Seasoned iGaming developers know that just because an app works on one device, it does not mean it will work on another.
In between hardware spec differences, vendor-specific tweaks, and the occasional compatibility issue with preloaded apps, real device testing matters now more than ever.
This article breaks it down and shows how TESTA’s crowdsourced testers can help in the iGaming and sports betting industries.
Mobile dominance and testing challenges
According to gamesindustry.biz, 83% of iGaming players in Asia and 54% in Europe now use mobile apps. This highlights the importance of iGaming apps performing well on mobile platforms in order to succeed in the market.
To ensure success, apps need to undergo thorough testing to identify any issues early on. However, this type of testing can be expensive, time-consuming, and challenging to execute properly—especially without testers physically present in the target market.
Real device vs. simulated testing
While simulated testing offers control, real device testing provides a more authentic user experience. Real device testing allows for a better understanding of how users interact with apps under diverse conditions.
Technical complexities in iGaming apps
Modern iGaming apps are complex, incorporating features like live streaming, intricate graphics, and integration with third-party APIs. Developers face compatibility and performance challenges due to the wide range of device models.
Outside of the game itself, there are yet more complexities with payment vendor integration, game updates, and emergency bug fixes. The sum of all of these technical challenges distributed across a plethora of device models can spell extremely difficult compatibility and performance challenges that providers must overcome.
For example, consider the wide range of device brands and models found in major white and gray market zones. Here is a brief list of some of the most popular ones:
White markets
United States: Apple iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, TCL 30 XE 5G
United Kingdom: Apple iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6, OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Latin America: Samsung Galaxy A13 4G, Xiaomi Redmi 10A, Motorola Moto G31, Apple iPhone 13, Realme C35
Europe: Apple iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, Realme 9 Pro+, OPPO Reno7
Australia: Apple iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, OPPO Reno7, Google Pixel 6a, Xiaomi 12T
Gray markets
- Thailand: OPPO A9 2022, Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Apple iPhone 13, vivo Y21s, Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Vietnam: Samsung Galaxy A13 4G, OPPO A54s, Apple iPhone 13, vivo Y21a, Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- China: Honor 70, Apple iPhone 13, OPPO Reno7 SE, vivo S15e, Xiaomi 12T
- Indonesia: Samsung Galaxy A13 4G, OPPO A55, Xiaomi Redmi 10C, vivo Y21s, Realme C35
- India: Xiaomi Redmi 10 Prime 2022, Samsung Galaxy M32 5G, Realme Narzo 50A Prime, vivo T1 44G, OPPO A54
TESTA’s crowdsourced advantage
By drawing from our large pool of trained crowdtesters operating from all over the world, TESTA can provide a wide variety of market specific testing platform combinations, cost-effectiveness and, most importantly, reliable data from real world feedback.
Extensive device library
TESTA has years of experience in markets worldwide on with widely varying platforms, operating systems, app stores and browsers.
TESTA supports testing through any of the following combinations of platform settings. Our trained solutions delivery manager will help you pick out the most relevant tests suited to the particular market you are interested in.
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to traditional testing, TESTA’s crowdtesting model is much more cost-effective and flexible. Without the need to maintain expensive in-house testing infrastructure, TESTA can pass those savings on to our clients.
Furthermore, because our crowdtesting solution works with a large number of testers on a case-by-case basis, providers can easily scale down or up the scope and quantity of tests according to their needs.
In fact, our crowdtesting solution can oftentimes deliver test results faster than traditional testing solutions because we work with a larger number of testers.
Real feedback
Crowdtesting is not just faster and cheaper, it is also better when it comes to providing feedback on user experience, localization, and cultural nuances. Whereas traditional testing companies frequently undertake tests in regions that speak different languages and have different customs from where their testing team resides, TESTA’s crowdtesters always come from the same geographical location as the testing market.
Our testers can accurately pick out any localization issues that may cause confusion or give incorrect impressions to the player, while at the same time helping to optimize the total user experience through real field tests in varied conditions.
Case study
Let’s examine how TESTA’s real-device testing can help providers in a real case study.
Client problem
A popular European online casino app provider wanted to enter the US market. Confident in their smooth-running app, they launched without sufficient testing only to encounter a wave of user complaints soon after.
Crowdsourced testers identified various hardware, platform, app store and browser problems:
- Hardware: The app exhibited random lags and crashes on specific budget-friendly Android devices popular among younger demographics in the U.S.
- Platform: Users on older iOS versions reported glitches and compatibility issues that limited accessibility.
- App store: Regional restrictions in specific Android app stores prevented downloads in key US markets.
- Browser: Certain popular browsers favored by US users had rendering errors and navigation problems when running the app.
TESTA solution
- Real-device testing: Our diverse pool of US-based testers rigorously tested the app under various hardware configurations, platforms, and app stores. The specific device compatibility issues were quickly identified and reported.
- OS: Testers on older iOS versions pinpointed bugs and glitches, allowing for targeted fixes and optimization.
- App store: By testing from the affected market, testers were able to identify the specific regional restrictions and recommended alternative app store options to ensure wider accessibility.
- Browser: Tests using popular US browsers uncovered the specific cause of the reported rendering errors and navigation issues, which prompted the provider to implement browser-specific optimizations.
Testing result
- Hardware: The provider fixed the reported compatibility issues and ensured a smooth experience across devices for a wider audience capture.
- Platform: The provider resolved glitches and bugs on older iOS versions which helped them expand their user base through improved accessibility.
- App store: By hosting the app on alternative app stores, the provider was able to access the new markets and saw increased downloads for the app.
- Browser: Now optimized for popular browsers, the app works seamlessly for US users no matter what browser they use.
Conclusion
The iGaming market is lucrative and promising, but also equal parts intense and competitive. With so many big names chasing after the same player base, individual providers must provide the best experience to their players from the get-go in order to find success.
To that end, real device testing is an invaluable tool that can help providers in the know to stand out from their competitors. Whether it’s hardware spec differences, vendor-specific OS tweaks, or compatibility issues with preloaded apps, real device testing with TESTA can be your guiding light out of the jungle of complexity.
If you are interested in trying the TESTA difference:
- Contact us: Experience first-hand how TESTA’s crowdtesting can benefit your iGaming operations.
- Find us on LinkedIn: Share the insights you’ve gained from TESTA’s analysis across the industry.
- Read more articles: Stay informed about the latest trends and benchmarks in iGaming.
About the author
Rebecca CHEN
TESTA Marketing coordinator