How to become a game tester

Is becoming a game 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 testers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are game testers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are game testers like?

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How to become a Game Tester

Becoming a game tester involves a combination of skills, experience, and sometimes formal education. While it is possible to start without a degree, there are certain steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a game testing job.

  • Develop Your Gaming Skills: A passion for gaming is essential, but understanding how games work and what makes them enjoyable or frustrating is equally important. Play a wide variety of games and pay attention to the details, such as game mechanics, user interfaces, and potential areas where bugs may occur.
  • Build Knowledge in Technology and Software: Familiarity with different gaming platforms (PC, consoles, mobile devices) and basic knowledge of software, especially bug tracking tools, will be beneficial. You don’t need to be a programmer, but having some technical know-how can help you understand how games are built and tested.
  • Gain Experience: Look for opportunities to get hands-on experience by participating in beta testing programs or joining communities that focus on game testing. Many game developers offer public beta tests, which allow you to test unfinished games and provide feedback.
  • Take Courses or Training (Optional): While not always required, completing courses in game design, quality assurance, or software testing can help you stand out. Some online platforms offer certifications or programs designed to teach the fundamentals of game testing.
  • Apply for Game Testing Jobs: Look for game tester positions with game studios, quality assurance firms, or freelance opportunities. Start with entry-level positions to build your resume and work your way up. Make sure to tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving.
  • Prepare for Testing Interviews: Game testing interviews often involve practical tests where you may be asked to identify bugs or report problems within a game. Prepare by practicing your testing skills and showing your ability to provide clear, organized feedback.

Certifications
While certifications are not always required to become a game tester, they can help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise. Here are some certifications that can be useful for aspiring game testers:

  • ISTQB Certified Tester (International Software Testing Qualifications Board): This certification is widely recognized in the software testing industry and provides foundational knowledge of software testing principles. It can be particularly helpful for those interested in quality assurance and game software testing.
  • Certified Software Tester (CST): Offered by the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI), this certification focuses on software testing principles, tools, and techniques. It’s valuable for those looking to demonstrate their understanding of testing methodologies and software quality.
  • Certified Game Tester (CGT): Some organizations, such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), offer certifications for game testers. These certifications cover specific testing skills, game mechanics, and troubleshooting in the context of video games.
  • Game Design or Game Development Courses: Many online platforms, like Coursera or Udemy, offer certifications in game design, development, and testing. These courses can help you learn the fundamentals of game development and give you a better understanding of the process, which can be beneficial for testing.
  • Agile Testing Certification: Since many game development teams use agile methodologies, getting certified in Agile testing can be beneficial. This certification focuses on iterative development and continuous testing, which is common in game development.
  • Jira Software Certification: Jira is a popular bug-tracking tool used in the gaming industry. Obtaining a certification in Jira software can help you understand how to manage and track issues effectively during game testing.