I think if it were now the target operating systems are Win10, Win9, Win7 that I am considering testing. What does everyone thing about testing on the older systems all the way down to windows 2000?
Secondly, if a game is tested on a version of an operating system such as XP Home, is testing necessary on the other versions such as Professional?
This could be expensive is why I ask.
Thank you,
Josheir
For games, XP has some relevancy left if you're targeting internet cafes in China or nearby regions (and maybe some others), but even that is giving over to Windows 7 or newer -- XP is already small, and only going to get smaller. Keep in mind that supporting XP means supporting Direct3D 9 and other legacy APIs, which is an entirely different level of expense than supporting the modern APIs you're already using on down-level operating systems that support them.
Also ask yourself if a PC that meets the hardware requirements of your game is likely to be running XP to begin with -- the number of people running XP on hardware suitable for Windows 7 is pretty small.
I'd say that Windows 10 is now a pretty safe bet -- since Windows 10 was a strict improvement over Windows 8/8.1 there was no reason not to do the free upgrade that Microsoft offered. Add to that that app-store model for Windows 8/8.1 is now effectively deprecated, I'd personally be entirely comfortable assuming Windows 10. If I felt compelled to support down-level operating systems I'd support Windows 7 in addition to 10, there's no compelling technical or market-share argument to support Windows 8 or 8.1.
To start with I'd get an old PC / emulator running your lowest target, and thoroughly debug it on that. That won't cost much, if anything, and should identify a lot of possible problems, to start with.
So, does everyone agree that Win 8 is not used enough to really consider? Vista and Win 7, how much time is left with these? Were can I look at these os market shares?
My program uses an older directx versions 7 and 8. So I am wondering if it is worth my while to target the older Operating Systems. A small percent of the market might be enough consumers if they can find my game.
Also, if my software is for two operating systems only this is a common enough approach to advertise?
Thank you,
Josheir
Thanks Ravyne!
What versions of OS though? Steam was neat, and showed that 64 bit is the way to go for both Win10 and Win 7. I was wondering further though which would be worthwhile picking for both of these systems. Maybe Home Basic and Home Premium for 7 and Home and Pro for 10 with the possibility of just doing Win 10 and than maybe doing Enterprise too.
Have a good day,
Joshua
ApochPiQ,
I know your the expert and I'm smiling really but just not testing seems rather scary. So you'd advice no testing at all on the other versions?
Josh
There's just no need I guess not even play-testers?
