In this article, we’ve created a starter Freelance Game Tester Workflow Map that you can use to start planning out your product/service delivery and we’ve outlined a few examples of experiments that you can run in your Freelance Game Tester role.
Ready to get started? Download the Workflow Map template or get in touch to discuss how a workflow coach could help you fast-track your business improvement.
Contents
The path towards better systems and processes in your Freelance Game Tester role starts with mapping out your most important business processes. Being able to see your business processes laid out visually helps you to collaborate with your team on how to improve and grow. By repeating this collaboration process, you’ll develop a culture of continuous improvement that leads to a growing business and streamlined systems and processes that increase customer & staff experience.
To help you start mapping out your processes, we’ve developed a sample flow for a Freelance Game Tester Workflow Map that you can use with your team to start clarifying your processes and then run Business Experiments so you can build a better business.
1. Initial consultation: Meet with the client to understand their requirements, goals, and expectations for the game testing project.
2. Test plan development: Create a comprehensive test plan that outlines the scope, objectives, and methodologies for the game testing process.
3. Test case creation: Develop test cases and scenarios that cover various aspects of the game, including gameplay mechanics, graphics, audio, and user interface.
4. Game testing: Execute the test cases and thoroughly evaluate the game for bugs, glitches, performance issues, and overall user experience.
5. Bug reporting: Document and report any identified issues, including detailed descriptions, steps to reproduce, and severity levels, using a standardized bug tracking system.
6. Regression testing: Conduct regression testing to ensure that previously fixed issues have not resurfaced and that new changes or updates have not introduced any new problems.
7. User feedback analysis: Analyze user feedback and reviews to gain insights into the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
8. Performance optimization: Collaborate with the development team to optimize the game’s performance, including load times, frame rates, and overall stability.
9. Final testing and sign-off: Conduct a final round of testing to ensure that all identified issues have been resolved and that the game meets the client’s quality standards.
10. Delivery and documentation: Provide the client with a comprehensive report summarizing the testing process, results, and recommendations for further enhancements
1. Name: Implementing a Bug Tracking System
Description: Introduce a bug tracking system to efficiently track and manage reported issues during game testing. This system will allow for better organization, prioritization, and resolution of bugs, leading to improved productivity and streamlined testing processes.
Expected Outcome: Increased efficiency in bug management, reduced time spent on duplicate or unresolved issues, and improved overall testing productivity.
2. Name: Conducting User Surveys
Description: Create and distribute user surveys to collect feedback from gamers who have tested the games. The surveys can cover aspects such as gameplay experience, user interface, and overall satisfaction. Analyzing the collected data will provide valuable insights into areas of improvement and help identify potential issues that may have been overlooked during testing.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced understanding of user preferences and pain points, enabling targeted improvements in game design and user experience, ultimately leading to more engaging and enjoyable games.
3. Name: Collaborating with Developers Early in the Design Process
Description: Establish a closer working relationship with game developers by actively participating in the early stages of game design. This involvement will allow for early identification of potential testing challenges, better understanding of the game’s objectives, and the ability to provide valuable input on potential improvements or adjustments to enhance the game’s quality.
Expected Outcome: Improved communication and collaboration between testers and developers, resulting in more effective testing strategies, reduced rework, and higher-quality games.
4. Name: Exploring Automation Tools for Testing
Description: Research and experiment with automation tools specifically designed for game testing. These tools can help automate repetitive tasks, such as regression testing or performance testing, allowing testers to focus on more complex and critical aspects of game evaluation. By streamlining the testing process, productivity can be increased, and testing coverage can be expanded.
Expected Outcome: Increased testing efficiency, reduced manual effort, and improved test coverage, leading to faster turnaround times and higher-quality game releases.
5. Name: Networking and Building Relationships with Game Developers
Description: Actively engage in networking events, conferences, and online communities to establish connections with game developers. Building relationships with developers can lead to increased opportunities for freelance game testing projects, as well as potential collaborations on future game releases. By expanding professional networks, freelancers can enhance their reputation and gain access to a wider range of projects.
Expected Outcome: Increased project opportunities, potential long-term collaborations, and a stronger professional reputation within the game development community
The above map and experiments are just a basic outline that you can use to get started on your path towards business improvement. If you’d like custom experiments with the highest ROI, would like to work on multiple workflows in your business (for clients/customers, HR/staff and others) or need someone to help you implement business improvement strategies & software, get in touch to find out whether working with a workflow coach could help fast-track your progress.
