Game Testing

Oliver introduces us to the exciting topic of how to actually test computer games. Specifically, we talk about the MMORPG Tibia. He talks about the requirements that a game tester needs and gives insights into error management and the testing process. During intensive gameplay, it can happen that the actual goal, testing, is lost sight of and Oliver explains how he keeps the focus. Another special feature is that the players themselves are also involved in the testing process. Well, some bugs make it into the official version of the game despite intensive testing and the whoopee cushion bug caused general hilarity in the community.

“We worked on this event island for weeks and then we realized that no one would go there” - Oliver Heldt

Oliver originally comes from the IT world and worked as a system administrator for many years, where he was able to deal intensively with Linux, software quality and, of course, bugs. He worked as a part-time moderator in the games industry for many years and was often on the road at LAN parties and eSports events until 2010. He then ventured into the automotive industry as a software tester, where he was able to work on a test bench, among other things. He has been at CipSoft in Regensburg since 2017 and “tests” their games and everything that this special software has to offer. It’s really great for him to combine his IT and testing experience with his passion for games in one job.

Highlights of this episode:

• Oliver tests games and is part of the team that tests Tibia, an MMORPG that has been around for 25 years
• Game testing involves exploratory testing, where testers need a deep knowledge of the game
• New features and updates are thoroughly tested before they are released. Testers have special tools and ‘Godspells’ at their disposal to facilitate the testing process
• Players are involved in the testing process by being invited to external tests where they can provide feedback
• There are funny bugs that have gotten into the game, like a whoopee cushion bug that crashed the server because players overdid it
• Tibia remains a 2D game despite technological advances, but has won many awards and has a strong community
• Tibia has won the computer game award for best studio in Germany

Behind the scenes at Tibia: A game tester tells the story

The world of game testing is fascinating. Oliver Heldt gave insights directly from the field. He is a game tester who told us about the challenges and joys of this special type of software testing.

The fascination of the unknown

As a passionate World of Warcraft player, I have always wondered what happens behind the scenes of game development. I was particularly interested in the subject of game testing. What makes a good game tester? What does the everyday life of such a tester look like? These questions were answered today by Oliver Held, an experienced game tester, who shared his experiences and insights from testing the MMORPG Tibia with us. Tibia, a game that has been delighting players worldwide for over 25 years, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of game testing.

Oliver’s way into game testing

Oliver began his adventure in game testing a few years ago. His love for gaming combined with his technical curiosity led him to this particular career. Oliver emphasized that it is important to not only know the game, but also have a deep understanding of the gaming community. New testers often bring fresh perspectives, which enriches the testing process and enables new discoveries.

The art of game testing

According to Oliver, testing a game like Tibia is a complex task. Every update or feature must be thoroughly tested to ensure that it is of the required quality. Exploratory testing plays a big part in this, as it allows you to read between the lines and uncover hidden risks. Interestingly, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to game testing; tests need to be customized to the game and its specifics.

Challenges and solutions

One of the biggest challenges in game testing is finding the balance between thorough testing and meeting deadlines. Oliver explained that it is important to have good defect management. This includes detailed step-by-step instructions for reproduction steps and clear communication with developers. To save time and test more efficiently, they also use so-called ‘Godspells’, which allow them to quickly dive into different scenarios or levels.

Players as part of the testing process

An interesting aspect of Tibia is the involvement of players in the testing process through external tests. Oliver emphasized the importance of these tests as they make it possible to get feedback directly from the target audience. This not only helps to uncover minor bugs, but also gives the team insights into the balancing of the game and how new features are received by the community.

A journey full of discoveries

My conversation with Oliver was a fascinating journey into the world of game testing. Not only did he give me a deeper insight into the challenges of this field, but he also showed how passion and dedication can contribute to successful game development. Whether it’s spotting (fun) bugs or making sure every patch is up to quality standards, game testing is definitely an exciting career for any gaming enthusiast.