A Guide to Mobile Game Testing

The importance of mobile gaming tests cannot be overstated; it’s a huge industry today, and there’s a lot of money at stake when it comes to product development and manufacturer investment. If you’re interested in learning how to become a mobile game tester – or, if you already are, but want to learn more – then you’ve come to the right place.

Fortunately, the gaming industry solution to complicated testing procedures can be found in a number of tools and resources, powerful enough to get games from development to the app store quickly (all without sacrificing proper quality assurance, or QA).

The mobile games market is projected to generate revenue of over $98 billion worldwide in 2024. That’s a lot of money! Today, mobile gamers cross generational lines, with people young and old enjoying the gamut of games available in the convenience of their own pocket.

For mobile game designers, their software is often complex in user performance and requires a variety of tests that differ from that of typical mobile apps. In this post, we’ll outline potential testing options for mobile game quality assurance (QA) testing. We’ll also present ways it contrasts with general app testing. Let’s begin a conversation about how to test mobile games.

Also, don’t forget to grab our free eBook, Mobile Testing for Entertainment & Gaming Experiences.

The Key Elements of Mobile Game Testing

Elements and types of testing in the gaming industry – specifically, for mobile games – vary. With today’s technology, game testers are able to provide so much more than basic A/B testing in mobile games. Below, an overview of their fundamental strengths (and what sets them apart). Soon, you’ll be able to apply these to your own sample test cases for mobile games.

Functional Testing

Functional testing considers general, or generic, problems the game might have. This might include issues with stability or social media integration, for example.

Performance Testing

Performance testing allows game developers to evaluate game speed to optimize it for mobile gamers. Games today zip and zoom at the speed of light (when they’re working properly, that is).

Compatibility Testing

It’s important that a mobile game will provide optimal operation no matter the user’s device, operating system, or resolution. Proper compatibility testing evaluates software performance with these factors in mind.

A/B Testing Mobile Games 

The best testing strategies are strategic, and the A/B testing mobile games require compares different scenarios, in order to evaluate ways the overall product might be more successful.

Security Testing

Of course, security is a big deal. Therefore, it’s crucial to test for potential vulnerabilities and to better safeguard user data — for both iOS and Android applications. With prioritized security testing, user data can be managed in a more secure manner.

Localization Testing

There are thousands of unique cultures around the world. How does your game development appeal to each one? Or, are you targeting the product toward a specific region or country? Best to understand cultural expectations (and regulations, too). Localization testing does just that.

Visual Testing

A big component of mobile gaming is the video interface, and visual testing is designed to catch issues that might be related to screen size or resolution, color palette, and even factors related to an improved accessibility for consumers.

User Interface (UI) Testing

Game developers work toward creation of a product that will be popular on the app store, right? That’s why user interface (UI) testing is so vital. This testing procedure prioritizes user experience, and it can evaluate ways to make the mobile game app more satisfying to interact with.

Alpha and Beta Testing

Alpha and beta testing during the game development process concentrates on identifying significant issues at an early stage. This is an essential mobile app testing service that validates the mobile game in real-world conditions, pinpoints minor issues, and refines the end product. Issues detected might be related to hardware, social media integration, or system updates.

Testing Tools for Mobile Games

There are a number of tools that QA testers can use to carry out these mobile game testing techniques; each one is important to be familiar with, especially anyone whose end goal is learning how to test mobile games.

Overview of Testing Tools

As one might imagine, different types of testing tools are designed for game development professionals with specific functions in mind. A comprehensive mobile game testing strategy will be informed by a number of different tools. Need help? You’re not alone. Kobiton is standing by to help your organization go from the uncertain realm of testing to the app store, in an efficient manner.

