Mobile Game Testing: Detailed QA Checklist

The mobile gaming sector has experienced an unprecedented surge in the past few years, with its market size mushrooming faster than any other entertainment segment. To put it in perspective, recent data suggests that the mobile gaming market, now worth billions, has been expanding at a rate of 7.4% annually. With this growth comes more competition, making it more important than ever to have top-quality games.

In this race to captivate users, game testing emerges as a non-negotiable aspect. Why? Because ensuring glitch-free gameplay, seamless interfaces, and intuitive mechanics can make the difference between a game’s blockbuster success and its failure.This is where quality assurance (QA) steps in.

Mobile game QA isn’t just about identifying bugs; it’s about refining the gaming experience, ensuring that games are user-centric, and most importantly, creating an environment where players come back for more.

Have you ever considered how crucial testing is for any software product? Now, imagine the layers of complexity added when we talk about games, with their intricate graphics, soundscapes, and interactivity. That’s why, we’ve decided to share our experience and provide you with an in-depth look into the nuances of mobile games testing, presenting a mix of theory, practical insights, and industry best practices to ensure your games stand out.

Main Challenges in the Mobile Game QA Process

QA engineers’ work goes beyond playing for enjoyment. Instead, it’s about finding and fixing problems using different mobile game testing techniques.

Let’s explore some common challenges that arise during mobile game testing.

• Diverse device ecosystem. The vast array of devices on the market presents one of the most significant challenges. Each device boasts its specifications, screen sizes, and hardware capabilities. A game may run smoothly on the latest-generation smartphone but experience lag on an older model. This makes it difficult to test on every possible device, and testers must prioritize the most popular and relevant devices for their target audience.
• Compliance with app store rules. Both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store have strict standards on resource management, preventing excessive heat, and efficient battery use. Games should also maintain content integrity, transparently manage in-app purchases, and handle user data responsibly. These guidelines are crucial for approval and ensure a quality user experience.
• Varied operating systems and updates. Frequent OS updates and the presence of multiple OS versions introduce complexities in compatibility testing. By analyzing the most popular and supported OSs for the application, it’s possible to prioritize the most critical compatibility scenarios. This strategy aims to ensure that updates don’t negatively affect the gaming experience for any user group.
• Network and connectivity issues. Many mobile games are dependent on stable internet connections, especially those that are multiplayer or have online features. Challenges arise when a player shifts from a Wi-Fi connection to mobile data. The aim is to ensure uninterrupted gameplay under varying network conditions.
• Real-time multiplayer testing. Games with real-time multiplayer modes place a high emphasis on synchronization, especially in cross-platform gameplay scenarios. Considering the diverse OSs that players might be on, it’s vital to ensure smooth interaction among them. The objective is to ensure that players, irrespective of their platform, can experience the game in real-time without any significant lags or discrepancies.
• Battery and resource consumption. Intense graphics and extended gameplay sessions can be resource-intensive, potentially causing rapid battery drain. Striking a balance between offering high-quality graphics and optimizing resource use is extremely important.
• Localization challenges. Targeting a global audience means games must be localized in several languages. Ensuring the translated text aligns correctly with the game’s interface and that cultural nuances are respected becomes an essential aspect of the testing phase.
• Interruption handling in gameplay. Mobile game players frequently encounter interruptions during their sessions, such as calls, texts, alarms, and other notifications. Effective testing should cover various scenarios where these interruptions occur. Ensuring that games handle these interruptions gracefully, by pausing or saving the state, is crucial to maintain a positive and seamless gaming experience for users.

While technical testing is crucial, mobile game testers also need to assess the overall fun factor of the game. This involves evaluating the gameplay, design, and user experience to ensure that the game is enjoyable and engaging for players.

Also, mobile gaming is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Testers need to stay up-to-date with these advancements and adapt their testing approaches accordingly.

How to Perform Mobile Game Testing

Drawing on our longstanding QA expertise, we’ve compiled a comprehensive mobile game testing checklist covering each stage of the software testing life cycle. Here we go!

