What does a game functional tester do?

What is a Game Functional Tester?

Game functional testers are quality assurance (QA) professionals who verify that a video game’s features, mechanics, and controls function as intended. In other words, they make sure the game is stable, playable, and free of major technical issues before it reaches players, reducing costly post-launch patches and negative reviews.

What does a Game Functional Tester do?

Duties and Responsibilities
A game functional tester plays a crucial role in ensuring a video game's quality and stability. Here's a summary of what their work involves:

• Testing Gameplay Mechanics – They thoroughly test all aspects of the game, including character movements, interactions, combat systems, and in-game features, to verify that they are free from progression blockers and function as intended.
• Identifying and Reporting Bugs – They meticulously search for bugs, glitches, and errors, and then accurately document these issues for the development team.
• Reproducing Issues – They work to consistently reproduce bugs, providing developers with clear steps to replicate and fix the problems.
• Regression Testing – After bugs are fixed, they retest the relevant game components to ensure that the fixes haven't introduced new issues.
• Compatibility Testing – They verify the game's compatibility across various platforms, devices, and operating systems.
• Providing Feedback – They give feedback on gameplay, user interface, and overall user experience.
• Following Test Plans – They follow set test plans to make sure all aspects of the game are tested.

Essentially, game functional testers act as a player with a critical eye, striving to find and eliminate any problems that could detract from the player's enjoyment.

Different Types of Game Functional Testers
Within the realm of game functional testing, there are various specializations and ways to categorize testers, depending on their focus and the techniques they employ. Here's a breakdown:

By Testing Focus

• Compatibility Testers specialize in ensuring the game functions correctly across a wide range of hardware and software configurations. This is crucial for games released on multiple platforms.
• Compliance Testers verify that the game meets platform-specific standards (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo certification requirements).
• Multiplayer and Network Testers test online connectivity, matchmaking, and synchronization in multiplayer modes.
• Localization Testers focus on verifying that the game's text, audio, and cultural elements are accurately translated and adapted for different regions.
• Regression Testers re-test previously reported bugs to confirm that they have been fixed without causing new issues.
• Performance Testers focus on how well a game runs. They check for things like frame rate, and if the game can handle high loads of players.
• Security Testers have become increasingly important with the rise of online gaming. These testers identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
• Usability Testers focus on evaluating the user experience, ensuring that the game is intuitive and easy to navigate.
• AI and Physics Testers specialize in testing AI behavior, character movement, physics interactions, and in-game mechanics like collision detection.
• Mobile Testers specialize in testing games on mobile platforms, with all of the unique problems that mobile platforms present.
• Accessibility Testers test game features to ensure they are accessible to players with disabilities, verifying settings like subtitles, colorblind modes, and control remapping.

By Testing Method

• Manual Testers perform tests by hand, playing the game and meticulously checking for issues.
• Automated Testers use software tools to automate repetitive testing tasks, allowing for more efficient testing of certain aspects of the game.

By Testing Stage

• Alpha Testers work early in the development process, identifying major bugs and providing feedback on core gameplay mechanics.
• Beta Testers work later in the development process, testing a near-final version of the game with a larger audience.

While all game functional testers aim to ensure quality, their specific roles reflect the increasing complexity of modern video games and the need for highly skilled testers to ensure a high-quality player experience.

What is the workplace of a Game Functional Tester like?

Game functional testers are employed by various organizations within the gaming industry, including:

• Game Development Studios – Large studios like Ubisoft, EA, Activision, Rockstar, and Naughty Dog have in-house QA teams to test their games during development. Indie studios may also hire testers, though they often rely on smaller teams or external QA services.
• Third-Party QA Companies – Specialized game testing firms like Keywords Studios, Lionbridge Games, VMC, and Quantic Lab provide outsourced functional testing for game developers. These companies work with multiple clients, testing games across different platforms.
• Game Publishers – Companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have internal QA teams to test games before approving them for their platforms. Publishers like Square Enix, Capcom, and Bandai Namco also test games before release to ensure quality.
• Mobile Game Companies – Developers of mobile games, such as Supercell, Zynga, and King, employ functional testers to check for bugs, performance issues, and compatibility across devices.
• Console and Hardware Manufacturers – Companies like Sony (PlayStation), Microsoft (Xbox), and Nintendo employ testers to ensure games meet platform compliance and hardware requirements.
• Game Testing Contractors and Freelancers – Some testers work as freelancers or contractors, taking on short-term roles for different studios and testing firms. Companies may also hire remote testers to conduct beta testing.
• Esports and Live Service Game Companies – Online and competitive games, like those from Riot Games, Blizzard, or Valve, require continuous testing for updates, patches, and live events.

The work environment of a game functional tester depends on their employer and the type of testing they perform. Many testers work in open-office or dedicated testing labs equipped with multiple gaming consoles, PCs, VR headsets, and mobile devices to ensure compatibility across platforms. They work with bug-tracking software (e.g., JIRA, TestRail, Mantis) to document and report issues. Some testing environments include controlled network setups for multiplayer or performance testing. The setting is usually collaborative, with testers working in teams to find, document, and discuss bugs. The job can be repetitive, requiring long hours of testing the same sections of a game repeatedly. This calls for patience, focus, an analytical mindset, and attention to detail.

Some companies hire remote functional testers, especially for mobile and PC games or beta testing. While flexible, remote testing may lack the direct interaction and immediate feedback loop found in on-site testing.

The functional testing workplace commonly involves tight deadlines and crunch periods before a game’s release.