Chaos Log 9: The Testing Grind (Now With 100% More "Internship")

Embracing the Grind

In the world of development the more you build, the more you must break. As the Squawk Series grows in complexity—with its 2,300+ words of dialogue and intricate mission logic—the testing phase has become a massive part of the daily rhythm. It’s a "grind" in the truest sense of the word. Every button, every radio call, and every checklist response has to be checked, re-checked, and then checked again to ensure that when you're in the pilot's seat, the immersion is seamless.

The "Junior QA" Advantage
To help get through the mountain of testing, I recently recruited a new Chief of Quality Assurance. He’s 10, he works for the promise of extra screen time (and maybe a few Christmas chocolates), and he has a specialized talent for finding ways to break things that I never even considered.
There’s a certain convenience to this kind of "internship." While I’m deep in my thoughts, imagining what other amazing features I can add or how to push the story further, my son provides the ultimate "stress test." He doesn't care about the grand vision; he cares if the story is fun, if the instructions make sense, and if the cockpit feels alive right now.

Precision Through Play
It turns out that 10-year-olds are the ultimate "End-User." If a mission trigger is too slow or a dialogue beat is confusing, he’ll spot it in seconds. His "work" over the holiday break has been vital in refining the flow of the mission.
By watching him "play" the story, I’m able to see where the friction points are. We’re turning the essential grind of testing into a family affair—polishing the experience to a high-gloss finish so that the final product doesn't just work; it shines. And I hope you will agree with me too when you see it.

Quality is Non-Negotiable
It might look like a bit of holiday fun, but this process is what ensures the highest standard of quality for the final release. Every bug he finds now is one you won't encounter later. We’re putting in the hours (and the "junior labor") now so that your flight to France is as smooth as butter.