Game QA Tester

What is a Game QA Tester?

A Game QA Tester is someone who tests video games for bugs, errors, and other issues to ensure they are functioning correctly before they are released to the public.

What does a Game QA Tester do?

Usually, a Game QA Tester does the following:

• Tests video games to find and report bugs, glitches, and other technical issues
• Follows specific test plans and instructions provided by the game development team
• Logs detailed reports of any issues found, including steps to reproduce them
• Collaborates with the game development team to provide feedback and suggestions for improving the game

What does the day-to-day life of a Game QA Tester look like?

A Game QA Tester usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the company you're working for. You may need to work overtime or on weekends during busy periods or when approaching a game release.

On a typical day, you might:

• Receive a specific area or level of a game to test
• Play the game extensively, trying different actions and scenarios to uncover potential issues
• Document any bugs or glitches you encounter with precise steps to reproduce them
• Communicate with the game development team to discuss and clarify issues
• Test fixes or updates made by the developers to ensure they resolve the reported problems
• Provide feedback and suggestions to improve the game's overall quality

Where does a Game QA Tester work?

Game QA Testers usually work for video game development studios or game publishers. Some companies have their own internal QA teams, while others may outsource testing to specialized QA firms.

Most Game QA Tester roles are based in major cities where game development studios are located, such as London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.

What tools/software/hardware does a Game QA Tester use?

A Game QA Tester uses a variety of tools and hardware, including:

• Game consoles and gaming PCs: You will need to have access to the relevant gaming platforms to test games.
• Bug tracking software: JIRA, Bugzilla, or similar software to log and track issues found during testing.
• Communication tools: Email, instant messaging, or project management platforms to communicate with the game development team.

What do I need to become a Game QA Tester?

There are several ways you can become a Game QA Tester, including:

• Education: A degree in game design, computer science, or a related field can be helpful but is not always necessary.
• Experience: Building a portfolio of your own game testing or showing experience with early access games can demonstrate your skills and passion for game testing.
• Testing courses: Online or offline courses that teach game testing methodologies and best practices can enhance your knowledge and increase your chances of getting hired.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to you as a Game QA Tester, including:

• Senior QA Tester: With experience, you can take on more challenging projects and assume a leadership role within the QA team.
• Game Designer: Your experience as a tester can provide valuable insights into game design and mechanics.
• Quality Assurance Lead: Managing and coordinating game testing efforts and leading a team of testers.

What jobs are similar to a Game QA Tester?

• Game Developer: Building and designing video games.
• Game Producer: Overseeing the game development process and managing the team.
• Technical Support Specialist: Assisting customers with technical issues and troubleshooting.

What made you want to become a Game QA Tester?

How did you get your first Game QA Tester job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a Game QA Tester?

Are you a Game QA Tester? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to Game QA Testing. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.