Hey everyone - welcome to dev log 60!
Last week we talked about achievements, more on: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1290000/view/3224025758063263090
Today, Sofia, our Senior Quality Assurance Tester or QA, answers a Q&A! Quite the mouthful!
Q&A with QA
Sofia has been testing PowerWash Simulator since the beginning and is a washing veteran. As she has such a uniquely intimate knowledge of the game, we thought it would be fun to share her behind-the-scenes insights with our community!
Q: How do you test in PowerWash Simulator?
A: We conduct a daily viability test that involves completing the van job and making sure that every aspect of the game is in working condition. This includes the completability of the job as well the overall state of the level, the UI and the HUD. We then proceed with testing various jobs, focusing on newly introduced mechanics and changes. Additionally, we have some very thorough tests that we repeat weekly or when necessary, in order to confirm the quality of the game. Lastly, we also have multiplayer and co-op sessions on all the different modes of the game.
Q: What does your daily routine look like?
A: My daily routine is a mixture of conducting daily tests where I focus on specific aspects of the game, such as the completability and thresholds of a job, the overall look of the game, the economy or the options and controls. My goal is to find any issues and edge cases in the game, as well as offering feedback and suggestions for balancing and enhancing the player’s experience.
Q: Tell us about how the experience of playing a game differs as a QA vs a regular player?
A: A big part of being an in-house tester is that you have an understanding of how things work in the background, the intention behind the design and what is expected in every situation. A lot of the time when I start a test my focus will be on a specific mechanic or condition of the game and ensuring that no matter the approach, we always get the desirable result. For example, we have a thorough break down of the power of each nozzle, extension and powerwasher and whenever a new dirt type is introduced, we need to ensure that each of the nozzles, extensions and powerwashers are able to clean it at the relevant speed.
Q: Which is your favourite level?
A: I really enjoy washing the Shoe House. I completely adore the way the dirt has been placed over the building and I even dare say that it looks like a piece of art. In addition, I feel that it has a nice variety of dirt types, surfaces and colours creating a very satisfying experience while it is washed.
Q: What’s something in PowerWash Simulator that you’ll never get tired of seeing/doing?
A: That would be washing the Van. As part of my tests, I complete the Van several times a day and I have seen it in so many different states that I could probably wash it with my eyes closed. Knowing this level so well allows me to spot any bugs or inconsistencies a lot easier so it will always be special to me. I guess it also helps that it carries a number plate with my name on it!
Sofia recently beat the current world record wash speed for base equipment on the Van in 0.9, check it out here! Also, let us know if you beat her!
Q: What do you think about this meme? (One of the highest rated in Steam!)
A: I found it hilarious that people thought that I only tested this job 20 times, it was a lot more than that! I'm hoping someone will make another meme for the subway platform job as it is a lot bigger! Also, I am not a guy!
Q: How long have you spent playing PowerWash Simulator overall?
A: I have been playing PowerWash Simulator almost every day since January 2021, so I would say somewhere between 2,500-3,000 hours.
Weekly Meme
Each week we release a PowerWash version of a popular meme format. This week it is 'Washer Remembers'; How would you caption it? If you have any recommendations, please also let us know below!
20,000 Discord members!
We also passed 20,000 Discord members. We've got an amazing community over there, so consider joining if you haven't already!
That's All, Folks!
Thank you to everyone for reading. We hope everyone is enjoying the new content and these insights! :)
Keep up with everything PowerWash Simulator by following our channels:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PowerWashSim
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/futurlab
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@powerwashsim?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerwashsim/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerwashsim
PWS Wiki: https://powerwash-simulator.fandom.com/wiki/PowerWash_Simulator_Wiki