Aviator has taken the iGaming world by storm, but how does it perform in Latin America? TESTA’s latest performance test examines the game in this dynamic region and challenges a common assumption: that lightweight crash games guarantee seamless gameplay.
The test looked at the performance parameters that define an enjoyable user experience across varying internet conditions—and found that while its simple interface delivered in the areas with good connectivity, performance faltered in a variety of ways in all areas with slower internet.
- Why performance matters for crash games
- Testing methodology: real environments, real insights
- Testing process and devices
- Summary of performance testing
- Key findings
- Recommendations for improvement
- Detailed testing results by country
- Considerations for markets with variable connectivity
- Understanding the importance of testing in iGaming
- Conclusion
Why performance matters for crash games
Crash games demand precision. These games rely on split-second timing, where even minor delays can affect real money outcomes—the cash-outs. Players need smooth, uninterrupted gameplay to make real-time decisions. Lag or any other unexpected glitch instantly transforms anticipation and excitement into frustration and mistrust.
Testing methodology: real environments, real insights
The process measured game load times, lag, A/V synchronization and cash-out success in both high and low-speed (less than 3 Mbps download speed) environments.
For this assessment Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Chile were selected to test the game’s performance under varying internet conditions.
Crowdsourced testers evaluated games in these locations, recorded their tests and sent the results back to TESTA for analysis.
Testing process and devices
The test evaluated Aviator’s performance in fun mode on Sportsbet.io. It examined how the game performed under varying internet conditions, ranging from high-speed connections to unstable networks.
Testers documented speed tests and IP locations to validate that results were accurate under both optimal and subpar conditions. They recorded continuous game play until they achieved 10 successful cash-outs with 5x multipliers.
The devices used for the test included a variety of mobile devices commonly used in the region. In Brazil, testers used the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G, a popular mid-range smartphone. In Mexico, the ZTE RedMagic 9 Pro was employed. Peru’s testing was done on a Samsung Galaxy A20, while local players in Chile used an iPhone 12.
Summary of performance testing
While performance in well-connected locations met the high expectations typically held for lightweight crash games, a host of breakdowns in user experience were noted in areas with limited bandwidth. This analysis reveals what happens when network conditions alter the crash games user experience—on the world’s most popular offering.
Key findings
Connectivity and load times
- Brazil (Osasco/TIM): At low speeds, gameplay had A/V synchronization issues and connectivity errors, highlighting significant server handling inefficiencies.
- Mexico (Tizayuca / AT&T): The slowest speeds and longest load times caused lag and synchronization problems, detracting from the gameplay experience.
- Peru (Lima/ENTEL): Moderate speeds resulted in longer load times leading to disconnections, pointing to server stability issues.
- Chile (La Serena/Movistar): Exhibited the best conditions among the poor locations but still encountered issues, underscoring that even minimal connectivity fluctuations can disrupt gameplay.
Error messages and gameplay impact
Error messages such as “stage time out” and “wait time too long” occurred often, disrupting gameplay in the low speed locations—revealing the servers’ inability to efficiently manage data flow under constrained network conditions.
Cash-out failures
Observations in Chile and Peru highlight the impact of network quality on the ability to perform timely in-game cash-outs.
Recommendations for improvement
The LatAm testing showed that crash games need targeted optimizations for connectivity issues and network adaptability in regions where connectivity varies. Most critically, it demonstrated that cash-outs can be interrupted when connectivity is poor. Besides, the findings highlight three key areas for improvement:
Server optimization: Adjust algorithms to better handle network variations and reduce errors.
Load time efficiency: Find the balance between acceptable load times and great gameplay.
Local testing: Regular regional testing ensures consistent performance across markets.
Detailed testing results by country
Aviator’s performance across the tested regions highlights how varied connectivity affects gameplay. For example, in Mexico areas with steady internet (Morelia, 18 Mbps) offered smooth, uninterrupted play, but places with speeds less than 3 Mbps (Osasco, 0.5 Mbps) experienced frequent problems.
Brazil
Performance in good connectivity (Barueri, TIM)
- Internet speed: 130.38 Mbps
- Game load time: 1 second
- Tester feedback on gameplay: Gameplay perfectly smooth with no lag or connection issues to report.
