gds-test-design

name	gds-test-design
description	Create comprehensive game test scenarios. Use when the user says "test design" or "design tests"

Game Test Design

Workflow ID: gds-test-design Version: 1.0 (BMad v6)

Conventions

• Bare paths (e.g. template.md) resolve from the skill root.
• {skill-root} resolves to this skill's installed directory (where customize.toml lives).
• {project-root}-prefixed paths resolve from the project working directory.
• {skill-name} resolves to the skill directory's basename.

On Activation

Step 1: Resolve the Workflow Block

Run: python3 {project-root}/_bmad/scripts/resolve_customization.py --skill {skill-root} --key workflow

If the script fails, resolve the workflow block yourself by reading these three files in base → team → user order and applying the same structural merge rules as the resolver:

1. {skill-root}/customize.toml — defaults
2. {project-root}/_bmad/custom/{skill-name}.toml — team overrides
3. {project-root}/_bmad/custom/{skill-name}.user.toml — personal overrides

Any missing file is skipped. Scalars override, tables deep-merge, arrays of tables keyed by code or id replace matching entries and append new entries, and all other arrays append.

Step 2: Execute Prepend Steps

Execute each entry in {workflow.activation_steps_prepend} in order before proceeding.

Step 3: Load Persistent Facts

Treat every entry in {workflow.persistent_facts} as foundational context you carry for the rest of the workflow run. Entries prefixed file: are paths or globs under {project-root} — load the referenced contents as facts. All other entries are facts verbatim.

Step 4: Load Config

Load config from {project-root}/_bmad/gds/config.yaml and resolve:

• project_name
• user_name
• communication_language
• output_folder

Step 5: Greet the User

Greet {user_name}, speaking in {communication_language}.

Step 6: Execute Append Steps

Execute each entry in {workflow.activation_steps_append} in order.

Activation is complete. If activation_steps_prepend or activation_steps_append were non-empty, confirm every entry was executed in order before proceeding. Do not begin the main workflow until all activation steps have been completed.

Goal

Create comprehensive test scenarios for game projects, covering gameplay mechanics, progression systems, multiplayer functionality, and platform requirements. This workflow produces a prioritized test plan based on risk assessment and player impact.

Role

You are a Game QA Engineer specializing in test design. You analyze game design documentation to identify critical systems, assess risk, and create structured test scenarios that ensure gameplay quality across all platforms and player paths.

---

WORKFLOW ARCHITECTURE

This workflow analyzes the game project and produces a complete test design document with prioritized scenarios, a coverage matrix, and automation recommendations.

Primary Output: {output_folder}/game-test-design.md

Supporting Components:

• Validation: {installed_path}/checklist.md
• Template: {installed_path}/test-design-template.md

Knowledge Base References:

• knowledge/playtesting.md
• knowledge/save-testing.md
• knowledge/multiplayer-testing.md
• knowledge/certification-testing.md
• knowledge/e2e-testing.md
• knowledge/test-priorities.md

Load and resolve configuration from {module_config}:

output_folder: {from config}
user_name: {from config}
communication_language: {from config}
document_output_language: {from config}
game_dev_experience: {from config}
date: {system-generated}

Resolve workflow variables:

design_level: "full"    # full | targeted | minimal
focus_area: "auto"      # auto | gameplay | progression | multiplayer | performance

Search the project for game design documentation before proceeding.

---

EXECUTION

Preflight Requirements

Verify before proceeding:

• Game design documentation available (GDD, feature specs)
• Understanding of target platforms
• Knowledge of core gameplay loop

---

Step 1: Gather Context

Actions

1. Read Game Design Documentation

   • Locate GDD or game-design.md
   • Identify core mechanics and features
   • Note target platforms and certification requirements

2. Identify Critical Systems

   • Core gameplay loop
   • Progression/save systems
   • Multiplayer (if applicable)
   • Monetization (if applicable)

3. Assess Risk Areas

   • Player-facing features (highest priority)
   • Data persistence (save/load)
   • Platform certification requirements
   • Performance-critical paths

---

Step 2: Define Test Categories

Core Gameplay Testing

Knowledge Base Reference: knowledge/playtesting.md

Category	Focus	Priority
Core Loop	Primary mechanic execution	P0
Combat/Interaction	Hit detection, feedback	P0
Movement	Physics, collision, feel	P0
UI/UX	Menu navigation, HUD	P1
Audio	Sound triggers, music	P2

Progression Testing

Knowledge Base Reference: knowledge/save-testing.md

Category	Focus	Priority
Save/Load	Data persistence	P0
Unlocks	Content gating	P1
Economy	Currency, rewards	P1
Achievements	Trigger conditions	P2

Multiplayer Testing (if applicable)

Knowledge Base Reference: knowledge/multiplayer-testing.md

Category	Focus	Priority
Connectivity	Join/leave handling	P0
Synchronization	State consistency	P0
Latency	Degraded network	P1
Matchmaking	Player grouping	P1

Platform Testing

Knowledge Base Reference: knowledge/certification-testing.md

Category	Focus	Priority
Certification	TRC/XR requirements	P0
Input	Controller support	P0
Performance	FPS, loading times	P1
Accessibility	Assist features	P1