Mobile Game Requirement Gathering Process

Understanding the game’s requirements is the cornerstone of any successful mobile game testing endeavor. This phase sets the foundation, ensuring that all subsequent testing phases align with the game’s objectives. Here’s a step-by-step guide to streamline the requirement gathering process.

Define Project Scope and Objectives:

• Clearly define the purpose and objectives of the mobile game
• Identify the problem it aims to solve and the goals it should achieve
• Understand the target audience, their needs, and how the game will provide value to them

Identify User Personas and Scenarios:

• Create user personas representing different types of users and their characteristics, preferences, and goals
• Identify various user scenarios or typical interactions users will have with the game
• Elicit user-centric requirements and design a user-friendly experience

Gather Functional Requirements:

• Define the core gameplay mechanics and how players interact with the game
• Outline the game’s levels, objectives, and progression system
• Specify game elements like characters, items, environments, and power-ups
• Determine monetization strategies and in-app purchase options

Gather Non-Functional Requirements:

• Define performance requirements, including frame rate, loading times, and responsiveness
• Establish technical requirements, including device compatibility, network connectivity, and data storage
• Specify accessibility requirements to ensure inclusive gameplay for all users
• Outline security requirements to protect user data and privacy

Conduct User Research and Gather Feedback:

• Conduct user interviews, surveys, and focus groups to gather insights from potential players
• Analyze user feedback and iterate on requirements based on user needs and preferences
• Prioritize requirements based on importance, impact, and feasibility

Document and Organize Requirements:

• Create a comprehensive requirements document outlining all the gathered requirements
• Use clear and concise language, diagrams, and flowcharts to illustrate requirements
• Categorize and organize requirements into functional and non-functional areas
• Prioritize requirements based on their importance and impact on the project’s success

Review and Validate Requirements:

• Conduct regular reviews of requirements with stakeholders to ensure alignment and consistency
• Validate requirements against user needs and project objectives
• Identify and resolve any discrepancies or inconsistencies in requirements

Maintain and Update Requirements:

• Keep requirements documentation up-to-date as the project evolves and new ideas emerge
• Track changes to requirements and communicate them to stakeholders effectively
• Ensure that requirements remain aligned with project goals and user expectations

Mobile Game Test Planning Process

The test plan dictates the approach, tools, and resources that will be used throughout the testing phase, ensuring all game components are scrutinized under the determined criteria. Let’s delve into the intricate process of test planning for mobile games.

Pre-Planning:

• Outline the primary goals of testing, such as bug detection, performance assessment, user experience evaluation, etc.
• List specific models and OS versions to test on, considering market share and user base
• Decide on manual testing, automated testing, or a combination of both

Test Plan Creation:

• Define what is to be tested, including gameplay mechanics, user interface, network performance, etc.
• Develop detailed test cases covering all aspects of the game
• Assign tasks and resources, including testers, devices, and tools
• Set timelines for different testing phases

Test Environment Setup:

• Prepare devices with various specifications and network conditions
• Install the game and any necessary tools for bug tracking and reporting
• Create data sets needed for testing, such as user accounts and in-game assets

Execution Phase:

• Execute the planned test cases, documenting outcomes
• Encourage testers to perform exploratory testing, trying unexpected or unplanned scenarios
• Assess game performance under different conditions like load and stress testing

Bug Reporting and Tracking:

• Write bug reports with detailed descriptions, steps to reproduce, and screenshots/videos if applicable
• Rank bugs based on severity and impact on the game experience
• Monitor bug fixes and retest as needed

User Experience Testing:

• Release a beta version to a select group of users
• Collect user feedback on gameplay, interface, and overall experience
• Ensure the game is intuitive and user-friendly

Final Review and Reporting:

• Summarize findings, including bug statistics and test coverage
• Assess if the game meets the predefined performance benchmarks
• Provide suggestions for improvements based on testing results

Post-Release Testing:

• Keep an eye on player reviews and feedback post-launch
• Test new updates or patches before release
• Continuously monitor game performance and server load

Documentation and Archiving:

• Record insights and areas for improvement in future projects
• Keep test cases, reports, and data for future reference

Mobile Game Functionality Testing Process

Functionality testing verifies that each component of the mobile game operates as intended. It’s the foundation of ensuring the game provides a flawless experience to players. Let’s take a look at the game functionality testing process.

