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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AegisEversoaring" data-source="post: 311100" data-attributes="member: 2595">Software Test person speaks up...I'm a 10 year software testing veteran, and I started working in the entertainment software realm for the first 7 years of my career. I used to work for MicroProse and tested tons of titles everyone with a PC has played at some time. I went on with some close friends to start a software testing company and we tested hundreds of releases from just about every major game manufacturer. I currently work in a different field, yet I still test software.The big issue with PC games is twofold. One problem is compatibility. No developer of an entertainment title can afford to mantain the hardware lab to make sure the product runs perfectly on every gaming rig out there. The programmers write to fit their minimum specs and their optimal configurations and go from there. The second problem, as mentioned above is the Holiday Release cycle. Everything in entertainment software is geared towards being on the shelf in time for the holiday season. If this means that the testing cycle or development cycle has to be cut, then it gets cut. Many times this means features left out of games, or obvious and glaring bugs in the products. Many of the software publishers care only about shelf space at your local software store and sell-through of the product. Quality (and Quality Assurance) and Support are secondary expenses that can be cut back as needed. Many companies refuse to use professional testers or outside beta-test groups to help debug their products. When they do employ such groups, it is often a difficult task to compile their findings in a timely manner to help the development team. Lots of bugs just 'slip through the cracks' there. Buying games today is basically hit-or-miss, you basically have to stick with known, proven performers in the industry. As a user you have to keep your PC clean and up to date with drivers and patches just to make sure the problems you encounter arent on your end.Me? As a person who used to get paid well to play games for a living, I like RPGs...lol. Nothing beats sitting at a table and playing D+D with your friends.Hope this sheds some light for some,Vaughn</blockquote>

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