The gaming industry is becoming more lucrative due to increased demand for video games. In addition, there’s a high demand for game testers to satisfy consumers’ tastes and preferences. The main objective of a video game tester is to analyze the user experience to identify errors and bugs that might occur during the development process. These glitches can hinder the efficiency of the video game. Therefore, game testers should provide substantive feedback to help developers improve the game before releasing it to the public.
There are two major types of game testing: play testing and video game QA testing. Play testers focus on the user experience and playability of the game, whereas quality assurance testers concentrate on technical issues. Game designers and developers should opt for professional QA outsourcing services.
What Does a Video Game Tester Do?
A video game tester plays video games as the consumer to identify bugs and glitches in the code. In addition, the game tester tests the viability of the features before the game is released publicly. Most game testers work hand-in-hand with video game firms to improve the game’s user experience. A professional game tester should have the following skills:
- Strong computer literacy skills
- Excellent problem-solving abilities
- Attention to details
- Adequate knowledge of computer games and the industry
- Persistence
- Good understanding of the quality assurance (QA) process
Why Become a Game Tester?
There are numerous reasons why you should become a game tester, such as:
Great Entry Level
Based on research, game testing is classified as an entry-level job that will improve your skills in the gaming industry. Most game developers and designers start as game testers. In the gaming industry, you’ll have a great opportunity to learn from a competent game production team. Therefore, ensure you grasp vital aspects of the game development process.
Tap into other skills
By interacting with the game production team, you’ll learn more in the game testing field. You can use your knowledge to help developers develop a solution that will create a top-notch game. In addition, game testers should provide substantive reports.
Plenty of options
There’s a high potential for career growth in the game testing field. You can further your career through various channels, including preproduction, production, and post-production stages. Each channel requires unique game-testing skills.
Steps to Game Testing Process
Plan the test
Game testers should have a strategic plan for the testing process. The plan should entail error codes, glitches, grammatical mistakes, and difficulty levels. In addition, it’s the work of the game tester to determine whether the game is monotonous or fun.
Testing in the development stage
Most people think game testers can only test games after completion, but that’s a misconception. Game testers can help developers fix errors and bugs that occur during different phases of the development process. Different types of tests are carried out during this stage: alpha test and beta test (closed beta and open beta). The alpha test takes more time and effort, unlike the beta test.
Report the outcome
The game tester should compile all the findings and present a clear record to the developers and designers. Different game testing companies have different formats. No matter the format, ensure you include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The body can consist of various aspects, including the severity of the problem and actual test results vs expected results.
How to Become a Video Game Tester?
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There are various ways to enter the game testing field. For instance, you can become a tester with a high school diploma or GED. In addition, game enthusiasts can follow other tips to flourish in this niche. Follow the steps below to discover career opportunities, gain professional skills, and explore your options:
Upgrade your gaming practice
In order to thrive in the game testing field, you need to become a conscientious or an international gamer. You need to play an array of games from different genres. This will help you gain vital skills in the game-testing field. Playing games on different consoles will boost your overall performance.
Build technical knowledge
You need strong technical skills to become an expert game tester. Here you should learn vital quality assurance (QA) terminologies, such as minimum viable product, performance testing, code release, play testing, etc. Also, you should hone your technical writing, strategic thinking, problem-solving, reporting, and analysis skills.
Participate in public beta testing
Public beta testing is a great opportunity to venture into the game-testing arena. Here you can earn in-game rewards and improve your overall experience. Numerous game testing companies offer beta testing via their sites.
Build a game tester resume
A resume can help you secure a job as a game tester. You need to clearly indicate your experience, skills, and knowledge that makes you stand out. Ensure you incorporate your game tester certification, training, and educational background. In addition, if you’ve participated in beta tests, list the games followed by the bugs and glitches that you found.
5. Apply for game tester jobs
Identify reputable job sites and apply for various tester jobs. You should consider the qualifications required, salary information, and skills required in your job search.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most Frequently asked questions about game testers.
How much do game testers earn?
There are various aspects that affect the salary of game testers, including experience, skills, qualifications, and the company. Approximately beginners earn $37,522, while experienced testers earn up to $45,769 per annum.
What’s the minimum requirement to become a game tester?
The requirements for game tester jobs vary. You don’t need a degree certificate to become a video game tester. There are profitable testers with a high school diploma or GED. You need to develop game-testing skills and abilities. However, some video game companies might require a degree certificate.
Can you tell your friends the details of an upcoming video game?
You aren’t supposed to disclose any information about a game that isn’t released yet. Most firms will require you to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Breaching the terms of the contract can lead to huge fines or a lawsuit.
Conclusion
Game testing is becoming a lucrative niche in the gaming industry because there’s a high demand for video games. Therefore, game testing is a great job that can enhance your gaming experience and performance.
