How to Become a Video Game Tester: Your Guide to Breaking Into the Gaming Industry

What Do Video Game Testers Actually Do?

Video game testers, also known as quality assurance (QA) testers, play a crucial role in game development. Their primary responsibility is to thoroughly test games to identify issues that might affect the user experience. This involves more than simply playing through a game once. Testers must:

• Follow detailed test plans that outline specific game features to evaluate

• Play the same sections repeatedly to ensure consistency and functionality

• Document bugs and glitches with precise descriptions and reproduction steps

• Verify that fixes implemented by developers actually resolve issues

• Test games across different platforms and hardware configurations

• Provide feedback on gameplay mechanics, difficulty levels, and user experience

Testing requires patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, as testers must clearly explain technical problems to developers.

Qualifications Needed to Become a Video Game Tester

While video game testing doesn’t typically require formal education, certain qualifications can help you stand out to potential employers:

• Strong gaming skills and experience across multiple platforms and genres

• Basic understanding of software development and testing methodologies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for detailed bug reports

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Attention to detail and patience for repetitive tasks

• Knowledge of programming languages or game development tools (a plus but not required)

• Experience with bug tracking software like Jira or Bugzilla (beneficial)

Many entry-level positions only require a high school diploma, though some companies prefer candidates with associate degrees in game design, computer science, or related fields. Certification programs specifically for game testing are also available through organizations like the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

Types of Video Game Tester Jobs Available

The video game testing field offers several different roles and employment arrangements:

1. In-house QA Testers: Full-time employees working directly for game development studios or publishers.

2. Contract Testers: Hired for specific projects or development phases, often through staffing agencies.

3. Remote Testers: Work-from-home positions that have become more common in recent years.

4. Specialized Testers: Focus on specific aspects like:

   • Functionality testing (finding bugs and technical issues)

   • Compliance testing (ensuring games meet platform requirements)

   • Localization testing (checking translations and cultural adaptations)

   • Accessibility testing (verifying games work for users with disabilities)

   • User experience testing (evaluating gameplay satisfaction)

Entry-level positions typically involve general functionality testing, while specialized roles often require additional experience or skills.

Video Game Tester Salaries and Career Growth

The financial compensation for game testers varies considerably based on experience, location, company size, and employment type.

Beginning testers typically earn near minimum wage, with entry-level positions starting around $15-20 per hour or $30,000-40,000 annually for full-time roles. Experienced testers with several years in the industry and specialized skills can earn $50,000-70,000 or more, especially when advancing to QA lead or management positions.

Many view testing as a stepping stone to other roles in game development. With experience and additional training, testers can transition to:

• QA lead or manager positions

• Game design roles

• Programming positions

• Production management

• Community management

Companies Hiring Video Game Testers

Several types of organizations regularly hire video game testers, from major publishers to specialized testing firms.

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Company	Testing Focus	Employment Type	Typical Requirements
Electronic Arts (EA)	Multiple genres across platforms	Full-time and contract	Gaming experience, attention to detail
Ubisoft	AAA titles, diverse genres	Full-time, internships	Problem-solving skills, gaming knowledge
Keywords Studios	Outsourced testing for multiple publishers	Contract, full-time	Flexible schedule, analytical skills
Activision Blizzard	Console and PC games	Full-time, temporary	Technical aptitude, critical thinking
Microsoft Xbox Game Studios	Console exclusive titles	Full-time, contract	Passion for gaming, communication skills
Nintendo of America	Platform-specific testing	Full-time, seasonal	Detail orientation, Nintendo platform familiarity
Globalstep	Multi-platform functionality testing	Remote, in-person	Adaptability, basic technical knowledge

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Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

How to Land Your First Video Game Testing Job

Breaking into the industry requires persistence and a strategic approach:

1. Build a strong gaming background: Play diverse genres across different platforms to develop broad knowledge.

2. Create a gaming-focused resume: Highlight relevant skills like attention to detail, technical aptitude, and communication abilities.

3. Network within the industry: Attend gaming conventions, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.

4. Look for entry-level opportunities: Apply for internships, temporary positions during crunch periods, or with testing contractors.

5. Consider related positions: Customer support roles for gaming companies can sometimes transition to testing opportunities.

6. Develop additional technical skills: Learn basic programming concepts, familiarize yourself with game engines, or study quality assurance methodologies.

7. Create a portfolio: Document your testing experience, even if informal, such as participating in beta tests or modding communities.

The gaming industry is competitive, so persistence is key. Many successful testers applied to numerous positions before landing their first role.

Conclusion

Video game testing offers a pathway into the gaming industry for passionate players willing to approach the work professionally. While not always as fun as playing games for pleasure, testing provides valuable experience and industry connections. The role requires patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, but can lead to career advancement and higher-paying positions over time. For those genuinely interested in how games are made and improved, testing represents an accessible entry point to a dynamic and growing industry.