Playtesting is an essential phase in the game development process. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of people playing cloud games skyrocketed from 160 million to 220 million, and game testing also evolved to keep up with this growth. Game studios turned to cloud playtesting to streamline that part of their development process. Testing games in the cloud is developers' new favorite way to get quick feedback on their games and help polish them before they're released. But with any change in process, there are advantages and disadvantages. 80 Level has studied how cloud playtesting has changed the game for devs and how it might impact the future of the playtesting phase. Let’s explore the data and the potential benefits and limitations of cloud playtesting for your business. 

Benefits of cloud playtesting

Robust capabilities Game studios use playtesting to improve games during development. The traditional process involves bringing playtesters physically on-site to play the studio's latest game build. That often presents logistical challenges for both developers and playtesters. However, playtesting online is a great way to solve or eliminate some of those challenges.  Cloud playtesting allows developers to reach a broader target audience worldwide without the usual hassles, like location or equipment limitations. Online playtesters only need a decent internet connection (as low as 15 Mb/s). There's no need for physical hardware like consoles or high-end PCs typically required in traditional testing methods. Every user can have the same gaming experience. Additionally, companies with multiple servers can quickly choose the best location to service their playtesters, which can minimize delays or lag. As a developer, you can also use cloud playtesting to save on rent costs for playtest facilities, making the process easier for users, more cost-efficient, and more versatile overall. You can also:

• Run varied playtest types like A/B tests
• Seamless test across different devices
• Scale playtester numbers to your game needs
• Customize playtesting with different settings and designs

Cost-friendly with diverse added value When you compare the numbers, cloud gaming emerges as a significantly more cost-effective option than traditional methods. On average, cloud gaming platforms are priced from $1,500 to $2,500 monthly, and renting servers can vary between $50 to $2,500 monthly, depending on server capacity. In contrast, traditional playtests in AAA and AA gaming companies typically incur expenses averaging between $15 to $30 per hour per tester - in addition to their usual hourly pay. But cloud playtesting does more than just save you money. It streamlines the entire process of game testing and enhances accessibility. It caters to the specific needs of mid-tier and indie game developers. It delivers a rapid, budget-friendly, and user-centric service, with:

• In-depth analytics. Cloud playtesting services offer robust analytics tools, providing insights into user behavior, engagement patterns, and satisfaction during playtesting sessions.
• Flexible pricing structures. Some cloud gaming platforms, like Xsolla’s Cloud Gaming Solution, offer flexible pricing structures tailored to developer needs. That allows you to scale resources according to your project requirements and further optimize costs.
• Long-term community engagement features. Cloud gaming platforms encourage direct player interaction, fostering ongoing feedback loops and community-driven game improvement strategies.

Accessible beyond hardware limits Many game studios have already integrated cloud gaming services, taking advantage of the capabilities of cloud-based solutions, including cloud distribution and playtesting. Online playtesting makes the process accessible to anyone in the world who has the minimum required internet connection. That gives developers a diverse playtester audience, which benefits game analytics and development strategy. Services like Xsolla Cloud Gaming let developers and publishers distribute PC games through branded websites, allowing their players to stream and enjoy a high-quality game experience without needing a gaming PC. These websites are also a central hub for community engagement, analytics, increased revenue generation, and more.  That means that even beyond the playtesting phase, you can continue to use the platform to sell your game or allow players to enjoy it using a pay-as-you-go monetization model. Xsolla Cloud Gaming can also improve and evolve the future of game development and cloud playtesting through:

• Scalability and accessibility. Reach more players globally and offer them a better playtesting experience so you can obtain more feedback from different people.
• Optimized cost-efficiency. Minimize traditional expenses associated with playtesting by leveraging cloud resources.
• Real-time feedback. Real-time communication channels between developers and testers speed up the iterative process. 
• Seamless user experience across devices. Ensure a uniform and immersive gaming experience across different devices without compromising quality, regardless of the user's hardware specifications.

Are you interested in leveraging the potential of cloud-based gaming solutions for your project? Book a meeting with our experts at Xsolla to explore how our Cloud Gaming solution can revolutionize your game development process.