Installation:

• Verify that the game can be installed from various sources, such as the App Store, direct download, or QR codes
• Check for clear installation instructions and progress indicators during the installation process
• Monitor installation time and ensure it is within acceptable limits
• Verify that the game icon is properly created on the home screen or app drawer after installation
• Ensure that installation logs are generated and provide sufficient information for troubleshooting

Uninstallation:

• Verify that the game can be uninstalled from the device’s settings or app manager
• Check for clear uninstallation confirmation prompts and options to retain or remove game data
• Monitor uninstallation time and ensure it is within acceptable limits
• Verify that all game files, including residual data and temporary files, are completely removed after uninstallation
• Check for any lingering processes or services associated with the game that are terminated upon uninstallation

Game Launch and Shutdown:

• Ensure that the game launches smoothly and within a reasonable time frame
• Test the game launch after rebooting the device
• Verify that the game shuts down properly without any crashes or lingering processes

User Account Management:

• Test user registration and login process
• Verify user data synchronization across devices
• Test password recovery and account settings
• Verify that the game requests appropriate permissions and handles user data responsibly
• Ensure that privacy settings are clear and easy to understand

• Assess the arrangement and spacing of UI elements to ensure they are intuitive, organized, and non-cluttered
• Check for graphical glitches or artifacts
• Ensure that text is easily readable, icons are recognizable, and visual indicators are clear and distinct
• Test different screen orientations:portrait, landscape
• Validate responsive design on different screen sizes and resolutions
• Verify that tappable areas are adequately sized and spaced to avoid accidental touches or misclicks
• Verify that touch interactions provide appropriate visual or haptic feedback to confirm actions

• Ensure all game levels/missions load correctly
• Test game mechanics, such as controls, physics, AI behavior, combat mechanics
• Verify collision detection and character movements
• Verify that the game’s progression is smooth and rewarding for players
• Ensure that difficulty levels are appropriate and that challenges are appropriately introduced
• Check the functionality of in-game items and power-ups
• Check for any exploits, glitches, or unfair advantages that could ruin the gaming experience

• Verify background music and sound effects are working
• Test audio settings, such as mute and volume control
• Check for audio synchronization with gameplay events and animations
• Verify that audio files are high-quality and free from noise, distortion, or clipping artifacts
• Test the overall audio mix to ensure that sound effects, music, and background sounds are balanced and complementary
• Check that sound effects are properly spatialized and positioned within the game world
• Check that audio settings are persistent and apply correctly when the game is restarted

• Test game performance in different network conditions such as Wi-Fi, cellular data, or no network
• Test game behavior in case of network interruptions
• Ensure data is transmitted securely

In-App Purchases and Monetization:

• Test the purchase process for in-game items
• Verify secure handling of payment information
• Check the delivery of purchased items
• Test refund processes and error handling in transactions

Multiplayer Mode (if applicable):

• Verify that matchmaking is efficient and pairs players with appropriate skill levels and preferences
• Check for clear matchmaking options, such as quick play, ranked matches, or custom games
• Monitor matchmaking wait times to ensure they are within acceptable limits
• Verify that matchmaking is handled gracefully and does not crash or freeze the game
• Evaluate matchmaking behavior under different player densities and geographical locations
• Check for clear lobby chat functionality, voice chat options (if applicable), and player profiles

• Verify that the game gracefully handles expected errors, such as network disconnections, resource loading failures, or device limitations
• Make sure error messages are meaningful and easy for players to understand
• Verify that the game can handle unexpected errors, such as memory leaks, internal crashes, or invalid user inputs
• Check for crash reporting mechanisms that collect relevant information and provide insights into the cause of the crash

Mobile Game Compatibility Testing Process

For a game to achieve success, it must provide a seamless experience across different devices and settings. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the steps and nuances involved in mobile game compatibility testing.

