Unlock Your Path to Game Testing: A Gamer’s Guide to Breaking Into the Industry!

To become a game tester, one should develop a blend of gaming experience, technical
abilities, and an understanding of game testing techniques while establishing connections and building a robust
portfolio to demonstrate your skills.

For those who are passionate about gaming, securing a professional job focused on playing games throughout the day certainly appears to be a fantasy realized. Nevertheless,
game testing is far more complex than merely playing for enjoyment—it’s a crucial component of the
development cycle that demands accuracy, persistence, and technical knowledge.

For individuals who excel at problem-solving and have a zeal for gaming, becoming a game
tester can be a remarkable option, transforming their pastime into a rewarding career.
If you’re eager to learn more about the profession and how to embark on a journey to become a game tester,
the most reliable path is through a mix of education, experience, and networking with industry experts.

Primary Steps to Becoming a Game Tester

As for a career in game testing, the prerequisites are not as stringent or defined
as in many other sectors, which means the specific steps to enter the field may vary significantly
from individual to individual. However, to maximize your chances of success, it’s
essential to address all aspects. Being knowledgeable in the foundational principles of game
testing, acquiring hands-on experience, and cultivating the skills that signal to employers
your competence are vital to distinguishing yourself.

Pursuing an Academic Degree

Becoming a game tester does not necessarily need a formal degree. However, having one
can greatly enhance a tester’s capacity to excel in their role.

Testers concentrate on what is flawed with the game while programmers strive to correct those issues.Game Testing All in OneCharles P. Schultz, Robert Denton Bryant, and Tim Langdell

A tester can improve their performance by gaining insight into how the code is created and
structured, thus utilizing that knowledge in crafting and implementing game tests.
This means that comprehending how a game is designed from a technical standpoint aids
testers in identifying more intricate bugs and communicating more effectively with the development
group. Consequently, a degree in computer science or software engineering, for example, can furnish aspiring testers with the technical
groundwork needed to better comprehend game mechanics, coding, and debugging approaches.

An esports degree could also prove beneficial for game testers, as it provides them with a comprehensive
understanding of gaming culture, game mechanics, and player behavior. These insights
are significant when assessing how games operate and appeal to gamers.

At the University of North Dakota, the bachelor’s degree in esports presents an outstanding opportunity for students wishing to explore various gaming-related
career paths. As Eric Link, UND provost and vice president for academic affairs, notes,
“The new major in esports at UND is the first of its kind in North Dakota,” and the program is “innovative, challenging, and at the forefront of new advancements
in academic programming nationwide.” The interdisciplinary aspect of the program
prepares students with a broad comprehension of gaming, making it advantageous for those aiming for
positions in game testing.

Travis Isbell, UND’s former esports director, also emphasizes the practical, experiential
aspects of the program: “In my view, UND has been a place that champions experience
as the greatest instructor. That is what excites me the most about this new undergraduate esports
program. UND stands at a crucial position to educate the next generation of esports professionals
who will impact the industry for years to come.” This emphasis on experiential learning aligns
closely with the requirements of game testing, where practical exposure and real-world
applications of skills are imperative for achievement.

Acquiring Relevant Skills

To ensure the quality and functionality of video games prior to their release to
players, game testers require both technical acumen and interpersonal skills.

Through formal education, aspiring game testers begin to master the essential technical skills
needed in the field, which include:

• Familiarity with diverse gaming platforms, including consoles, mobile devices, and PCs,
  as games may operate differently on each
• Capability to utilize bug-tracking tools for effective documentation and management of issues
• Comprehension of testing strategies such as regression testing, test case execution,
  exploratory testing, and more
• Understanding of pivotal gameplay elements like user experience and level advancement

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Though technical abilities are essential, interpersonal skills hold similar significance, if not greater for some individuals, concerning recruitment.

Technical abilities are generally simpler to acquire than interpersonal skills, including persuading someone to modify their work approach.Modern Game TestingNikolina Finska

It is vital that during job interviews, we evaluate not only QA (Quality Assessment or Quality Assurance) expertise but also pose thought-provoking questions regarding preferred work methods, communication styles, and other principles that hold significance in our organization. Some of these essential soft skills to emphasize are:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Analytical thinking
• Flexibility

Acquiring Experience with Gaming

To transform into a game tester, you should first embrace the role of a gamer. Although it may appear obvious, dedicating time to play a diverse range of games is a vital method to enhance your comprehension of game mechanics and gameplay dynamics, as well as overall user experience. Nonetheless, you should approach gaming with a more analytical perspective compared to casual players.

To specifically prepare for a game testing position, use this time to explore various games across multiple platforms. This will help familiarize you with the differences in game functionality across different platforms and assist in recognizing the technical difficulties specific to each.

In addition to the gaming platform, it’s beneficial to also diversify the genres of games you engage with. First-person shooters, puzzle games, role-playing games (RPGs), and simulation games possess unique mechanics and gameplay components. Experimenting with various genres will give you valuable initial insights into how games are organized and what possible bugs or issues could emerge.

Throughout all this, always strive to play critically: observe details such as game balance, level advancement, and the responsiveness of the controls. Taking mental (or even written) notes on what is effective and what is lacking can serve as excellent preparation for when you eventually begin professional testing.

You can begin by exploring well-regarded and critically praised titles in each genre and then move on to more niche offerings. Consider joining online communities or forums where you can discuss gameplay elements and concerns with fellow gamers. The more time you invest in gaming, the better you’ll become at detecting the subtle details that truly matter to gamers.

Engaging in Beta Testing Programs

After acquainting yourself with the foundational aspects of gaming, it’s time to concentrate your experience on testing. You can achieve this by participating in beta testing initiatives.

