that it will continue to do so throughout all stages of game development. Often this is not the case and certainly can’t be assumed to be.
Sometimes regression testing is skipped or shortcuts are made because of financial and time constraints. It is vitally important therefore that adequate forecasting of thorough regression testing, and the reserve of adequate related funds and time, be made to accommodate this.
Thorough regression testing is of critical importance to a bug-free final game. All the time that new elements are introduced in to the game, there is the opportunity for those elements, and associated blocks of game code, to interfere with what would otherwise seem to be unconnected existing game elements.
Some developers do not pay enough attention to, or place enough important on, proper regression testing. This is a huge mistake for the developer to make and it shows either inexperience or budgeting issues. Inexperienced developers sometimes take the line that because a video game element worked in the past that it will continue to do so throughout all stages of game development. Often this is not the case and certainly can’t be assumed to be.
Sometimes regression testing is skipped or shortcuts are made because of financial and time constraints. It is vitally important therefore that adequate forecasting of thorough regression testing, and the reserve of adequate related funds and time, be made to accommodate this.