Operating System Compatibility:

• Verify that the game works seamlessly on the target operating systems: Android, iOS
• Check for compatibility with the latest and older OS versions like Android 12-14, iOS 16-17
• Keep track of operating system updates and perform regression testing to ensure that your game remains compatible with new OS versions
• Verify that gestures and interactions specific to the operating system, like swipe gestures on Android or 3D Touch on iOS, are supported and behave as expected
• Test the accessibility features provided by the operating system, such as VoiceOver on iOS and TalkBack on Android
• Check how your game behaves when it’s running in the background and whether it consumes excessive resources or drains the battery
• Test how your game responds to system notifications like calls, text messages, or alarms and whether it handles interruptions gracefully without crashing or losing game progress

Device Compatibility:

• Test the game on a wide range of devices with varying screen sizes, resolutions, and aspect ratios
• Include different models from popular manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus
• Check support for external game controllers on platforms that offer it, such as iOS with MFi controllers

Hardware Compatibility:

• Validate the game’s compatibility with various hardware configurations, including processors, RAM, and graphics cards
• Identify and address any performance issues related to hardware limitations

Software Compatibility:

• Test the game’s interaction with other installed applications and third-party services
• Verify that your game correctly uses platform-specific APIs and features provided by the operating system, such as push notifications, Game Center on iOS, and Google Play Games Services on Android

Mobile Game Load Testing Process

Load testing ensures the game can handle the expected user load and maintain its performance under various usage scenarios. It helps identify and address potential bottlenecks, performance issues, and scalability limitations before the game is released to a large audience. Here is the list of steps you should take to perform comprehensive load testing.

Environment Setup & Tool Selection:

• Prepare the test environment that simulates real-world conditions, such as the demographics, device types, and network conditions of the target audience
• Set up multiple devices or emulators to simulate player connections
• Choose appropriate load testing tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, or specialized game testing tools like GameBench

Load Test Design:

• Create realistic load scenarios that mimic user interactions and game play patterns
• Define load parameters, including the number of concurrent users, ramp-up rate, and test duration
• Determine the geographical distribution of users if applicable

Load Test Execution:

• Conduct initial load tests to assess the game’s baseline performance and identify potential bottlenecks
• Gradually increase the load to identify the point where performance starts to degrade
• Conduct stress testing to determine the game’s breaking point under extreme load conditions
• Perform spike testing to simulate sudden surges in user traffic and assess the game’s resilience
• Monitor and collect performance data during the test, including server logs, client logs, and network statistics

• Analyze performance data to identify performance bottlenecks and areas for optimization
• Implement performance improvements and retest to evaluate the effectiveness of the optimizations
• Perform regression testing to ensure that performance improvements do not introduce new issues

Mobile Game Security Testing Process

Even a small breach in game security may impact the company’s reputation and the user’s trust and data integrity. Let’s break down the steps involved in the security testing of mobile games.

Threat Modeling:

• Understand where vulnerabilities may exist in the game, like data storage or communication channels
• Consider both server-side and client-side threats
• Conduct threat modeling to anticipate potential attack scenarios

Authentication & Authorization:

• Test the authentication process to ensure that only legitimate users can access the game
• Test for account lockout mechanisms and password recovery processes
• Ensure strong authentication mechanisms are in place, such as two-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts
• Verify that session tokens are securely generated, transmitted, and validated
• Test for session fixation and session timeout vulnerabilities

Permissions and Access Controls:

• Review and validate the permissions requested by the game on the device
• Ensure that the game only requests the necessary permissions
• Verify that access controls are implemented properly to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionalities
• Check if the game offers permission management to allow users to control and revoke granted permissions at any time

Data Security:

• Implement secure data storage mechanisms to protect sensitive user information, such as data encryption at rest and in transit
• Verify that data transmission is secured using appropriate encryption protocols, such as TLS/SSL, to prevent data interception and eavesdropping
• Validate that data validation and sanitization are properly implemented to prevent malicious input and data injection attacks

Code Security:

• Perform code reviews and static code analysis to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflows, cross-site scripting (XSS), and SQL injection
• Utilize dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools to detect vulnerabilities during runtime, such as insecure API calls and input validation flaws
• Implement continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to automate security testing and ensure secure code deployments

Penetration Testing:

• Perform penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and discover security weaknesses
• Combine the power of manual penetration testing expertise with automated vulnerability scanning
• Test the app using the OWASP Mobile Application Security Testing Guide

