Game Test Phases

Preparation

This is when the base mechanics of the game are implemented into the game to make sure that the core of the game is working correct and very basic textures are implemented to define the type of textures that will be used. The game will be constantly tested and be filled with various bugs that can cause the game to be very buggy and unplayable at some points so the job is to make it so that each part of the core mechanics works in a acceptable manner.

Alpha

This is the stage where the levels are being created and more assets with higher detailed values have started to be implemented into the game. This is so that they can understand the feel of the game and know that everything for the game has been implemented correct and make sure that the base mechanisms work the way they were designed to. At this stage of production, the game is due to be filled with many various bugs that need to be fixed and there will most likely be game breaking fixes where QA testers will have to find all of the bugs, list them and report back to the company so that they can be fixed effectively.

Beta

In the Beta stage, the game is almost ready to be released to the public since most of the content is already added into the game and the production company is adding in the rest of the final details that are needed so that they player can enjoy a full experience of the game. In the beta stage, the game will still ave various bugs but much less than the alpha stage. The optimisation process takes places in order to try and make the game run smoother and fluently for a various range of platform including low performance rigs. Beta stages are often released to the public in some form for game feedback on how it could initially be improved in a form of an open or closed beta.

Gold

This is the stage where the game is polished and completed to a standard where its ready to be put in a final form on a gold disc to be reproduced for sale to the public. In this version, there should be close to no bugs and all core gameplay should be available such as a campaign, co-op or multiplayer stage. There are various last minute tests that are completed to make sure that the game is completely ready for release.

Certification

This is the stage that is used to see if the game software meets the standards that are needed to be played on each platform such as technical platforms because if the game is too harsh on the system, then the game may lag a lot or crash mid-game which would be a terrible experience for the player. If this is the case, then the publishers will have the product be returned and the product will have to be reworked on and then eventually be resubmitted.

Regression

This is the stage that comes after smoke testing, as the components are tested and things within the program are observed like the graphics, audio and coding.