Testing Multi-Player Games

[Insatiable]

Hello! I am in need of information on what is required of someone that is beta testing a multi-player game site. I have read various discussions on what is looked for and how to report bugs etc. but I am wondering if there is anything different in how you go about testing the multi-player venue. I know I saw something about stress tests and I understand that. Is there anything specific that I should look for? If you can't tell already I have never done this before and I don't want to appear like a complete idiot to the techs when reporting a problem. If you could direct me to sites other than the one here with an explanation of how to go about this I'd extremely appreciate it, or if you could give me any tips.

Thanks!
Insatiable :)

[Pyros]

All testing is basically the same. It is done is phases, where generally more players are added to the later phases. In multiplayer games, it remains this way. The first phase is usually compatability testing, selected in because their computers contain parts that the devs may need to test to see if the game works with. At this point, the game is generally very buggy and difficult to play. As the game progresses, more testers are added, also judged by their machine specs. The second phase generally looks at gameplay. If something is overpowered, they report it. If the game crashes every time they use a specific weapon, they report it. If textures go missing during gameplay, they report that too. It's basically seeing what goes wrong, and reporting it. Third phase is usually stress testing, where they get as many players as they can to see if the servers can hold it. This usually generally only applies to MMOs.

When you report a problem, the submission form will have a multitude of fields. It may say "Section A: Crashes", and you report crashes there, including information like how you came accross the crash and if you can repeat it. Section B may be graphical glitches, C may be glitches in the game such as getting stuck in doors, etc, etc.

Hope this helps.

[Insatiable]

Thanks! I did forget to mention though that when I said multi-player I meant online and it is not an RPG. Backgammon and different card games where people will all be in a gaming room and able to talk to one another etcetera, and tournament directors will need to interact with players in chat. Are there any special criteria for these sort of games or is it still basically the same? I appreciate the advise!

:) Insatiable

[Pyros]

Originally posted by Insatiable
Thanks! I did forget to mention though that when I said multi-player I meant online and it is not an RPG. Backgammon and different card games where people will all be in a gaming room and able to talk to one another etcetera, and tournament directors will need to interact with players in chat. Are there any special criteria for these sort of games or is it still basically the same? I appreciate the advise!

:) Insatiable

So far Atari has only tested Unreal 2 XMP and Horizons, so I can't tell you from experience what they require from those. I can imagine it is the same though, you log in, and join a game. From there you play, looking for errors in the coding, graphical glitches, crashes, etc.

[well_chuffed]

So far Atari has only tested Unreal 2 XMP and Horizons, so I can't tell you from experience what they require from those. I can imagine it is the same though, you log in, and join a game. From there you play, looking for errors in the coding, graphical glitches, crashes, etc.

And also whether the game is actually any good! ;)