Third-Party Libraries:

• Scrutinize the use of third-party libraries and components to ensure they are up-to-date, secure, and compatible with the game’s development framework
• Verify that third-party libraries are not introducing any vulnerabilities or security risks into the game application
• Consider using dependency management tools to track and update third-party libraries automatically

Backend Infrastructure Security:

• Regularly audit server security, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Apply regular security patches and updates

Documentation:

• Consolidate findings, detailing vulnerabilities and threats
• Classify issues based on severity and create a priority-based remediation roadmap

Mobile Game Usability Testing Process

Usability testing of mobile games delves into the player’s experience, ensuring that the game is not only functional but also enjoyable, intuitive, and user-friendly. By understanding and optimizing the user experience, developers can significantly boost player retention and overall game success. Let’s take a detailed look into the various facets associated with usability testing for mobile games.

General Usability:

• Note if the game leaves a positive overall impression
• Check if it’s immediately clear what the game is about and what the player is supposed to do
• Check if the game is easy to learn and understand and if the instructions are clear and concise
• Note if the game is fun and enjoyable to play and if it keeps players engaged and wanting to come back for more
• Test if the game is replayable and offers enough content and variety to keep players interested in playing it multiple times

Navigation:

• Ensure the menu structure is clear and easy to navigate and players can easily find the options they need
• Check if it’s easy to navigate around the game world and if the controls are intuitive
• Check if the game provides clear feedback to players about their actions and if it’s easy to tell what is happening and why
• Test if the game’s navigation is consistent throughout and if the controls and menus are always used in the same way

• Observe if the game is challenging enough to be engaging, but not so challenging that it becomes frustrating
• Check if the game’s objectives are clear and easy to understand and if they provide the player with a sense of purpose and direction
• Check if the game has a satisfying sense of progression and if it feels like the player is making progress and achieving goals
• Test if the game is balanced in terms of difficulty, rewards, and penalties. Does it feel like players have a fair chance of success?

• Test if the game runs smoothly and without performance issues. Does it maintain a consistent frame rate?
• Note if the game crashes or freezes frequently
• Check if the game works properly on a variety of devices and operating systems
• Check if the game is accessible to players with disabilities. Is it compatible with screen readers, keyboard controls, and other assistive technologies?

• Note if the game is appropriate for its target audience. Is it too difficult or too easy for the intended age group?
• Check if the game’s monetization model feels fair and balanced. Does it not interfere with the gameplay experience?
• If the game includes social features, ensure they are well-implemented and enjoyable to use
• If the game is localized into multiple languages, test if the localization is done well. Is the translation accurate and natural?

Player Feedback:

• Have testers vocalize their thoughts during gameplay to capture immediate reactions and feedback
• Observe player interactions using tools like screen recording to identify design flaws or confusing elements
• Collect detailed feedback through questionnaires or interviews to understand player experiences and suggestions

Mobile Game Localization Testing Process

Localization testing ensures that your mobile game resonates with players from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Here’s our comprehensive list on how to implement localization testing for mobile games.

Language and Text Testing:

• Verify that all in-game text, including menus, dialogues, tutorials, and descriptions, is correctly translated into the target language(s)
• Ensure that the translations are contextually appropriate for the game’s theme and setting
• Ensure that special characters, accents, and diacritics are displayed correctly and do not cause display issues or crashes
• Confirm that the font used supports all required characters in the target language(s)

• Test voiceovers and audio cues for correct pronunciation and language consistency
• Ensure that subtitles or captions match the spoken language
• Verify that audio volumes and quality are consistent across different languages

User Interface and Layout:

• Assess UI elements, such as buttons, menus, and dialog boxes, for text overflow or clipping
• Verify that the UI accommodates right-to-left languages if applicable
• Test touch targets and other interactive elements for usability in different languages

• Review the game’s content for any cultural sensitivities or inaccuracies
• Ensure that the game’s humor and references are appropriate for the target audience
• Verify that date and time formats, currency symbols, and units of measurement are adapted to the target region’s conventions
• Ensure that any references to cultural norms, holidays, or local events are accurate and relevant
• Conduct a final review with native speakers or cultural experts to ensure that the game respects cultural norms and avoids offensive content

