Computer Games Tester
What is the work like?
As a computer games tester or quality assurance (QA) technician, you would play games over and over again in order to spot any bugs and mistakes that need to be fixed before the game reaches the market.
Testing is a vital part of the production process. As well as finding and documenting programming bugs, you would act as the game’s first audience, reporting on its playability and recommending improvements.
The work involves:
- playing games systematically and in as many ways as possible
- testing different levels and versions of a game
- analysing its performance against what the designer intended
- comparing the game against others on the market
- identifying problems and suggesting improvements
- trying to work out what is causing a problem
- checking for spelling mistakes and copyright issues such as logos
- checking the text on packaging and in instruction manuals
- documenting each 'bug report' into a software quality management system
- prioritising the most serious issues
- working to strict deadlines.
As part of a team of QA testers, you would work closely with programmers, artists and designers before a game’s release, and with customer support teams after its launch.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
QA testing is a popular way of breaking into the games industry, particularly if you are not already qualified as an artist or programmer. It can be a great way to find out about the business as a whole.
You do not need formal qualifications to become a tester, as your playing skills and knowledge of the games market will be more important to employers. However, it will be useful to have basic knowledge of programming, and experience of using spreadsheets and database packages.
Employers will want to see proof of your knowledge and enthusiasm for the games industry. Attending games festivals and keeping yourself up to date with gaming magazines and websites can help you in this.
Experience in games retail is another way of developing useful background knowledge and an awareness of audience needs.
Although not essential, having a foundation degree or degree in games design, games development or computing can be helpful, especially if you want to progress into programming, design or producing.
Several colleges and universities offer relevant courses, and the most useful ones include practical skills and work placements – many people find their first job in the games industry through placements. Check with providers about course content and entry requirements. You can find details of industry-approved courses on Skillset’s website.
What further training and development can I do?
You will mainly develop your skills on the job, although your employer may train you in the use of their bug reporting software and test plan design.
You could increase your skills and employability by taking qualifications in software testing from the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) – see the ISEB website for more details.
Some employers offer a newly-introduced Apprenticeship in QA and Games Development, which can lead to NVQ Level 2 in Computer Games Testing and the chance to further your career in the games industry. See Skillset's website for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
1 Castle LaneLondon
SW1E 6DR
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries are usually between £11,000 and £18,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings could reach £25,000.
- As a QA team leader, salaries could be up to £30,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would often need to work long and unsocial hours in order to meet deadlines, particularly in the run-up to a game’s release. Games testing can be repetitive, hectic and stressful at times.
The work is office-based and you would spend most of your time at a computer.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- a passion for games playing, with the ability to play at high levels
- good written and spoken communication skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team
- a tactful manner and good negotiation skills
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- patience and persistence, for repetitive work
- a methodical and disciplined approach
- excellent attention to detail
- a good knowledge of the games market
- good office computer skills.
Foreign language skills are also useful for testing games aimed at overseas regions (known as ‘localisation testing’).
What opportunities are there?
You could work for a games publisher, a larger games developer, or for an independent QA testing company.
Around half of the UK games industry is based in the south-east of England. Other significant areas are Bristol, the north-west, the West Midlands, Sheffield, Leeds, Dundee and Edinburgh.
Jobs may be advertised on games websites and by specialist online recruitment agencies. You could also find work by approaching companies directly, and by developing contacts in the industry.
From QA tester you could progress to lead tester and QA management, or move into level design, production management or marketing. To move into more specialist areas you would need further skills such as programming or 3-D modelling.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in a new window):
Games Tester
Blitz Games
Work in Games
Games Recruit
Games Industry.biz
Datascope
MCV
Tiga's list of member companies
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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