What Does a Game Tester Do?
Find out what a game tester does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a game tester.
Game testers are responsible for ensuring the quality of video games before they’re released to the public. They commonly work with a team of developers who create and design these games, but their role is separate from that of the designers or programmers.
Game testers are tasked with playing through an entire game and identifying any bugs or glitches that may exist. This includes everything from minor visual errors to major problems with gameplay mechanics or other features. Their job is to play through the game as if they were a normal player, noting down any issues they encounter along the way so that they can be addressed by the development team later on.
Game Tester Job Duties
Game testers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Observing how users interact with products in order to identify usability issues or problems with user interface design
- Completing tests in an accurate and efficient manner while following standard testing procedures and methodology
- Reporting any bugs or problems that are discovered during testing
- Providing feedback to developers on how to improve the game or on what needs to be changed before the game is released to market
- Capturing data about how users play the game in order to identify problem areas or opportunities for improvement
- Exploring game worlds and learning about cultures by interacting with non-player characters (NPCs)
- Participating in focus groups to provide feedback on new game concepts or features
- Reporting any bugs or problems that are discovered during testing
- Participating in post-release support of games by providing feedback on patches and new versions of the game
Game Tester Salary & Outlook
Game tester salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and the type of game they are testing. They may also receive bonuses or additional compensation for working overtime.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $115,000 ($55.29/hour)
The employment of game testers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
As technology continues to improve, video-game developers will need to ensure that their products work properly across multiple platforms and devices. In addition, the popularity of e-sports—organized video-game competitions watched by large audiences—is expected to increase demand for game testers.
Related: 25 Game Tester Interview Questions and Answers
Game Tester Job Requirements
To become a game tester, you may need to have the following:
Education: Most employers require game testers to have a bachelor’s degree. Some of the most common majors for game testers are computer science, software engineering and computer engineering technology.
Training & Experience: Game testers often receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training may include learning the specific software and hardware used by the company, as well as the testing procedures and standards. Training may last for a few days or a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the game and the company’s procedures.
Certifications & Licenses: Game testers don’t need any certifications to earn their position. However, some game testers choose to pursue certifications to increase their earning potential and show their dedication to their career.
Game Tester Skills
Game testers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes in a product or system. As a game tester, you need to notice any changes in the game’s performance, including changes in the game’s graphics, user interface and other elements. This can help you provide feedback to the game developers about any changes that may affect the game’s performance.
Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills are necessary for game testers to have, as they help you identify and resolve issues in a game. You might be asked to try to break the game or find ways to make it crash. You can use your problem-solving skills to find solutions to these issues and help the game’s developers make the game more stable.
Time management: Time management skills allow you to complete tasks within a certain time frame. As a game tester, you may have several tasks to complete in a day. Having good time management skills can help you complete all of your tasks in a timely manner. This can help you meet your deadlines and complete your work efficiently.
Communication: Communication skills are necessary for game testers to convey their feedback to the game development team. Testers should be able to explain their observations and suggestions in a clear and concise manner. They should also be able to listen to feedback from the development team and answer questions about their experiences.
Computer skills: Computer skills are necessary for game testers to use software and tools to record and submit feedback. They also use computer skills to analyze data and communicate with team members.
Game Tester Work Environment
Game testers typically work in the game development studio alongside the game developers, designers, and artists. They may also work from home, but this is becoming less common. Game testers typically work regular hours, but they may be required to work extra hours during crunch time before a game’s release. Game testers need to have good eyesight and hand-eye coordination, as well as excellent problem-solving skills. They must be able to think creatively to find bugs and glitches in games. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with game developers so that they can explain the problem and how to reproduce it.
Game Tester Trends
Here are three trends influencing how game testers work. Game testers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Growth of Esports
The growth of esports has been one of the most significant trends in recent years, with tournaments now being broadcast on major networks such as ESPN and Twitch. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as esports becomes more popular among both players and spectators.
Game testers will need to be familiar with the world of esports in order to effectively test games that are designed for this medium. They will also need to be able to identify bugs and issues that may occur during live broadcasts.
More Focus on User Experience
As technology advances, user experience (UX) has become increasingly important for businesses. This is because UX can have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Game testers can utilize this trend by focusing on creating an enjoyable and easy-to-use user interface. They can also focus on testing the game’s features to make sure they are working properly. In addition, game testers should be aware of current design trends so that they can create products that are in line with what customers want.
Greater Attention to Security
As video games become more complex and interconnected, the need for security professionals will continue to grow. Game testers will need to be familiar with the latest security threats in order to ensure that their company’s games are safe from hackers.
In addition, game testers will need to be able to test the security of games before they are released to the public. This requires a deep understanding of how hackers work and how they can be thwarted.
How to Become a Game Tester
A game tester career can be a great way to get started in the gaming industry. It’s a great way to learn about different games and how they are made, and it can also lead to other opportunities within the industry.
To become a game tester, you need to have a strong understanding of video games and be able to play them effectively. You should also be able to think critically about games and find bugs or problems that may exist within them.
If you want to become a game tester, there are many ways you can do so. One option is to create your own game and then test it yourself. You could also volunteer to test games for free online or at local game developer meetups.
Advancement Prospects
Game testers typically start out in entry-level positions and work their way up the ladder. As they gain experience, they may be promoted to lead game tester or senior game tester positions. Those with experience in a particular game genre, such as first-person shooters or role-playing games, may be promoted to specialist positions.
Lead game testers and senior game testers often are in charge of a team of testers. They assign tasks, review work, and offer feedback. They also may be responsible for training new testers.
Those with experience may be able to move into other positions in the game industry, such as game design or game programming. A bachelor’s degree in game design or computer science also can lead to such positions.
Game Tester Job Description Example
Do you love playing video games? Do you have a sharp eye for detail? If you answered yes to both, then a career as a game tester might be perfect for you!
At [CompanyX], we create the world’s most popular video games and we need your help to make sure they’re perfect before they’re released to the public. As a game tester, you’ll be responsible for playing through our games and providing feedback on any bugs or glitches you find. You’ll also need to be able to think outside the box to come up with creative solutions to problems.
If you’re interested in a career in the gaming industry, then this is the perfect job for you!
Duties & Responsibilities
- Understand the game development process and how your role as a tester fits into it
- Work with the development team to create and implement testing plans
- Execute test cases (manual or automated) and report any bugs, crashes, or errors you encounter
- Verify that bugs have been fixed and features have been implemented correctly
- Retest game content after updates or changes have been made to ensure quality
- Help to improve the quality of the game by providing constructive feedback
- Keep up to date with industry trends and developments
- Attend meetings and participate in group discussions
- Be proactive in finding ways to improve the testing process
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities
- Stay calm and level-headed under pressure
- Have a passion for gaming!
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1+ years in customer service, retail, or related field
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
- Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
- Basic computer skills
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher
- 2+ years in customer service, retail, or related field
- Experience with video game consoles
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team