Functionality Testing Tools

• Kobiton
• Appium
• Selenium
• BrowserStack

Performance Testing Tools

• Kobiton
• TestGrid
• Test Complete

Compatibility Testing Tools

• Kobiton
• Sauce Labs
• Calabash
• LambdaTest

Manual vs. Automated Testing

The first big question is whether you should go the manual or automated route? Either one can impact the app’s eventual user experience, and the answer will depend on a variety of factors. Manual vs. automated testing decisions should be based on the following, especially when reviewing sample test cases for mobile games:

• Unique gestures that users make while playing a mobile game elevate the benefits of manual testing platforms for game designers.
• Automation can certainly help with time and budget crunches, but the nature of automated testing relying on simulated mobile devices tends to struggle when it comes to assessing how users touch and feel different devices.
• Testing games on multiple devices requires access to those mobile devices, and time for mobile game quality assurance (QA) game testers to go through rigorous test performances on each device with their own manipulations.

Better yet, enact A/B testing in mobile games that happen to be in your development queue, to gain even further insights. 

Of note: There are options that have emerged in recent years that allow manual testing environments in a more automated fashion, and so mobile game designers can extend their scope with an assessment of which option works best for their team.

Performing Mobile Game Testing with Kobiton

Ready to elevate your familiarity with mobile game testing techniques? Kobiton professionals are standing by to assess and evaluate where to best provide support; testing games on Kobiton is an efficient way to realize both quality and efficiency. Contact us today for a free demo.

Setting Up Your Testing Environment

Here’s how to set up an environment for mobile game testing services.

Executing Tests on Kobiton

• Manual Testing with Kobiton
• Automated Testing Integration

Advanced techniques for Game Testing in Kobiton 

• Performance Profiling
• Network Emulation and Throttling
• Screen Recording and Screenshots

Common Challenges and Bugs in Mobile Gaming Testing 

There are, unfortunately, common challenges inherent with mobile gaming tests; that goes for iOS, as well as Android — it can even impact social media integration. Here are a few to keep in mind, with possible solutions.

Device Fragmentation

Not all users have adopted the latest and greatest tech, and some stick with devices that others might consider outdated. The differences between each can contribute to mobile device fragmentation, but this can be addressed by thorough A/B testing.

As an example, mobile device fragmentation occurs when some mobile users are running older versions of an operating system while other users have updated to the latest and greatest version

Operating System Updates

Do updates occur automatically, or do you need a user to interrupt game play to enable them? Consider the frequency of updates, and the amount of data/time they’ll impact. Determine how system updates, when necessary, can be delivered with minimal playing-time impact.

Varied Network Conditions

Wifi isn’t always available and, if your game application is counting on using it, you might be in trouble. Fortunately, there are means by which game data can be downloaded to devices for offline play.

Memory and Storage Limitations

Pay special attention to how much data your game will use, and if it might max out user device storage. Solutions to this problem include customer research — what type of devices do they have? Take time to better understand the data limitations of those devices. Doing so will pay dividends toward enhanced user experience.

The Role of Mobile Game Testers and Their Skill Set

Great mobile game QA game testers have at least one thing in common: a passion (and patience) for seeing game development and testing efforts completely through. This means countless game scenarios played and emulated to evaluate proper visuals, gameplay action, and audio. The best mobile game testing services must employ pros who use the best of continuously developing software solutions.

Mobile Game Testing Requires Your Attention

As a game designer, it’s an absolute “must” to take testing seriously; mobile gamers depend on your doing so. A single faulty script at the launch of a game can crush it, particularly in an industry with a plethora of options for users to choose from. Another example? If a game doesn’t instantly have users hooked and they’re faced with a myriad of issues, the likelihood of them continuing onward is remarkably low. That’s why testing should be budgeted accordingly in game design teams, and items like scheduled mobile game load testing shouldn’t be overlooked. A successful game is only as good as its first impression, and proper testing ensures that a great game isn’t lost to a plague of glitches on day one.

Kobiton offers a number of solutions that can assist with QA applications of every kind. When you’re ready to learn how to become a mobile game tester, we’ll be ready to help! Call us today for a free consultation and to discuss how best practices can elevate your app development strategy.