june, 27th
Effective Methods for Collecting Logs in Popular Game Engines
Hi, GameDevs again! 👋
We've been diving into the study of testing lately and so we'll be sharing information with you. And one crucial aspect of game development is understanding player behavior and game performance through comprehensive logging. Here's a quick guide on why logs are important and how to collect them effectively in Unity and Unreal Engine.
We've been diving into the study of testing lately and so we'll be sharing information with you. And one crucial aspect of game development is understanding player behavior and game performance through comprehensive logging. Here's a quick guide on why logs are important and how to collect them effectively in Unity and Unreal Engine.
What Are Logs? 📜
Logs are records of events during game execution, capturing data such as player actions, system events, errors, and performance metrics. They are essential for:
- Debugging: Identifying and resolving bugs quickly.
- Performance Monitoring: Optimizing game performance across different hardware.
- Player Behavior Analysis: Making informed design and balancing decisions.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring the game meets quality standards before release.
Role of Logs in Different Game Genres 🎲
- MMORPGs: Track player interactions and server performance.
- FPS: Optimize frame rates and balance gameplay mechanics.
- Mobile Games: Track in-app purchases and crash reports.
- Indie Games: Guide improvements and polish the final product.
Methods and Plugins for Collecting Logs 🔧
1. Unity
- LogViewer: Customizable interface for viewing logs within the game.
- UTNotifications: Logs events and tracks user interactions.
- Unity Analytics: Combines logging and analytics for tracking custom events.
- Advanced Logging: Structured log management and visualization tools.
- Sentry for Unreal: Real-time error monitoring and detailed reports.
- LogVisualizer: Visualize and filter log data within the Unreal Editor.
The most interesting solution is the GameAnalytics product. You can use their plugins to collect data on passing, time, errors.
Efficient log collection is fundamental in game development, providing insights that enhance decision-making and player experience. Utilizing tools in Unity and Unreal Engine helps developers identify and resolve issues swiftly. At Pyxidis, we're dedicated to helping developers leverage playtest analytics for better games.
Happy logging!