How to Be Game Tester - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 5, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Playing video games can have both positive and negative effects on a person. Those who play video games for extended periods of time may find themselves feeling isolated from family and friends, as well as displaying signs of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, playing video games can also lead to improved hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, and creativity.

it can also bring people together in a virtual environment, allowing them to interact with each other in a safe and fun way. it is important for gamers to be aware of these potential effects so that they can take the necessary steps to ensure their gaming experience is a positive one.

Steps How to Become

Understand the Job. Familiarize yourself with the duties associated with game testing. This job involves playing video games for hours at a time and providing feedback on the game's overall design, storyline, sound effects and other aspects.
Gain Experience. Consider pursuing a degree in game design or a related field to gain experience in the gaming industry. This will also help you understand the game development process and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Build a Portfolio. Collect all of your gaming experience, including any projects you have worked on or any awards you have received. Also include any certifications you have in the gaming industry.
Develop Your Skills. Practice your gaming skills and stay up-to-date on current trends in the gaming industry. This will help you to stay competitive and marketable when pursuing a game testing job.
Search for Jobs. Utilize job search websites and gaming industry websites to find potential game testing jobs. You may also want to consider reaching out to gaming companies directly and inquiring about any open positions that may be available.
Apply for the Job. Once you find a potential job opening, send in your resume and portfolio for consideration. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills or experience that you possess that make you an ideal candidate for the job.
Interview. If your resume and portfolio stand out from the competition, you may be invited for an in-person or phone interview with the company. Be prepared to answer questions about your gaming experience, as well as provide examples of your work.
Accept the Job. If you are offered the job, be sure to review the contract carefully before signing it. After you accept the job, you will be expected to abide by the terms of your agreement and perform game testing duties as assigned.

Playing video games has become an increasingly popular pastime for people of all ages, and with this rise in popularity, the need for quality assurance has become even more pressing. As such, game testers are in high demand. Game testers are responsible for ensuring that video games are free of bugs and glitches, as well as ensuring that the game is enjoyable and engaging to play.

To be an ideal and competent game tester, one must possess a keen eye for detail, a passion for gaming and the ability to think critically. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication skills so they can properly explain any issues they find with the game developers. Finally, they must have patience, as testing a game can be a long and tedious process.

All of these qualities will help to ensure that the game is of the highest possible quality before it is released to the public.

You may want to check Educational game Designer, Racing game Developer, and Game Monetization Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Test game functionality and ensure the game meets design specifications.
Identify and report bugs, glitches, and other issues within the game.
Review game elements such as graphics, sound, and gameplay to ensure quality.
Provide detailed feedback on game performance and suggest improvements.
Analyze game system requirements and compatibility issues.
Execute test cases and scripts to identify potential problems and optimize user experience.
Monitor game performance under various conditions to identify potential problems.
Participate in meetings with developers and other stakeholders to discuss game design and performance.
Develop and maintain test plans, strategies, and schedules.
Document all testing activities, results, and recommendations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of video game industry.
Expertise in gaming platforms such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.
Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
Ability to identify bugs and glitches in games.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Familiarity with game development tools and software.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of various coding languages such as HTML, CSS, Java, and Python.
Ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines.
Strong organizational and time management skills.

Being a game tester requires an attention to detail, the ability to think critically, and the technical skills to identify bugs and other issues. A game tester must have an extensive knowledge of the game they are testing, as well as an understanding of how the game works on various platforms. They must be able to think outside the box to come up with creative solutions to problems that may arise.

They must be able to communicate effectively with developers and other testers in order to provide useful feedback and suggestions. Furthermore, they must be able to keep track of their progress and document any issues they may encounter. Having these skills will help game testers be successful in their role and ensure that the game is released in the best possible condition.

Adventure game Developer, Game Quality Assurance, and Action game Developer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with gaming and game testing?
What do you find appealing about a career as a game tester?
How well do you work in a team environment?
Describe your experience in troubleshooting, debugging and testing games.
What strategies have you used to effectively test a game?
How do you handle difficult feedback or criticism about a game?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest gaming trends?
Describe a time when you identified an issue with a game and proposed a solution.
How would you rate your ability to work independently and manage your own workflow?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and quality in game testing?

Common Tools in Industry

Bug Tracking Software. A software used to track and manage software bugs. (e. g. JIRA)
Debugging Tools. A tool that helps identify and resolve errors in a program. (e. g. GDB)
Automation Testing Tools. Automation testing tools are used to automate the testing process of software. (e. g. Selenium)
Stress Testing Tools. These tools help in testing the stability and responsiveness of a system under high load or stress. (e. g. JMeter)
Performance Testing Tools. These tools are used to check the performance of an application by measuring the response time and throughput of the system. (e. g. LoadRunner)
Regression Testing Tools. Regression testing tools are used to identify regression bugs before releasing the software. (e. g. Ranorex)
White Box Testing Tools. These tools are used to test the internal structure of a program. (e. g. Jtest)
Black Box Testing Tools. These tools are used to test the external behaviors of a program without looking into its internal structure. (e. g. Appium)
Usability Testing Tools. Usability testing tools are used to evaluate the user experience of a product or website. (e. g. UserZoom)
Security Testing Tools. Security testing tools are used to identify security vulnerabilities in a system or software application. (e. g. Nessus)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)
European Games Developer Federation (EGDF)
International Game Technology (IGT)
GameStop
Professional Testers Association (PTA)
International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC)
International Game Testing Association (IGTA)
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)

We also have Augmented Reality game Designer, Game Marketing Manager, and Sports game Developer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Alpha Testing. The first phase of software testing, where the game is tested internally by the development team.
Beta Testing. The second phase of software testing, where the game is tested externally by a group of people outside the development team.
Bug Reporting. The process of documenting and reporting any issues found during game testing, to identify and resolve any potential problems.
Exploratory Testing. An approach to game testing that doesnt follow any predetermined test cases, but instead focuses on exploring the game and its features from a users perspective.
Regression Testing. The act of retesting a game after changes have been made, to ensure that no new issues have been introduced and to make sure the game still functions properly.
Smoke Testing. A basic test of the game to ensure it can be launched and runs without any major errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Game Tester?

Generally, game testers should have a high school diploma or equivalent and be knowledgeable in video games and gaming systems. They should possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a keen eye for detail.

How much does a Game Tester typically earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Game Tester is $32,631 per year.

What kind of tasks do Game Testers perform?

Game Testers are responsible for testing the functionality, usability, and quality of video games. This includes playing games, documenting bugs and glitches, evaluating game performance, and providing feedback to the development team.

What is the job outlook for Game Testers?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Game Testers is expected to grow 5% from 2019-2029.

What are the working conditions for Game Testers?

Game Testers typically work in a studio environment with other testers. The hours can be long and often involve working evenings and weekends. Additionally, testers must remain focused and alert during long periods of playing the same game.