Absolute Quality Selected as Only Authorised Xbox Game Test Vendor for Both European and North American Markets
Leading Games Testing Company Provides Global Quality Assurance Service for Xbox Developers and Publishers
Absolute Quality (Europe) Ltd., the world's premier entertainment software testing provider, announced today that it has been selected by Microsoft Corp. as an "Authorised Xbox Game Test Vendor" for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Absolute Quality is one of three testing companies in Europe and one of three in North America selected by Microsoft to receive this distinction, resulting in Absolute Quality being the only Authorised Xbox Game Test Vendor to service Microsoft's European and North American publisher and developer partners.
"Absolute Quality is thrilled to receive this distinction from Microsoft to be an approved Xbox testing facility both here and in the U.S.," said Campbell Cameron, business development director at Absolute Quality (Europe). "With nine years of testing experience, we feel that we have the knowledge and expertise to help Microsoft's global Xbox publisher partners by delivering superior, cost effective quality assurance solutions."
In this role of "Authorised Xbox Game Test Vendor," Absolute Quality's software testers will provide an array of quality assurance services, including: general functionality testing, game balancing, compatibility, localization and multiplayer testing to ensure that prior to submission, games meet Microsoft's "Technical Certification Requirements." By recognizing Absolute Quality as a recommended outsource quality assurance provider, Microsoft offers Xbox publishers a solution to help reduce development costs and minimise the time it takes for Xbox games to enter the market.
"The selection process for the Authorised Game Test Vendor status was rigorous because we want to ensure that Xbox publishing partners receive premium quality assurance services and help us deliver blockbuster games," said John Barr, program manager at Microsoft. "Throughout the process Absolute Quality in the U.S. and Europe illustrated to us numerous examples of their stellar quality assurance work and well deserved industry reputation."
Absolute Quality received this approved status after submitting an RFP response and welcoming Microsoft representatives to its facilities in Glasgow and Maryland, U.S., for site visits. For the first time, Xbox publisher and developer partners have an authorised, cost-effective quality assurance option for North American and European delivery. Information about all the Authorized Game Test Vendors will be listed on the Xbox web site at www.xbox.com.
About Absolute Quality
Founded in 1996, Absolute Quality is the world's premier entertainment software testing provider. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md., with its European location in Glasgow, Scotland, Absolute Quality provides to all current and next-generation console platforms, quality assurance services including: functionality testing; compatibility testing; console pre-cert; massively multiplayer online games and localization testing. Through its proprietary defect tracking software, Bug CityTM, which stores and reports bugs in real time, Absolute Quality has become the preferred outsource solution of major developers and publishers. For more information, visit Absolute Quality's web site at www.absolutequality.com. Absolute Quality is an e4e Inc. Group Company.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Morag Muirhead
MGH Public Relations
Tel: 001.410.902.5051
Laura Crovo
MGH Public Relations
Tel: 001.410.902.5058