Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
chapter 11
Test flow diagrams (TFDs) are graphical models representing game behaviors from
the player's perspective. Testing takes place by traveling through the diagram to exer-
cise the game in both familiar and unexpected ways.
TFDs provide a formal approach to test design that promotes modularity and complete-
ness. Testers can enjoy a high degree of TFD reuse if the same behaviors are consistent
across multiple game titles or features. This benefit extends to sequels and ports to other
platforms. The graphical nature of the TFD gives testers, developers, and producers the
ability to easily review, analyze, and provide feedback on test designs.
A TFD is created by assembling various drawing components called
elements
. These
elements are drawn, labeled, and interconnected according to certain rules. Following
the rules makes it possible for your tests to be understood throughout your test orga-
nization and makes them easier to reuse in future game projects. The rules will
become even more important if your team develops software tools to process or analyze
the TFD contents.
Flows
Flows
are drawn as a line connecting one game state to another, with an arrowhead
indicating the direction of flow. Each flow also has a unique identification number,
one
event
, and one
action
. A colon (“:�?) separates the event name from the flow ID
number and a slash (“/�?) separates the action from the event. During testing, you
do
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