When I joined a game testing project after 7 years in a Tester role, I was excited—and honestly, a little nervous. Why? Because I rarely play games.
Especially with a game project that has been running for more than 10 years, in which I am joining, Exploratory testing is a daily task.
I have tested apps, websites, and systems with complex workflows. But joining the game world felt different. However, what I discovered is that even without gaming experience, exploratory testing can be powerful.
What is Exploratory in Game Testing?
Exploratory testing is a test approach in which tests are dynamically designed and executed based on tester’s knowledge, exploration of a test item, and previous test results. It’s all about investigating, experimenting, and learning in real time. You don’t follow a step-by-step script—you follow your scenarios.
In the context of games, this means testing the game the way a real player would:
- Trying odd combinations of actions
- Going “off-path” or doing the unexpected
- Observing how the game reacts under pressure or randomness
Games are interactive, unpredictable, and full of hidden logic. Exploratory testing uncovers those edge cases that scripted test cases often miss. It’s about asking, “What if?” and seeing where that curiosity takes you.
The Initial Fears – And Why They Don’t Matter
If you join the game project, you can think:
- “I rarely play games, will I miss obvious things?”
- “What if I don’t understand game mechanics?”
What actually happened?
- Being unfamiliar with games makes you notice things regular gamers might overlook: the unclear tutorials, confusing menus, and pacing issues.
- Not knowing all the shortcuts meant you experience the game like a real beginner, and that’s valuable.
- Your testing mindset (attention to detail, thinking in workflows, documenting/recording thoroughly) helps the team spot and reproduce bugs effectively.
In short, the fears don’t matter.
Testing Approach
The approach to the game is like any new software:
- Learn the game basics – What’s the goal? Who’s the user? What are the main attributes?
- Map the flow/ scenarios – create “user journey” maps for different types of games(Video Slot, Blackjack, Roulette, Video Poker, Keno).
- Break things intentionally – What happens if we skip a tutorial? Can you exploit the environment?
- Pair with teammates/ View their history testing – Watching more experienced testers helps us understand patterns, tricks, and common bugs in games.
It isn’t about being a gamer—it is about being methodical, curious, and open to learning.
What “Non-Gamers” Bring to Game Testing
The non-gamers bring a unique perspective that’s often overlooked:
- Fresh Eyes: You can find issues that gamers might gloss over.
- New User Thinking: You think like a casual or first-time player.
- Structured Thinking: While games are creative, testing them still requires patterns, logic, and structure—all things experienced testers can work excellently.
- Objective Perspective: You’re not emotionally attached to specific game features, which helps you stay objective.
Real Bugs Example in Games
- Blur Reels: A symbol is displayed on the reel that is not expected to display on that reel.
- UI Elements: The hamburger Menu overlaps Total Win.
- Currency: The currency symbol is inconsistent in the Base game/ Feature game/ Free Spins.
- Compatibility: The Game title is cut off in Portrait view and on iOS devices.
- Sound: Missing individual sound of symbols.
Tips for Testers Even If You Are Non-Gamers
Here’s what helps to organize the process and make exploratory testing in Games more efficient:
1. Session-Based Testing
- It helps by dividing your testing into focused time blocks, each with a specific goal.
- This method prevents aimless wandering and makes sure you cover all important parts of the game.
2. Chartering
Before each session, create a short statement of your goals.
- What are you aiming to achieve?
- Which game features or areas will you focus on?
- What kind of bugs are you looking to find?
- This clear purpose will help keep your work focused and productive.
3. Ask lots of questions
About symbols, sound, animations, features, big win amount, interrupt gameplay, and expected behaviors.
4. Treat the game like a system
Think of it as an app with inputs, outputs, and flows.
5. Note-Taking and Reporting
- While you play, carefully write down what you find.
- Note any strange behavior, glitches, crashes, or anything that feels wrong.
- Take screenshots and videos to highlight and explain the issues for the developers.
- A report that is clear and detailed is key to getting quick fixes and useful feedback.
- Log Q&A, not just bugs – “This is a small title,” “This button didn’t stand out,” or “I am not sure what data/behavior here” are all valuable.
6. Tools and Techniques
- Bug tracking software helps organize and prioritize issues.
- Recording tools capture important moments for later analysis and review.
- A fixed results tool: it may be obtained from the client.
- You can use a checklist note to ensure thorough coverage.
7. Play a little for fun
Even 10–15 minutes of casual play outside of testing can help you build context without turning you into a hardcore gamer.
Conclusion
Joining a game testing team as someone who rarely plays games seemed like a mismatch, but it turned out to be a strength.
Exploratory testing isn’t about knowing every game trick. It’s about curiosity and asking the right questions. Those are testing skills, not gaming ones.
So, you just need to test like a player, and think like a tester.