What is the role of QA in ensuring timely game delivery?

QA need to be present in planning. QA isn't just a little checkbox at the very end of the game development cycle - a roadblock on the way to submission. By getting QA embedded into project teams and being an active part of the planning process, they can provide insight and catch bugs early, whether it's design, requirements, or accessibility bugs. There is zero downside to having QA being embedded with the other disciplines, and especially crucial in an Agile environment.

Always have a plan….and always plan on there being gaps haha QA’ing is hard to ramp up. I have lead teams developing games and we have been working together to meet / exceed expectations and we all know what is expected. It can be difficult explaining all of the work we had just finished and why we built it the way we did, however, by taking the time to explain and document makes QA testing incredibly valuable. I have started pulling in QA testers earlier so they can build relationships with the development team sooner so when they do hit the ground with bug captures etc. they all trust one another and value their insights.

The most important tool to use in the QA process, is a tool that everyone can use. If bugs and defects are being placed in a platform that the developers do not like or don’t know how to leverage - they likely won’t use it and wait for the information to come to them. Same for QA testers - if they don’t know how to use the tool, they may try and not be efficient in documentation. Use tools your teams like and can be efficient with.

This^^^ QA testing is hard. No doubt about it - ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that people are not feeling insulted or hurt by findings is #1. Pulling in QA testers early to build relationships is vital. It gives them more credibility with the teams, and allows for more efficient testing. It also brings out future potential issues between individuals and allows time for resolution if needed.

I appreciate this viewpoint where QA is fully integrated into the team, actively contributing to the game's development right from the start. It's truly remarkable to witness their insightful contributions, leveraging their understanding of players and providing guidance on enhancing our technology. In terms of timely delivery, QA frequently offers the missing perspective that nudges the team towards selecting one solution over another, which often results in saving time and resources.

Many view QA as a low barrier of entry for the games industry but they play a rather integral role in game development. By logging thousands of hours of gameplay, constantly evaluating and testing new play styles and tactics and logging required fixes and annotating reports they represent the wider user base at large. Their roles are not always respected the way they should be.

To all the incredible QAs out there: Your influence in crafting a successful game is truly astounding. Keep voicing your thoughts and perspectives. I understand there might be moments where you feel hesitant, but remember, your teams fully support you, and we genuinely value your contributions. From pinpointing niche cases to guiding us towards the most effective implementation solutions, your work is truly appreciated.

Absolutely, in game development, QA plays a pivotal role, going beyond mere bug detection. Game QA involves users experiencing the product, providing valuable insights into usability and overall player experience. Integrating QA into the development team ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the project, leading to better collaboration and the ability to address issues in real-time. Their role goes beyond a black-box approach, making them an integral part of the team's success.