QA templates for game studios

Pre-submission checklist for Xbox console games, based on the official Xbox Requirements for Console Games (XRs) v16.1 — May 2026. Steps are sourced directly from the Microsoft GDK certification requirements page. Requirements marked ★ are actively tested in certification. Work through every section before submitting to Microsoft.

Pre-submission checklist for PC, mobile, and Creators Program games that integrate Xbox network (Xbox Live) services. Steps are sourced directly from the official Microsoft GDK Xbox Requirements and Store Policies page for PC, Mobile, and Creators Program (v6.0, November 2025). Requirements marked ★ are actively tested in certification. Failure to comply may result in revocation of Xbox network access.

Pre-launch checklist for publishing a game on Steam via Steamworks. Covers store page review, graphical asset requirements, build review, content survey, Steam features, Steam Deck compatibility, and the release process. Steps are sourced directly from the public Steamworks documentation. Allow at least 7 business days for each review stage before your target launch date.

Pre-submission checklist for publishing a game on the Apple App Store. Steps are sourced directly from the official App Store Review Guidelines. Covers app completeness, metadata accuracy, in-app purchases, user-generated content, privacy and data, content ratings, and legal requirements. Apple's review turnaround is typically 24–48 hours, but allow extra time for first submissions or complex content.

Pre-submission checklist for publishing a game on Google Play. Steps are sourced from the official Google Play Developer Policy Center and Play Console Help documentation. Covers store listing, graphical assets, content rating, data safety, billing, permissions, technical requirements, and content policies. Allow several business days for initial review; updates are typically reviewed faster.

Pre-submission checklist for publishing on the Meta Horizon Store (Meta Quest). Steps are sourced directly from the official Meta Virtual Reality Check (VRC) guidelines at developers.meta.com. Requirements are marked Required (✓) or Recommended (+). All Required items must pass before a build is accepted for store distribution.

Pre-submission checklist for obtaining an ESRB rating. Physical and downloadable games sold at retail in North America require a formal ESRB submission (questionnaire + gameplay video). Digital-only games distributed through participating storefronts (Steam, App Store, Google Play, Epic) use the IARC system — a questionnaire-based process handled within each store's developer portal. Steps are sourced from the official ESRB ratings guide and ratings process documentation.

Pre-submission checklist for obtaining a PEGI age rating. PEGI (Pan European Game Information) ratings are required for games sold in 38 European countries. Digital games on participating platforms (Steam, App Store, Google Play, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Epic) use the IARC system — a questionnaire completed in the store's developer portal. Physical or retail releases, and some digital releases not covered by IARC, require formal registration as a PEGI signatory and direct submission. Rating categories and content descriptors are sourced from the official PEGI website.