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
- Steam Settings Configuration: Verify that Steam settings are properly configured in your
DefaultEngine.ini
file according to the configuration guide - Steam Client Status: Ensure the Steam Client is running and you are logged into a valid Steam account
- 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:
- Package the project using Development configuration
- Launch the packaged executable directly
- Verify Steam integration functionality
- 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:
- Package the project using Shipping configuration
- Upload build to Steam (development branch recommended)
- Launch through Steam Client
- 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:
Multiplayer testing requires packaged game builds. Editor-based multiplayer testing with Steam integration will not function correctly.
Testing Setup Options:
-
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
-
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:
- Package the game as Development build
- Deploy to both testing environments
- Launch via Steam Client on both systems
- Test connection establishment and gameplay
- 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