Whether you're an avid gamer who thinks getting paid to play video games all day sounds like a dream job, or you're looking for a fun career in the growing video game industry, becoming a professional game tester may have crossed your mind. But is it really possible to make a living testing computer games? This article will explore what the job entails, the qualifications needed, and how to get started as a games tester.
What Does a Game Tester Do?
Game testers are quality assurance (QA) professionals who test video games for bugs, glitches, playability issues, and other problems before release. As a tester, your main responsibilities include:
- Playing through games thoroughly and methodically to identify defects. You may need to repeat certain tests several times to check for consistency.
- Documenting in detail every bug, crash, graphical anomaly, UI issue, or other problem you encounter. Good communication skills are essential.
- Comparing games to their specifications and checking that gameplay, graphics, audio etc. match the designers’ intentions.
- Confirming that games function correctly on different hardware platforms and meet industry criteria for performance, stability and playability.
- Checking that games are intuitive and enjoyable for players according to target demographics. You may need to view the game through different lenses depending on the intended audience.
- Collaborating with developers to verify bug fixes and new features pre-release. This requires tact and patience.
The work is meticulous and repetitive, yet vitally important for ensuring games meet quality standards before launch. Patience and an eye for detail are must-have skills to include in your CV and cover letter (you can use a cover letter generator to make this easier). You'll also need to be able to handle monotony and frustration well, since finding and reporting issues accurately is essential.
Needed Qualifications
While testing games might sound like fun, professional testing is not the same as casually playing games for enjoyment at home. It requires specific skills and qualifications:
- Strong gaming abilities across a range of genres and platforms. You'll need experience with console, PC, and mobile games.
- Solid technical aptitude. You must be able to identify software bugs and glitches and understand how games function “under the hood.”
- Analytical mindset. Meticulous testing requires following strict processes in a focused and methodical manner.
- Communication and documentation skills. You'll need to clearly describe defects and gameplay issues in tickets or reports.
- Relevant education such as a games, software QA or computer science degree, though some testers are self-taught.
- Passion for gaming and gaming culture. Testers should be enthused about playing and interacting with different game genres and styles. For example, testing an FPS might require using a high-end headset like the Logitech G935 wireless gaming headset.
While not always mandatory, knowledge of programming languages and game engines like Unity certainly helps. Familiarity with tools used in game development workflows is also useful. Having a good sense of game design principles is also a plus.
Getting Started in Game Testing
If you want to break into games testing and turn your gaming passion into a career, here are some tips:
- Beef up your skills and knowledge through online courses, books, forums etc. There are many resources for aspiring game testers.
- Build a portfolio highlighting your gaming accomplishments and credentials. Having an online portfolio or website helps.
- Get hands-on experience through modding, beta testing, or creating indie games. Many testers start volunteering in QA roles.
- Look for entry-level tester jobs at studios known for hiring beginners and offering training. QA internships are another option.
- Attend industry events like E3 or PAX to network with developers and connect with recruiters.
- Consider getting certifications, such as those offered by the ISO, to boost your resume.
- Use professional networks like LinkedIn and gamedev.net to connect with studios. Don't underestimate networking!
With persistence and the right qualifications, it's possible to break into games testing. It takes gaming skill, technical prowess, and passion for quality assurance. But for avid gamers seeking a fun and rewarding career, games testing delivers. So, fire up your PC or console, and get those thumbs ready!
While becoming a professional game tester takes dedication and effort, it's an accessible goal for gamers who meet the skills and experience requirements. If you're willing to start in junior roles, pursue specialised education and training, build up demonstrable expertise, and network diligently with developers, you can turn your gaming passion into a challenging and enjoyable career in the competitive gaming industry. Just be ready for long hours playing through the same sections repeatedly to find those obscure bugs!