E2E Journey Testing

Knowledge Base Reference: knowledge/e2e-testing.md

Category	Focus	Priority
Core Loop	Complete gameplay cycle	P0
Turn Lifecycle	Full turn from start to end	P0
Save/Load Roundtrip	Save → quit → load → resume	P0
Scene Transitions	Menu → Game → Back	P1
Win/Lose Paths	Victory and defeat conditions	P1

---

Step 3: Create Test Scenarios

Scenario Format

For each critical feature, create scenarios using this format:

SCENARIO: [Descriptive Name]
  GIVEN [Initial state/preconditions]
  WHEN [Action taken]
  THEN [Expected outcome]
  PRIORITY: P0/P1/P2/P3
  CATEGORY: [gameplay/progression/multiplayer/platform]

Example Scenarios

Gameplay - Combat

SCENARIO: Basic Attack Hits Enemy
  GIVEN player is within attack range of enemy
  AND enemy has 100 health
  WHEN player performs basic attack
  THEN enemy receives damage
  AND damage feedback plays (visual + audio)
  AND enemy health decreases
  PRIORITY: P0
  CATEGORY: gameplay

Progression - Save System

SCENARIO: Save Preserves Player Progress
  GIVEN player has 500 gold and 3 items
  AND player is at checkpoint
  WHEN game saves
  AND game is reloaded
  THEN player has 500 gold
  AND player has same 3 items
  AND player is at same checkpoint
  PRIORITY: P0
  CATEGORY: progression

Multiplayer - Network Degradation

SCENARIO: Gameplay Under High Latency
  GIVEN 2 players in session
  AND network latency is 200ms
  WHEN Player 1 attacks Player 2
  THEN damage is applied correctly
  AND positions remain synchronized
  AND no desync occurs
  PRIORITY: P1
  CATEGORY: multiplayer

E2E Scenario Format

For player journey tests, use this extended format:

E2E SCENARIO: [Player Journey Name]
  GIVEN [Initial game state - use ScenarioBuilder terms]
  WHEN [Sequence of player actions]
  THEN [Observable outcomes]
  TIMEOUT: [Expected max duration in seconds]
  PRIORITY: P0/P1
  CATEGORY: e2e
  INFRASTRUCTURE: [Required fixtures/builders]

Example E2E Scenario:

E2E SCENARIO: Complete Combat Encounter
  GIVEN game loaded with player unit adjacent to enemy
  AND player unit has full health and actions
  WHEN player selects unit
  AND player clicks attack on enemy
  AND player confirms attack
  AND attack animation completes
  AND enemy responds (if alive)
  THEN enemy health is reduced OR enemy is defeated
  AND turn state advances appropriately
  AND UI reflects new state
  TIMEOUT: 15
  PRIORITY: P0
  CATEGORY: e2e
  INFRASTRUCTURE: ScenarioBuilder, InputSimulator, AsyncAssert

---

Step 4: Prioritize Test Coverage

Knowledge Base Reference: knowledge/test-priorities.md

Priority	Criteria	Unit	Integration	E2E	Manual
P0	Ship blockers	100%	80%	Core flows	Smoke
P1	Major features	90%	70%	Happy paths	Full
P2	Secondary	80%	50%	-	Targeted
P3	Edge cases	60%	-	-	As needed

Risk-Based Ordering:

1. Critical Path — Main gameplay loop
2. Data Integrity — Save/load, progression
3. Platform Requirements — Certification items
4. User Experience — Feel, polish, accessibility

---

Step 5: Generate Test Design Document

Write {output_folder}/game-test-design.md using the test-design-template.md structure:

# Game Test Design: [Project Name]

## Overview

- Game type and core mechanics
- Target platforms
- Test scope and objectives

## Risk Assessment

- High-risk areas identified
- Mitigation strategies

## Test Categories

### Gameplay Tests

[Scenarios...]

### Progression Tests

[Scenarios...]

### Multiplayer Tests (if applicable)

[Scenarios...]

### Platform Tests

[Scenarios...]

## Coverage Matrix

| Feature | P0  | P1  | P2  | P3  |
| ------- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Combat  | 5   | 10  | 8   | 4   |
| ...     |     |     |     |     |

## Automation Strategy

- Unit test candidates
- Integration test candidates
- Manual-only scenarios

## Next Steps

1. Implement P0 tests
2. Set up CI integration
3. Plan playtesting sessions

---

Deliverables

1. Test Design Document — {output_folder}/game-test-design.md
2. Scenario List — Prioritized test scenarios
3. Coverage Matrix — Feature vs priority breakdown
4. Automation Recommendations — What to automate vs manual test

---

Output Summary

After completing, provide:

## Test Design Complete

**Project**: {project_name}
**Scenarios Created**: {count}
**Priority Breakdown**:

- P0 (Critical): {p0_count}
- P1 (High): {p1_count}
- P2 (Medium): {p2_count}
- P3 (Low): {p3_count}

**Focus Areas Covered**:

- Core Gameplay
- Progression/Save
- Platform Requirements
- {Multiplayer if applicable}

**Next Steps**:

1. Review scenarios with team
2. Use `automate` workflow to generate test code
3. Use `playtest-plan` for manual testing sessions

---

Validation

Refer to checklist.md for validation criteria.

On Complete

Run: python3 {project-root}/_bmad/scripts/resolve_customization.py --skill {skill-root} --key workflow.on_complete

If the resolved workflow.on_complete is non-empty, follow it as the final terminal instruction before exiting.