# Compatibility Testing for Games

## Overview

Compatibility testing ensures your game works correctly across different hardware, operating systems, and configurations that players use.

## Types of Compatibility Testing

### Hardware Compatibility

- Graphics cards (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
- CPUs (Intel, AMD, Apple Silicon)
- Memory configurations
- Storage types (HDD, SSD, NVMe)
- Input devices (controllers, keyboards, mice)

### Software Compatibility

- Operating system versions
- Driver versions
- Background software conflicts
- Antivirus interference

### Platform Compatibility

- Console SKUs (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
- PC storefronts (Steam, Epic, GOG)
- Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
- Cloud gaming services

### Configuration Compatibility

- Graphics settings combinations
- Resolution and aspect ratios
- Refresh rates (60Hz, 144Hz, etc.)
- HDR and color profiles

## Testing Matrix

### Minimum Hardware Matrix

| Component | Budget   | Mid-Range | High-End |
| --------- | -------- | --------- | -------- |
| GPU       | GTX 1050 | RTX 3060  | RTX 4080 |
| CPU       | i5-6400  | i7-10700  | i9-13900 |
| RAM       | 8GB      | 16GB      | 32GB     |
| Storage   | HDD      | SATA SSD  | NVMe     |

### OS Matrix

- Windows 10 (21H2, 22H2)
- Windows 11 (22H2, 23H2)
- macOS (Ventura, Sonoma)
- Linux (Ubuntu LTS, SteamOS)

### Controller Matrix

- Xbox Controller (wired, wireless, Elite)
- PlayStation DualSense
- Nintendo Pro Controller
- Generic XInput controllers
- Keyboard + Mouse

## Testing Approach

### 1. Define Supported Configurations

- Minimum specifications
- Recommended specifications
- Officially supported platforms
- Known unsupported configurations

### 2. Create Test Matrix

- Prioritize common configurations
- Include edge cases
- Balance coverage vs. effort

### 3. Execute Systematic Testing

- Full playthrough on key configs
- Spot checks on edge cases
- Automated smoke tests where possible

### 4. Document Issues

- Repro steps with exact configuration
- Severity and frequency
- Workarounds if available

## Common Compatibility Issues

### Graphics Issues

| Issue                | Cause                  | Detection                        |
| -------------------- | ---------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Crashes on launch    | Driver incompatibility | Test on multiple GPUs            |
| Rendering artifacts  | Shader issues          | Visual inspection across configs |
| Performance variance | Optimization gaps      | Profile on multiple GPUs         |
| Resolution bugs      | Aspect ratio handling  | Test non-standard resolutions    |

### Input Issues

| Issue                   | Cause              | Detection                      |
| ----------------------- | ------------------ | ------------------------------ |
| Controller not detected | Missing driver/API | Test all supported controllers |
| Wrong button prompts    | Platform detection | Swap controllers mid-game      |
| Stick drift handling    | Deadzone issues    | Test worn controllers          |
| Mouse acceleration      | Raw input issues   | Test at different DPIs         |

### Audio Issues

| Issue          | Cause            | Detection                   |
| -------------- | ---------------- | --------------------------- |
| No sound       | Device selection | Test multiple audio devices |
| Crackling      | Buffer issues    | Test under CPU load         |
| Wrong channels | Surround setup   | Test stereo vs 5.1 vs 7.1   |

## Platform-Specific Considerations

### PC

- **Steam:** Verify Steam Input, Steamworks features
- **Epic:** Test EOS features if used
- **GOG:** Test offline/DRM-free functionality
- **Game Pass:** Test Xbox services integration

### Console

- **Certification Requirements:** Study TRCs/XRs early
- **SKU Differences:** Test on all variants (S vs X)
- **External Storage:** Test on USB drives
- **Quick Resume:** Test suspend/resume cycles

### Mobile

- **Device Fragmentation:** Test across screen sizes
- **OS Versions:** Test min supported to latest
- **Permissions:** Test permission flows
- **App Lifecycle:** Test background/foreground

## Automated Compatibility Testing

### Smoke Tests

```yaml
# Run on matrix of configurations
compatibility_test:
  matrix:
    os: [windows-10, windows-11, ubuntu-22]
    gpu: [nvidia, amd, intel]
  script:
    - launch_game --headless
    - verify_main_menu_reached
    - check_no_errors
```

### Screenshot Comparison

- Capture screenshots on different GPUs
- Compare for rendering differences
- Flag significant deviations

### Cloud Testing Services

- AWS Device Farm
- BrowserStack (web games)
- LambdaTest
- Sauce Labs

## Compatibility Checklist

### Pre-Alpha

- [ ] Minimum specs defined
- [ ] Key platforms identified
- [ ] Test matrix created
- [ ] Test hardware acquired/rented

### Alpha

- [ ] Full playthrough on min spec
- [ ] Controller support verified
- [ ] Major graphics issues found
- [ ] Platform SDK integrated

### Beta

- [ ] All matrix configurations tested
- [ ] Edge cases explored
- [ ] Certification pre-check done
- [ ] Store page requirements met

### Release

- [ ] Final certification passed
- [ ] Known issues documented
- [ ] Workarounds communicated
- [ ] Support matrix published

## Documenting Compatibility

### System Requirements

```
MINIMUM:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6400 or AMD equivalent
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD RX 560
- Storage: 50 GB available space

RECOMMENDED:
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10700 or AMD equivalent
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6700 XT
- Storage: 50 GB SSD
```

### Known Issues

Maintain a public-facing list of known compatibility issues with:

- Affected configurations
- Symptoms
- Workarounds
- Fix status