Quality Assurance Audit (QA)

Quantitative & Qualitative mix:

Quantitative data answers what is happening using numbers
(e.g., error counts, completion rates, time on task, crash frequency)
Qualitative data answers why it’s happening using observations and feedback
(e.g., player confusion, frustration, comments, observed behavior)

Best Stage: Alpha → Beta → Ongoing Development

Primary Goal: Finding bugs, crashes, logic errors, and rule violations before release

Effort: High

Overview

A QA audit (Quality Assurance audit) is a structured review of a game’s systems, mechanics, or user experience to identify bugs, inconsistencies, usability issues, and performance risks. It’s typically performed by QA analysts but can also inform game designers and researchers about where player-facing problems might occur.

Why QA Audits Matter

Catch issues early that can affect player trust, retention, or monetization
Improve player experience by flagging confusion, bugs, or slowdowns
Provide valuable data that guides playtesting focus or user research questions
Prevent last-minute crunch by reducing unknowns before launch or beta

QA audits can be paired with heuristic evaluations or analytics to cross-validate findings and prioritize what to fix or test next.

Resources:

Pixel QA. (n.d.). Types of game testing for quality assurance. Pixel QA. https://www.pixelqa.com/blog/post/types-of-game-testing-for-quality-assurance