Overview

Anima Flux, the newest Metroidvania adventure, is rapidly gaining global stardom as it thrills fans of the genre. For context, Metroidvanias are a subgenre of action-adventure video games with vast worlds, nonlinear missions, and large terrains that players can explore. Similarly, the dystopian co-op gameplay of Anima Flux features an immersive story and an intricate world. Players take on the roles of two genetically engineered soldiers fighting mutants to save humanity’s last stronghold.

The depth and complexity of the gameplay inevitably demand a robust build and testing framework—the behind-the-scenes essentials. To ensure a seamless result, the game’s creator partnered with Riseup Labs for its black box testing services. This case study dives into the testing process and its impact on Anima Flux’s development journey.

The Objective

Ensuring top-notch performance through rigorous testing

While the internal coding defines the game, the gameplay experience offers a valuable feedback loop to enhance and optimize its build. Through rigorous black box testing, Riseup Labs aimed to ensure that the game delivers foolproof functionality and performance.

Achieving Enhanced Gameplay for Anima Flux with Black Box Testing Solutions | Case Study Body Image The Impact
Image credit: Anima Flux

Below is a detailed breakdown of the objectives behind the black box testing, which includes:

  • Validating the game’s functionality, ensuring it meets design and user requirements.
  • Identifying and addressing usability, performance, and compatibility issues from a user’s perspective.
  • Ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience without looking into the underlying codes.

The Challenge

Validating stability and functionalities on a higher level – i.e. through gameplay

Our client — Anima Flux needed a robust test strategy to thoroughly test the game and identify potential issues. This posed a particular challenge for them given the need for a structured testing framework and the complexity of identifying effective test cases. Moreover, rigorous testing that accounts for diverse and unpredictable scenarios also requires dedicated resources. Anima Flux, therefore, sought Riseup Labs’ support for a comprehensive solution to overcome these challenges.

Achieving Enhanced Gameplay for Anima Flux with Black Box Testing Solutions | Case Study Body Image The Challenge
Image credit: Anima Flux

Below is a detailed breakdown of the testing challenges for Anima Flux:

  • Addressing any possible quality assurance gaps that could impact performance and user reviews.
  • Ensuring adequate resource allocation for thorough testing, which can be a challenge when done internally.
  • Testing for unpredictable game performance during extended play, on various devices and platforms or in multiplayer modes.
  • Ensuring a robust testing framework for top-quality output
  • Testing for hardware and software compatibility across a wide range of setups.
  • Accounting for complex scenarios related to unpredictable player actions

The Solution

Deploying a comprehensive test strategy

The first step to strategizing a solution involved detailing all possible roadblocks to achieving a high-performing, bug-free game. These involved identifying if the game functions are intended or from a bug. Furthermore, the overall test strategy had to be meticulously planned, as black box testing focuses solely on external functionality without considering the underlying code.

Achieving Enhanced Gameplay for Anima Flux with Black Box Testing Solutions | Case Study Body Image The Solution
Image credit: Anima Flux

Below are the comprehensive solutions that tackled testing challenges for Anima Flux:

  • Developing detailed test cases for major gameplay scenarios, edge cases, extended playtime and user interactions.
  • Designing test scenarios to simulate real-world user behavior.
  • Conducting cross-platform testing by simulating the game on various devices and setups to identify compatibility issues.
  • logging and tracking bugs for detailed bug reporting and ensuring no issues are overlooked.
  • Utilizing video recording of gameplay and controller inputs for easy debugging and reproducing issues.

The Impact

Remarkable gameplay with improved stability, results, and experience

Risuep Labs’ thorough and systematic test framework has significantly improved the game’s outlook. From increased fluidity to user satisfaction, the positive trickle-down effect will significantly aid the game’s future development.

Achieving Enhanced Gameplay for Anima Flux with Black Box Testing Solutions | Case Study Body Image The Objective
Image credit: Anima Flux

Below is the impact summary achieved from Riseup Labs’ black box testing:

  • Significant improvement in user experience, gameplay quality, and fluidity from addressing bugs.
  • Achieved higher game stability by identifying and resolving critical bugs.
  • Proactive identification of user-focused issues contributed to reduced development time in later stages.

This page was last edited on 29 December 2024, at 3:17 pm