Testing Steam Functionality

Overview

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for testing Steam integration in your Unreal Engine project. Proper testing procedures are essential to ensure Steam functionality works correctly across different deployment scenarios and environments.

Prerequisites

Before beginning Steam functionality testing, ensure the following requirements are met:

Configuration Requirements

1. Steam Settings Configuration: Verify that Steam settings are properly configured in your DefaultEngine.ini file according to the configuration guide
2. Steam Client Status: Ensure the Steam Client is running and you are logged into a valid Steam account
3. Game Ownership: Confirm the testing Steam account owns the game through one of these methods:
   • Add the Steam account to your application's organization on Steamworks
   • Obtain Steam keys from Valve to activate the game on the tester's account
   • Use Steam's developer testing features for authorized accounts

System Requirements

• Development Environment: Unreal Engine with SteamCore plugin properly installed and configured
• Steam Client: Latest version of Steam Client installed and running
• Network Access: Stable internet connection for Steam services
• Valid Steam Account: Active Steam account with appropriate permissions

Testing Methodologies

Development Build Testing

For local development and testing purposes:

Build Configuration:

• Always package your game as a Development Build for local testing
• Development builds provide better debugging capabilities and error reporting
• Development builds can be run directly without Steam Client integration

Testing Process:

1. Package the project using Development configuration
2. Launch the packaged executable directly
3. Verify Steam integration functionality
4. Monitor console output for Steam-related messages

Shipping Build Testing

For production-ready testing:

Build Configuration:

• Package as a Shipping Build for final testing
• Shipping builds must be uploaded to Steam and launched via Steam Client
• Shipping builds provide the most accurate representation of end-user experience

Testing Process:

1. Package the project using Shipping configuration
2. Upload build to Steam (development branch recommended)
3. Launch through Steam Client
4. Verify all Steam features function correctly

Packaging Process

Using Project Launcher

The Project Launcher provides a comprehensive interface for packaging and deployment:

Step 1: Open Project Launcher

Access the Project Launcher from the Unreal Engine interface.

Step 2: Configure Profile Settings

Set up your packaging profile with appropriate settings for your testing requirements.

Key Configuration Options:

• Build Configuration: Select Development or Shipping based on testing needs
• Platform: Choose target platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Packaging Options: Configure compression, encryption, and other packaging settings

Step 3: Select Build Configuration

Choose the appropriate build configuration for your testing scenario.

Configuration Guidelines:

• Development: Use for local testing and debugging
• Shipping: Use for Steam deployment and final testing
• Debug: Use only for intensive debugging sessions

Step 4: Review and Confirm Settings

Navigate back through the configuration interface to review all settings.

Step 5: Initiate Packaging

Start the packaging process by clicking the Launch button.

Monitoring Progress:

• Watch the packaging progress in the Project Launcher
• Review any errors or warnings that occur during packaging
• Verify successful completion before proceeding to testing

Testing Environments

Editor Testing

For rapid development testing within the Unreal Editor:

Standalone Game Mode: Launch a Standalone Game instance to properly initialize Steam integration.

Unreal Engine 4

Use the standalone game option to test Steam functionality in UE4.

Unreal Engine 5

Configure standalone settings for Steam testing in UE5.

Editor Testing Limitations:

• Some Steam features may not function identically to packaged builds
• Networking functionality may behave differently
• Performance characteristics may vary from final build

Multiplayer Testing

Multiplayer functionality requires specific testing configurations:

Critical Requirement

Multiplayer testing requires packaged game builds. Editor-based multiplayer testing with Steam integration will not function correctly.

Testing Setup Options:

1. Multi-Computer Setup (Recommended):

   • Use two separate computers
   • Each computer must be logged into different Steam accounts
   • Both accounts must own the game or have access through developer privileges

2. Virtual Machine Setup:

   • Use one physical computer with a virtual machine
   • Run separate Steam instances on host and VM
   • Ensure network connectivity between environments

Multiplayer Testing Process:

1. Package the game as Development build
2. Deploy to both testing environments
3. Launch via Steam Client on both systems
4. Test connection establishment and gameplay
5. Monitor network performance and stability

Testing Checklist

Basic Steam Integration

• Steam Client detection and initialization
• Steam overlay functionality

Troubleshooting

Common Testing Issues

Issue	Cause	Solution
Steam not detected	Steam Client not running	Launch Steam Client before testing
Authentication failures	Invalid Steam credentials	Verify Steam account status
Networking errors	Firewall blocking Steam	Configure firewall exceptions
Overlay not appearing	Overlay disabled in Steam	Enable Steam overlay in settings

Best Practices

Development Testing

• Test frequently during development cycles
• Use Development builds for rapid iteration
• Maintain separate testing Steam accounts
• Document test results and issues

Production Testing

• Perform comprehensive testing before Steam release
• Test on multiple hardware configurations
• Validate Steam store integration
• Verify all Steam features work as expected