The session slides don't cover this, but I think it's still worth exploring how technology is disrupting both QA and user testing. Or how we're seeing weak signals about it right now. 

Check out this link that discusses how the developer of Baldur's Gate 3 (a highly anticipated sequel to a popular role-playing series [RPG]) is using bots in quality assurance:

https://www.pcgamer.com/amp/larian-explains-how-a-quality-assurance-bot-helps-test-baldurs-gate-3/

Artificial intelligence has also been used in ensuring games are balanced, but this domain is still relatively nascent. 

But point being, game development studios are indeed exploring how technology could eliminate the need for human intervention in quality assurance and user testing. Business logic here is clear: both functions require lots of resources (=financial investment) so it makes sense to free up these resources for user acquisition and marketing, for example, as these costs have been skyrocketing.

Interesting discussion, then, will be how this changes the way game companies are organized. As the slides discuss, quality assurance and user testing are often seen as entry points to having a career in the video game industry, so how does this technology disruption impact career trajectories? This is not the only career trajectory, mind you. But point being, understanding how technology impacts the business of games (both in terms of organizations and individuals) is highly crucial because being on top of things ensures you have the first-mover advantage. As trends move fast in this industry, it's important to set those trends / understand how they will impact the industry in general.  

Last modified: Tuesday, 20 October 2020, 10:59 AM