How to become a game localization tester

Is becoming a game localization tester right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do game localization testers do?

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How to become a Game Localization Tester

Becoming a game localization tester calls for a strong combination of familiarity with gaming terminology, game testing skills, and foreign language abilities. Here’s a roadmap to entering the field:

Develop Language Skills
Be fluent in at least one foreign language besides your native language. Strong grammar, spelling, and cultural understanding are essential. Knowledge of gaming terminology in both languages is a plus.

Gain Gaming Knowledge
Play games across different genres and platforms to understand UI, mechanics, and terminology. Familiarize yourself with game localization issues, such as text overflow, subtitle timing, and cultural adaptation.

Learn Localization and QA Basics
Understand the game localization process, including translation, adaptation, and testing. Learn QA methodologies and how to report bugs using tools like JIRA, TestRail, or Bugzilla. Explore basic scripting or coding knowledge (e.g., HTML, XML), which can be helpful for functional testing.

Build Relevant Skills and Experience
Take courses in translation, localization, or software testing. Gain experience by volunteering for fan translation projects or testing indie/localized games. Work on freelance localization gigs to build a portfolio.

Formal Education (Optional but Beneficial)
There is no strict educational path to becoming a game localization tester, but certain degrees can improve your chances of getting hired.

Native or near-native fluency in at least one foreign language, along with and strong grammar, spelling, and cultural knowledge of the target language are essential. Relevant degrees include linguistics, translation, localization, or specific languages (e.g., French language, German language, Spanish language).

Degrees in game design or computer science are useful for understanding game mechanics and debugging.

Degrees in English, or journalism enhance writing, editing, and proofreading skills, while psychology and UX/UI design degrees help with understanding player experiences and interface design.

Internships / Entry-Level QA Roles
Look for internships or entry-level jobs with the industry’s top employers. Refer to the What is the workplace of a Game Localization Tester like? section in the career overview.

Network and Stay Updated
Join localization and gaming QA communities (LinkedIn, Discord, Reddit). Follow industry news, localization trends, and new game releases.

Certifications
While there is no single mandatory certification for game localization testers, several credentials can boost your skills and employability:

Game Localization and Translation Certifications

  • TAUS Game Localization Certification – The Translation Automation User Society (TAUS) is a resource center for the global language and translation industries. Its mission is to enable better translation through innovation and automation. It supports all translation operators – translation buyers, language service providers, individual translators, and government agencies – with a comprehensive suite of online services, software, and knowledge. TAUS programs cover localization workflows, terminology, and best practices.
  • Localization Academy / Udemy / Coursera – These entities offer courses like ‘Introduction to Game Localization’ that teach translation and QA basics.
  • Trados Certification – Trados Studio is a computer-assisted translation software tool which provides a comprehensive platform for translation tasks, including editing, reviewing, and project management. It is available both as a local desktop tool or online. Trados also provides a suite of intelligent machine translation products.

QA and Software Testing Certifications

  • Certified Agile Tester - Foundation (CATF) – This certification, offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), is for testers working in agile environments (a common approach in game development). The agile methodology is a project management approach that involves breaking the project into phases and emphasizes continuous collaboration and improvement.
  • ISTQB Certified Tester Game Testing (CT-GaMe) – This is the most relevant certification for game testers, offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), a globally recognized organization. It focuses on the specific knowledge and skills needed for game testing, covering concepts like risk assessment, test design, and testing approaches unique to games.
  • ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) – This is the foundational certification for all software testers, including those specializing in games. It covers the basic principles of software testing, testing methodologies, and the software development lifecycle. It's a prerequisite for the CT-GaMe certification.
  • ISTQB Certified Tester Performance Testing (CT-PT) – This certification provides knowledge of the principal aspects of performance testing, including technical aspects, method-based aspects, and organizational aspects. Specifically pertaining to performance testing, it covers areas such as basic concepts, measurements, activities, tasks, and tools.
  • ISTQB Certified Tester Mobile Application Testing (CT-MAT) – This certification provides an insight into methods, techniques, and tools a professional may use to test mobile applications. It covers the required mobile project activities, roles, methods, and methodologies.
  • ASTQB Mobile Testing Certification – Administered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board, this credential focuses on mobile application testing, relevant for mobile game compatibility.
  • Certified Software Test Professional Associate Level (CSTP-A) / Certified Software Test Professional Practitioner Level (CSTP-P) / Certified Software Test Professional Master Level (CSTP-M) – Offered by the International Institute for Software Testing, this series of certifications provides a structured approach to software testing, including game testing principles.

Language Proficiency Certifications

  • Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – These credentials demonstrate English proficiency for non-native speakers.
  • Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) - Diploma of French Language Abilities / Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) - Diploma in Advanced French Language – The DELF and DALF are six separate diplomas issued by the French Ministry for National Education to certify French language skills.
  • Similar diplomas, including the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), and German Examinations (Goethe-Zertifikat) validate language skills for other languages.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the gaming and testing community:

  • International Game Developers Association (IGDA) – While IGDA is primarily for game developers, it is also a great resource for game testers. It offers networking opportunities, resources for career development, and advocacy for the gaming industry. IGDA has local chapters and special interest groups (SIGs), including one for game localization professionals.
  • Global and Localization Association (GALA) – GALA connects people, companies, and ideas in the global language industry, and provides training, webinars, and conferences on localization and QA.
  • European Language Industry Association (ELIA) – ELIA is the European not-for-profit trade association of language service companies with a mission to accelerate members' business success. Founded in 2005, it supports localization professionals in Europe, including gaming translators and testers.
  • Women in Localization – This is global organization that supports women in the localization industry, including game localization testers. It provides mentorship, job opportunities, and industry insights.
  • LocLunch – This is a global community that brings together professionals and enthusiasts from the fields of localization, internationalization, globalization, global brand management, marketing, and translation software development.