Automated Video Game Testing Framework via API Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
The video game industry faces challenges with manual testing practices, which are costly, time-consuming, and vulnerable to intellectual property leakage, lacking reliable automated testing solutions that can efficiently test games across multiple platforms.
Innovation Solution
A reusable test automation framework is introduced, which includes an application programming interface (API) coupled to an agent within the video game, allowing for external control and data capture. This framework enables automated testing by executing test scripts that simulate gameplay and evaluate performance across various gaming platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing practices are used, then testing can be performed with simple tools, but testing speed and reliability are slow and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing processes with an automated software-based testing system. The framework uses computer-executable test scripts, automated agents, and digital data collection to substitute human-operated manual testing, thereby improving both reliability through consistent automated execution and productivity through faster test runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing framework enables self-service automation where the system automatically executes tests, collects data, and generates reports without continuous human intervention. The automated agents independently perform testing tasks based on predefined test scripts, allowing the system to serve itself in performing quality assurance functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If beta testing is used to reduce costs, then extensive human testing can be avoided, but intellectual property becomes vulnerable to copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated testing framework as an intermediary between game developers and quality assurance. This intermediary system performs testing tasks that would otherwise require human beta testers, thereby reducing cost while maintaining security. The automated agents act as mediators that can test the game without exposing sensitive intellectual property to external parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework uses virtual copies and simulations of gameplay rather than relying on human beta testers. Automated agents create digital replicas of testing scenarios, allowing comprehensive testing without exposing the actual game to potential IP theft. The system copies and analyzes game behavior through automated means rather than human interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized testing tools are developed for each game engine and platform, then testing can be tailored to specific games, but device complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal testing framework that can operate across multiple game engines and platforms through a standardized API interface. The automated agents are designed to be platform-agnostic, allowing the same testing infrastructure to adapt to different games and engines without requiring separate customized tools for each, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing framework is segmented into modular components: a core automated testing engine, platform-specific adapters, and configurable test scripts. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple core while providing customization capabilities through separate, interchangeable modules that can be configured for different platforms without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated video game testing framework and method includes communicatively coupling an application programming interface (API) to an agent in a video game, where the video game includes a plurality of in-game objects that are native to the video game. The agent is managed as an in-game object of the video game. A test script is executed to control the agent, via the API, to induce gameplay and interrogate a behavior of a test object. The test object is identified from the plurality of in-game objects based on a query that specifies an object attribute of the test object.