A game tester, also known as a video game tester, is responsible for playing video games, evaluating their features, and discovering glitches and bugs prior to the game’s release. Typically employed by video game companies, game testers work alongside game developers and programmers to enhance games and ensure they are user-ready.
The process of testing games is intensive and includes examining all potential scenarios and uses of game items. During testing for games involving character battles, testers implement a matrix approach.
The testing process involves sequentially evaluating each character’s combat skills against every other character, as well as visually inspecting every weapon, tree, rock, and building for accurate rendering. The duration of such comprehensive testing may span several days, depending on the game’s scale.
In addition to playing the game, testers are also required to participate in meetings and compose reports for each glitch or bug they discover. These reports need to be written in a manner that enables the developers to quickly identify the issues themselves. Additionally, testers carry out administrative tasks and send emails as required.
A day in the life of a video game tester
In your role as a game tester, you play an important part in both the gaming industry and community. Your assistance enables developers to identify and rectify glitches, defects, and issues before games are made available to the public. By preventing errors after release, this aids in cost reduction and the promotion of player satisfaction.
By testing games effectively, you can contribute to the overall quality and customer satisfaction, giving them a better chance of commercial success. The games you test have the potential to become timeless and beloved, inspiring and bringing joy to players for many generations.
Video game tester responsibilities
Video game testers have various important responsibilities. The crucial one is to examine video games with a more discerning perspective, in contrast to playing games solely for enjoyment. This enables them to detect technical and creative issues that may lead to an unfavorable user experience, such as:
When a section of the game traps a player, they are unable to progress further.
When a graphic for a movement fails to function
If the controls do not feel intuitive, think step by step.
Areas of the game that lack enjoyment.
A person may experience confusion regarding the game, its concept, or its objective.
Game testers may be instructed to perform certain tasks to identify these issues. These tasks may include turning the game on and off, downloading games while simultaneously playing others, using different devices and platforms to play the game, and replicating sequences that result in glitches.
The playtesting process in 4 parts
In certain cases, game testers may be requested to engage in multiple rounds of testing. For instance, Techopedia, a website focusing on IT news and trends, outlines a playtesting procedure consisting of four stages.
1. The design team typically conducts gross playtesting, which involves using the basic running model to uncover gameplay issues (such as user-game interaction problems) during the initial testing phase.
2. In-house playtesting refers to a thorough examination of gameplay to identify any remaining glitches, typically performed by game testers employed directly by the company or by contracted testers.
Blind testing involves having playtesters who have no previous knowledge of the game experience it as users, and subsequently give feedback.
The final round of playtesting aims to enhance the game’s design and aesthetics rather than its functionality, serving as the last test before its release.
How to become a game tester
If you want to become a game tester, there are multiple paths available to pursue this career. To explore your choices and acquire the necessary skills and experience required to secure a game-testing position, follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.
1. Upgrade your gaming practice
To become a game tester, it is essential to be a deliberate and mindful gamer. Your objectives should encompass:
You can acquire diverse experience by engaging in various genres of games, including real-time strategy, multiplayer online battle area, and sports.
Develop skill and knowledge in playing games on various gaming consoles, as well as on desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
Determine the characteristics that could enhance games.
Take the time to describe your gaming experiences in a thorough manner, thinking through the details step by step.
In order to enhance your understanding of the components of a successful game, you can enroll in an online course that focuses on a specific aspect of game development.
The University of Michigan’s Art for Games Specialization teaches the fundamentals of creating game art in both 2D and 3D formats. The specialization also provides instruction on how to use industry-standard tools such as Maya, Unity, Photoshop, Sketchup, ZBrush, Marmoset Toolbag, and Substance Painter.
2. Build technical knowledge and skills in game testing
Enhance your gaming practice by acquiring a solid set of technical skills.
Gain an understanding of the fundamental duties of a game tester, which entail engaging in every level of a game, identifying any flaws or malfunctions, and providing suggestions to developers for enhancements.
Gain knowledge about QA terminologies such as playtesting, code release, performance testing, and minimum viable product by thinking systematically.
In order to have a thorough understanding, familiarize yourself with renowned gaming studios and companies such as Electronic Arts, Nintendo, and Ubisoft.
Enhance your skills in strategic thinking, analysis, reporting, and technical writing by following a step-by-step approach.
Get acquainted with reporting and technical writing skills.
If you still need to acquire the necessary skills mentioned above, do not be concerned as there are multiple ways to ready yourself for an entry-level game testing position.
One possible rephrasing: It is advisable to explore options such as enrolling in online courses, obtaining certifications in specific skills, or pursuing a degree in game design, computer programming, or related disciplines. For instance, you have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and competency in game design and development through a fully online, self-paced course that also awards a certificate you can include on your resume.
Having a college degree may be beneficial in finding a job as a game tester, although it is not a requirement. Since the game testing industry is highly competitive, possessing any qualifications that make you an appealing candidate can be advantageous.
Degree subjects that focus on the technical aspects of game design and programming are the most beneficial. These subjects encompass computer animation, interactive game development, and computer science. Pursuing a degree can also facilitate career progression from testing to game design or development.
3. Work in quality assurance
When it comes to video game testing, it goes beyond mere gameplay. As a tester, your ongoing task involves actively attempting to uncover weaknesses and exploit them, aiming to identify flaws in the game. If you have prior experience in quality assurance, this mentality will likely be familiar to you.
4. Participate in public beta testing
When participating in public beta testing, you have the opportunity to gain knowledge about upcoming games, improve your abilities as a game tester, and potentially receive rewards within the game. To discover chances to join open tests, you can explore beta testing websites specifically designed for gamers like Game Tester, Alpha Beta Gamer, and BetaBound – Games. It is important to document your actions and maintain a record of all the knowledge acquired throughout each test.
5. Build a game tester resume
When you gain abilities, understanding, and expertise in game testing, it is important to create a resume that showcases your skills. Remember to include your training as a game tester, any certifications you have obtained, your education, and specific game tester abilities.
If you have taken part in any public beta testing, please provide a list of the games you participated in, the bugs and glitches you discovered, the gameplay features you assessed, and the release date (or anticipated release date) for each game.
Average salary of game testers
As of November 2019, the mean hourly wage for a game tester in the U.S. is $14.13, while salaries can range from $7.25 to $44.10. Your specific earnings as a game tester will greatly rely on your professional background and the organization you are employed by. Furthermore, the location in which you reside may affect your compensation, as local regulations can determine a minimum wage.
When considering your salary, it is important to take into account whether the game testing job is in an office with provided materials or a work-from-home position that requires you to have your own game consoles, television, and other equipment.
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If you have an interest in electronics, choosing to become a video game tester could be an appealing career option because of the high demand for skilled game testers and the opportunity it provides to enter the video game industry.
