Towards a framework for exploratory testing in video games

Game testing ensures quality and is typically performed by human testers. Although game testing has advanced, the literature lacks research on generating human-crafted game tests. Traditional software testing techniques, such as exploratory testing, can be adapted to video games. We introduce XPloiT, a framework for exploratory testing of video games. We developed it using insights from traditional exploratory software testing, game testing, and prior research. The framework includes testing strategies tailored for video games, a recommended strategy order, and guidelines for applying each strategy. As an initial evaluation, we applied XPloiT to a platform game under development by an indie studio. XPloiT uncovered several bugs, more than half of which were previously unknown and confirmed by the developer. These findings support further development and assessment of the framework.