Performance in bad connectivity (Osasco, TIM)
- Internet speed: 2.69 Mbps
- Game load time: 11 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: A/V in and out of synced on some fly aways.
- Key issue: The tester experienced “Slow connection” and “Phase expired” error messages, though no cash-out failures were reported. These issues highlight the challenges of playing under constrained network conditions.
Mexico
Performance in good connectivity (Morelia, AT&T)
- Internet speed: 18 Mbps
- Game load time: 3 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: Seamless gameplay, with no interruptions or lag, overall the experience was excellent.
Performance in bad connectivity (Tizayuca, AT&T)
- Internet speed: 0.5 Mbps
- Game load time: 15 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: Some lagging audio and video right before the error message.
- Key issue: Tester encountered “Wait time too long” error messages, showing the server’s struggle to timely process actions.
Peru
Performance in good connectivity (Lima, ENTEL)
- Internet speed: 55 Mbps download / 25 Mbps upload
- Game load time: 2 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: Generally smooth, with only occasional minor lags that didn’t significantly impact the overall experience.
Performance in bad connectivity (Lima, ENTEL)
- Internet speed: 2.61 Mbps
- Game load time: 7 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: After the video got disconnected, the game still displayed betting multipliers but not the airplane, which was confusing and disruptive.
- Key issue: The tester received a “You have been disconnected” error message, and there was a cash-out failure where the game moved to the next round without processing the cash-out.
Chile
Performance in good connectivity (La Serena, Movistar)
- Internet speed: 34 Mbps
- Game load time: 2 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: The gameplay was perfectly synchronized between audio and video, with no lag, providing an exemplary experience.
Performance in bad connectivity (La Serena, Movistar)
- Internet speed: 3 Mbps
- Game load time: 4 seconds
- Tester feedback on gameplay: Even though this was the best scenario among the bad connectivity tests, there were still occasional delays and minor sync issues.
- Key issues: The tester encountered a “Stage time out” error message and a significant cash-out failure with a “Something went wrong” error message during a cash-out attempt.
Poor connectivity testing summary
Considerations for markets with variable connectivity
Based on extensive performance testing across many global markets with variable internet connectivity, TESTA has identified 3 considerations crash game providers. These recommendations integrate findings from the current testing in Latin America with broader insights gathered from worldwide testing.
Optimize server response
Enhancing server responses to better accommodate network variability is crucial. Refining server algorithms improves data handling under diverse network conditions, helping to manage the variations more effectively.
Improve load time efficiency
Optimizing data management strategies to improve load times ensures a seamless initial gaming experience. Notably, findings from our study conducted in India indicate that longer load times may paradoxically enhance game performance in low bandwidth scenarios. This counterintuitive result underscores the importance of tailored strategies that consider specific network conditions. For more details on this phenomenon, refer to our comprehensive performance test across four providers, including Spribe, in India.
Expand local testing
Ongoing, targeted testing in regions with known connectivity issues is essential. This approach not only ensures a consistently high-quality gaming experience across all markets but also helps identify and address performance inconsistencies effectively.
Understanding the importance of testing in iGaming
Real-world testing is essential for iGaming because it’s an industry where trust and user experience matter more. And unlike controlled lab environments, testing with real users in actual conditions reveals the true challenges players face.
For games like Spribe’s Aviator, where seamless performance is critical, understanding the user experience on the ground helps ensure reliability. This knowledge allows developers to optimize gameplay and adjust to varied network conditions, enhancing trust and satisfaction among players.
This approach not only improves the gaming experience but also solidifies a provider’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to quality and user-centric development.
Conclusion
This performance analysis emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive, real-world testing to ensure that crash games perform optimally across all network conditions. Insights from this report, coupled with additional studies like those conducted in India, advocate for continuous improvement. These efforts will help optimize game performance and enhance user experiences, particularly in markets like Latin America and India where internet connectivity varies widely.
By implementing these insights, game developers can significantly improve their offerings, ensuring that every player’s experience is exceptional, regardless of geographic or network constraints.
About the author
Ian McKinnon
TESTA Head of Marketing