Systems and method for improving application integrity

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for improving an integrity of an online game include engaging in an online game session by a tester. The tester observing unexpected operation of the online game and pressing a triggering mechanism in response to the unexpected operation. Then capturing a time-based history of the online game session, and communicating the time-based history to a network entity where it is determined if the online game operation malfunctioned.

1 . A method for improving an integrity of an application, the method comprising:
 interacting with the application;   observing unexpected operation of the application;   activating a triggering mechanism in response to the unexpected operation;   capturing a time-based history of the application session; and   communicating the time-based history to a network entity for evaluation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the application comprises an online game. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein capturing the time-based history of the application session comprises capturing online game session activity that occurred a predetermined amount of time before the triggering mechanism is pressed. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further testing the online game. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein activating a triggering mechanism comprises pressing a panic button. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein observing unexpected operation of the application comprises observing a glitch in the operation of the application. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the network entity comprises a server. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein communicating the time-based history comprises transmitting the time-based history over a local area network. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein communicating the time-based history comprises transmitting the time-based history over a wide area network. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. 
     
     
         11 . A method of testing an online game, the method comprising:
 receiving an indication of a triggering mechanism being activated in response to unexpected operation of an online game;   receiving a time-based history of online game activity around a time of the triggering mechanism being activated;   recreating game activity from the time-based history; and   evaluating the game activity to determine if there is a malfunction in the operation of the game.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising troubleshooting the malfunction in the operation of the game. 
     
     
         13 . An online game test unit comprising:
 a triggering mechanism;   a processor that captures a time-based history of game activity when the triggering mechanism is activated;   a network interface that transmits the time-based history to a network entity, the network entity determines if there is a malfunction in the operation of the online game.