Legal & Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure that the game complies with local laws and regulations, such as age ratings, data privacy, and content restrictions
• Check if any legal disclaimers, privacy policies, or terms of service need to be updated or translated

Mobile Game App Store Compliance Testing Process

To have a smooth launch and ongoing success of your game, you have to ensure that your game aligns with App Store/Google Play Store guidelines. Failing to comply can result in delays or even removal from the stores. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the compliance process for both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

Content Guidelines:

• Examine in-game content such as chats, images, and scenarios to ensure the game is free from inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content
• Check if age ratings are set accurately
• Ensure your game does not infringe on any copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights
• Check if proper licenses or permissions for any third-party content or assets used in the game are obtained
• Check if intellectual property rights of other creators or contributors are acknowledged and respected
• Verify if appropriate mechanisms are implemented to moderate user-generated content
• Note if the game provides clear guidelines for acceptable user behavior

Data Collection & Privacy:

• Confirm the app asks for clear and informed consent from users before collecting any personal data
• Ensure the game provides users with transparent privacy policies and data management practices
• Check compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA

In-App Purchases & Advertising:

• Observe if ads interfere excessively with the game functionality
• Check if the terms and conditions of in-game purchases and advertising are clearly disclosed
• Ensure the displayed ads are appropriate for the age group of the audience
• Ensure the game follows age restrictions and advertising limitations for children
• Check if advertisements are clearly marked

Technical Requirements:

• Ensure compatibility with the latest version of the operating system and a range of devices
• Ensure the app is free from major bugs and crashes
• Verify if only documented and approved APIs are used
• Check adherence to guidelines for data storage, especially for sensitive data
• Verify if the game offers smooth performance, with optimized loading times and efficient battery usage

Mobile Game Beta Testing Process

Beta testing is a pivotal phase in the game development process, allowing developers to gather valuable feedback from actual users in real-world scenarios. This feedback helps in refining the game before its final release. We compiled all important steps for beta testing in this list.

Pre-Testing:

• Set clear goals, like identifying bugs, performance issues, or assessing gameplay mechanics
• Document the test scenarios, test cases, and expected results

Select a Diverse Beta Tester Group:

• Recruit testers with varied devices, operating systems, and locations, or use a beta testing service
• Provide testers with guidelines and instructions

Set up Feedback Channels:

• Establish clear communication channels like forums, email, or in-game systems
• Encourage candid feedback from testers

Gather and Analyze Feedback:

• Request opinions on the game’s narrative, characters, and difficulty levels
• Encourage feedback on the game’s navigation, layout, and overall UI design
• Analyze feedback to spot recurring issues or suggestions, highlighting key areas for improvement
• Implement changes and consider another round of beta testing to ensure all concerns are addressed

Mobile Game Testing vs. Mobile App Testing

After our thorough mobile game testing checklist, you probably wonder: how does mobile game testing differ from mobile app testing? At first glance, the two might seem similar. After all, both are accessed on mobile devices. However, a closer look reveals distinct differences that are crucial to understand for any tester or developer.

Our Experience with Mobile Game Testing

QAwerk has been helping game developers deliver well-polished, satisfying, and seamless gaming experiences since 2015. We’ve tested iOS and Android games of different genres – from simple hypercasual and puzzle games to kill time to first-person shooters, massively multiplayer online role-playing games, car racing, battle royale, and simulation games.

One of our latest projects is Couple Up!, an interactive mobile romance game available on iOS and Android. As the game’s user base grew, the creators wanted to ensure that the server could handle a substantially larger number of players. So, they hired our QAwerk team to perform comprehensive load testing, code review, and server configuration audit.

Our load testing revealed that the game server struggled with handling a sharp increase in the number of users over a short time, resulting in the system imbalance, long response times, and internal server errors. Since we also have DevOps engineers on our team, we provided the Couple Up! developers with a step-by-step action plan to improve the server performance and reduce the number of errors.

Curious if we have the expertise and resources to test your game? Feel free to reach out and book a quick call for us to discuss your needs, expectations, and how those match our experience.

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