Worldwide, around three billion people play fascinating video games regularly. They owe their immersion in an alternate reality as a means of escape from the routine and struggles of the daily grind to Game Testers. These gaming enthusiasts turn their passion for playing video games to professional use when they identify bugs, flaws and areas of improvement in games under development.
Worldwide, around three billion people play fascinating video games regularly. They owe their immersion in an alternate reality as a means of escape from the routine and struggles of the daily grind to Game Testers. These gaming enthusiasts turn their passion for playing video games to professional use when they identify bugs, flaws and areas of improvement in games under development.
Game Testers are office-based, and most of their work is done sitting at a desk using a computer. They work in teams consisting of other testers, developers, programmers, artists and designers. After the release of the game, they will collaborate with the customer support team too. More often than not, remote and overseas work are viable options.
Typically Game Testers work full-time for around 35 hours/week. However, strict deadlines often demand extended work hours. As the game nears completion, you may have to work overtime and take early morning, evening and weekend shifts. Freelancing and self-employed Game Testers will have more flexible work hours.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Game Testers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, accessing job search platforms and specialist game publications, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies. Jobs can also be obtained on a short-term contract or freelance basis.
Generally, aspiring Game Testers require a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering and mathematics. Although most Game Testers have a college degree, it is possible to become one with just an associate degree or an HND (Higher National Diploma). Programming skills and in-depth knowledge of computer games and the gaming industry would be helpful.
Certification demonstrates a Game Tester’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Accredited certifications in programming languages such as Python and Java from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Game Testers who take on managerial and leadership roles with increased responsibilities. Most assume the role of a QA (Quality Assurance)Tester before they become QA Analysts.
>Six to seven years of dedicated work may help you advance to a Senior QA Analyst or QA Team Leader position. Specialist roles such as Developer and Designer can also form part of your career advancement plans once you acquire relevant skills and qualifications.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Game Tester build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.
Attend short courses to stay updated on the latest gaming technology and software packages. Learn about the evolving market and adapt your programming and 3D modelling skills to help develop your career as a niche Game Tester.
With a whopping 40 per cent of the world devoted to playing video games, it is clear that Games Testers play a critical role in developing praise-worthy games. Their dedication to ironing out all sorts of bugs in an emerging game through countless gaming sessions makes them a vital asset to the gaming industry.
Game Tester is a career path that will test your endurance with repetitive game testing sessions, so you need to enjoy gaming.