Small simple scripts to help the game test itself,
using functionality built into both the big commercial game engines
and easily added to custom engines.
Run the tests when making builds (ideally on a build server - Andrew
can also help create those from scratch), and get
instant informative feedback when you introduce bugs.
Increase development iteration speed
Bugs are found closer to the moment when they're introduced, which
makes them quicker to fix, and makes features easier to evaluate and
iterate on.
Free manual QA from monotonous checklists
Convert smoke tests that QA have to do daily into automated tests,
so QA can focus on what they do best: exploratory testing,
qualitative feedback, and tracking down repro steps.
Stability throughout development
Automation helps keep the game playable, which lets you get vital
feedback through early playtesting, and allows deep changes late
into development.
Less challenging than you think!
Automation doesn't require upending processes or making foundational
code changes. The right strategic tests can provide value, even late
in development.
Andrew is a BAFTA-winning game programmer and lead with over two
decades of experience in the industry. He's worked on both AAA and
indie titles, on genres from racing to puzzle, shipping on PC,
console, and mobile. Notable titles include Rollerdrome, Alphabear
and Rollercoaster Tycoon 3.
Since writing his first shipping test in 2010, Andrew has
implemented processes, created build servers, trained teams and
written tests, both as a lead and as a consultant.
Andrew chairs the Automated Testing roundtables at GDC since
founding them in 2015, and has spoken around the world on test
automation in video games.
While
leading development on Rollerdrome, Andrew was instrumental in
adding automated testing to help improve efficiency and streamline
the project.
-Andrew Brechin, Technical Director, Roll7
Andrew's
technical expertise paired with excellent facilitation skills make
it easy to continually improve.
-Sean Sweeney, Snr Software Engineer, Epic Games
Andrew's
depth of experience makes him hugely effective as both an individual
contributor and engineering leader.
-David Edery, Co-Founder, Spry Fox
I would
highly recommend working with Andrew to any team who have a sense
that they would get a lot of value from automated testing, but no
clear idea where to start.
-Ricky Haggett, Creative Director, Hollow Ponds
Through short-term consulting, Andrew can provide
gamedev teams with the training, mentoring and support needed for them
to build their own solutions.
Contracting with studios over longer periods of time
to create infrastructure, implement tooling and write tests,
augmenting teams so they have the greatest chance of success.
Game teams
Working with teams to help them implement pragmatic tests into
feature development, so they have the tools to iterate faster,
increase stability, and make deep changes later in development.
QA teams
Giving QA teams the skills to write intelligent holistic tests,
giving them freedom and autonomy to improve their own workflows,
while approving releases faster.
Beginning automation
Working with teams who are new to automation, helping them set up
processes and write their first tests. This can include build server
and toolchain setup, comprehensive training, and documentation.
Expand existing automation
Helping teams who are already on their automation journey to reach
the next stage, including troubleshooting of faltering automation,
performance analysis, and providing missing foundational training.
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