Unlike simply enjoying games, beta testing enables you to examine the development process more closely and actively aid in enhancing a game prior to its official launch. Thus, it essentially allows you to briefly experience the role of a professional tester. This transition from being a consumer to a contributor in game development will refine your testing skills and further equip you for a career in game testing.

There are two primary categories of beta testing programs: open and closed beta. In an open beta, the game is accessible to a wide audience, often with no special requirements apart from signing up with an email address. This type of testing is highly accessible, presenting an excellent opportunity for aspiring game testers to acquire valuable experience.

Conversely, closed betas are more selective and involve a limited set of players chosen based on specific criteria, such as geographic location, gaming preferences, or familiarity with the game’s intellectual property (IP). Involvement in a closed beta can be competitive, particularly with highly anticipated game releases, but it offers a more focused and insightful testing experience.

To discover beta testing opportunities, regularly check game developers’ websites, gaming forums, or platforms like Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live, where beta tests are frequently announced. You can also follow game studios and developers on social media to stay informed about upcoming beta programs.

Creating a Game Tester Portfolio

Similar to many other professions, a well-assembled portfolio serves as a game tester’s gateway to demonstrating their capabilities, achievements, and potential to future employers. A portfolio acts as evidence of your ability to identify problems, think critically, and provide clear, actionable feedback that can benefit game developers. It offers a chance to distinguish yourself in a competitive arena by showcasing not only what you know but, more crucially, how effectively you can apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios.

To construct a portfolio that leaves an impression, ensure to:

• Include clear and thorough examples of bugs you’ve discovered in beta tests or personal projects. Provide reproduction steps, expected vs. actual results, and the severity of the problem.
• Document the types of testing you’ve performed, whether it’s functional testing, regression testing, exploratory testing, or stress testing.
• Demonstrate your adaptability
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• Incorporate illustrations from various platforms and genres.
• Offer perspectives on how you might enhance gameplay components, user engagement, or
  level architecture based on your evaluations.

Connecting with Industry Experts

Building connections is frequently as crucial as possessing the appropriate abilities. Cultivating relationships
with industry professionals can unveil chances that may not be found through
conventional job platforms. As Nikolina Finska rightly remarks, “Many positions in
the gaming sector do not get advertised, and establishing your own network of industry
associates can assist you.”

Aspiring game testers can begin establishing their connections by participating in gaming conventions
and expos, where professionals converge to exchange knowledge and present their projects.
Gatherings such as GDC (Game Developers Conference) or local meetups organized by IGDA (International
Game Developers Association) present excellent opportunities to engage with industry stakeholders,
developers, and fellow testers. If in-person gatherings are not feasible, numerous
conferences feature online formats, which can still enable you to interact with peers in
the field.

Securing Game Testing Positions

After completing all these steps, you’re prepared to make the final move: securing
game testing positions. 

It’s perfectly normal to experience some uncertainty or hesitation, but keep in mind that all the actions you’ve
undertaken thus far have equipped you for this moment. You’ve earned a relevant degree,
honed practical skills, discovered how to evaluate games, and fostered connections that
can benefit you.

Don’t postpone your applications until you feel absolutely ready or ideally suited—many game
testers begin their journeys by applying for entry-level roles that allow them to develop
into the position.

The Function of a Game Tester

Game testers are tasked with discovering problems that could affect gameplay, aiming to improve the game and ensure a favorable experience for players. 

Their primary responsibilities encompass:

• Detecting bugs and glitches
• Offering detailed evaluations
• Collaborating with development teams
• Executing test cases
• Retesting following fixes
• Testing across various platforms
• Monitoring issues via bug-tracking systems

Categories of Game Testing

Various types of game testing are employed to ensure that a game adheres to the specified quality
benchmarks, spanning from functionality to performance. Some of the most prevalent forms of game
testing include:

• Functional testing: utilized to verify whether the game’s essential features and mechanics operate as intended, without
  faults or crashes.
• Compliance testing: utilized to confirm that the game complies with the platform holder’s regulations, such as
  Xbox, PlayStation, or mobile application stores.
• Localization testing: utilized to assess the game in various languages and regions to ensure that all translations,
  cultural references, and localized content are precise.
• Regression testing: employed to retest previously corrected bugs to ensure that they haven’t reappeared and that
  new updates haven’t introduced further complications.
• Acceptance testing: used to verify if the game satisfies the developer’s or client’s standards and is
  ready for launch.
• Stress testing/load testing: used to evaluate how stable the game remains under stress by simulating high traffic or
  substantial user loads.
• Playtesting: used to assess the game from a player’s viewpoint to evaluate gameplay, enjoyment,
  and overall experience.

Reasons to Pursue a Career as a Game Tester

A profession as a game tester is ideal for those who have a deep passion for gaming.
It enables them to contribute to the development of top-notch games while
simultaneously acquiring valuable insights into the industry. This position can pave the way for future
prospects in game development, quality assurance, and game design. 

With a median annual salary of $101,800 for software quality assurance analysts and testers coupled with a 17% job growth forecast, there is significant potential for career progression. Furthermore, the simple
satisfaction of knowing that your contributions enhance games for the entire gaming community
makes this path even more fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

Each game you test, bug you document, and relationship you cultivate will bring you closer to
your long-term career aspirations. The experience you accrue will render you more qualified
for advanced roles as time progresses. The crucial aspect is to engage in what you cherish and perpetually
strive for self-improvement and the enhancement of the games you evaluate. 

So take that leap—join UND, expand your knowledge and skills ingaming, and relish
a profession of enhancing virtual realms and eliminating bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions