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

Apr 21, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Video game testing is an important role in the video game industry. It involves the process of playing a game and testing it for any errors or bugs that may have gone unnoticed during the development process. If errors are found, the tester will report them to the developers so that they can be fixed before the game is released.

The effect of this process is that it ensures that the final product is of the highest quality, reducing the likelihood of any problems being experienced by players when they purchase the game. it helps to maintain the reputation of the game developers and publishers, as customers will be more likely to purchase their games if they know they are of good quality.

Steps How to Become

Build Up Your Experience. Video game testing requires you to have a good knowledge of video games and the video game industry. You can gain this experience by playing a variety of video games and reading related websites, magazines, and books.
Get Certified. There are a few certifications available that will help you stand out from other applicants. Obtaining industry certifications such as the Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) or the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) certification will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge required for the job.
Create a Resume. Once you have the necessary experience and certifications, it is time to create a resume that highlights your skills and experience. Make sure to include any previous game testing experience and any certifications you have obtained.
Find a Job. There are several websites that list available video game testing jobs. You can also contact game developers directly to inquire about available positions.
Interview. Once you have been selected for an interview, make sure to dress professionally and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and knowledge of video games.
Receive Training. Once you have been hired as a video game tester, you will need to receive training on how to properly test games. This training will help you identify bugs and other issues with the game that need to be addressed before the game is released.

Video game testers are essential to the video game industry as they ensure the quality of the product before it is released to the public. To be a successful video game tester, one must possess a combination of technical proficiency, excellent problem-solving skills, and an eye for detail. Technical proficiency is required to be able to recognize and identify coding issues and bugs within a game.

Problem-solving skills allow the tester to troubleshoot issues in order to discover the root cause of any bugs or glitches. An eye for detail is also important so that small discrepancies in the game can be identified and rectified. With these skills, video game testers can successfully test a game to ensure it meets the standards and expectations of the gaming community.

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Job Description

Analyze video games for bugs and errors.
Provide detailed reports on the game play, graphics, audio, and other features.
Develop test plans and test cases for video game testing.
Play video games and document any problems that arise.
Execute all levels of software testing and provide feedback to developers.
Monitor bug tracking database and provide updates on the status of existing issues.
Provide feedback on game design, mechanics and user experience.
Manage multiple projects and adhere to deadlines.
Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the gaming industry.
Communicate with developers and other testers to resolve any problems or issues.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Detail-oriented: A game tester needs to be detail-oriented as they must pay close attention to the game's features and mechanics to ensure that it is free of bugs and glitches.
Analytical Skills: A game tester must possess strong analytical skills in order to identify and document any issues that arise during gameplay.
Problem-Solving Skills: Game testers must be able to think on their feet in order to identify and troubleshoot any problems that may arise during testing.
Technical Knowledge: A game tester should have a good understanding of computers, video games, and gaming consoles.
Communication Skills: Game testers must be able to communicate effectively with developers and other team members in order to report issues and provide feedback.
Time Management: A game tester must be able to work quickly and efficiently in order to meet deadlines and finish projects on time.

Being a video game tester is an exciting career opportunity for many people who are passionate about video games. It requires a special set of skills to excel in the role of a game tester. The most important skill for a game tester is attention to detail.

A successful game tester must have the ability to pay close attention to even the smallest details in the game, such as glitches, bugs, and gameplay issues. A game tester also needs to be able to think critically and troubleshoot any problems they come across. They must also be able to identify potential issues that could arise during gameplay and report them to their project manager.

having excellent written and verbal communication skills is essential for a game tester. They should be able to provide thorough and clear feedback on the game, so that developers can make the necessary improvements. Finally, game testers must have the dedication and patience to play the same game multiple times in order to find any errors or bugs that may exist.

All of these skills are essential for success as a video game tester.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in testing video games?
How do you approach debugging a game when there are no clear instructions?
What do you consider the most important aspects of game testing?
How would you rate your experience with gaming platforms such as Xbox and Playstation?
What challenges have you faced while testing video games?
How do you handle difficult situations while working with a team on a project?
How do you prioritize tasks while testing video games?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy in the results of your tests?
Describe a time where you had to adapt to new technologies while testing video games.
What is your experience with testing video games on different devices?

Common Tools in Industry

Bug Tracking Software. This is software that allows game testers to track and report issues they find within the game. (eg: Jira)
Debugging Tools. These are tools used to help identify and fix errors in the code. (eg: Visual Studio Debugger)
Profiling Tools. These are tools that allow game testers to evaluate the performance of the game. (eg: PIX)
Automated Testing Tools. These are tools that allow game testers to automate repetitive tasks and increase their testing efficiency. (eg: Selenium)
Playability Testing Tools. These are tools that allow game testers to measure the usability of the game. (eg: GameAnalytics)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)
International Game Developers Association Women in Games Special Interest Group (IGDA-WIGSIG)
World of Level Design (WoLD)
International Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Video Game Music and Culture (ISPALVGM)
International Game Testing Association (IGTA)
Quality Assurance Association (QAA)
European Game Testers Network (EGTN)
Professional Testers Organization (PTO)

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Common Important Terms

Alpha Testing. A type of software testing process in which a limited set of features is tested in an isolated environment.
Beta Testing. The process of testing a product before its public release, usually by external customers.
Exploratory Testing. A type of testing that involves investigating the functionality of the software in order to uncover unknown issues.
Regression Testing. The process of verifying that a change to a system does not have an adverse effect on existing functionality.
Load Testing. A type of software testing that simulates user activity and tests how a system responds when multiple users are accessing it simultaneously.
Performance Testing. The process of measuring a system's response times and throughput under various workloads to ensure it meets performance requirements.
Usability Testing. The process of determining how user-friendly a product is by observing users interacting with it.
White Box Testing. A type of testing which tests the internal structure of a program in order to identify bugs and assess its usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Video Game Tester?

To become a Video Game Tester, you need good problem solving skills, the ability to pay attention to detail, an understanding of the gaming industry and basic computer skills.

How much does a Video Game Tester make?

The average salary of a Video Game Tester is around $14 per hour. However, salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

What is the typical job description of a Video Game Tester?

A Video Game Tester's job is to play video games and identify any bugs or glitches in the game. They must report any issues to the developers and document their findings.

What type of work environment does a Video Game Tester work in?

Video Game Testers typically work in an office environment. They may also work remotely from home.

How long is the typical testing period for a Video Game?

The testing period for a Video Game can vary greatly depending on the game. Generally, the testing period can last anywhere from several weeks to several months.