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:
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How to become a Game Tester
Becoming a game tester requires a combination of skills, passion for gaming, and persistence. Here's a guide on how to pursue a career as a game tester:
- Gain Experience: Having a passion for gaming and experience playing a variety of video games is essential. Start by gaining experience as a gamer and familiarizing yourself with different game genres, platforms, and mechanics.
- Formal Education: While not always necessary, having a background in computer science, game design, or a related field can be beneficial. Consider pursuing coursework or certifications in software testing, QA testing, or game development to gain relevant skills and knowledge.
- Develop Testing Skills: Familiarize yourself with common testing methodologies, bug reporting processes, and quality assurance (QA) principles. Practice identifying and documenting bugs and issues in games, paying attention to details and providing clear and concise descriptions of problems encountered.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your gaming experience, testing skills, and any relevant coursework or certifications. Include examples of bugs you have identified and reported, along with any feedback or suggestions for improvement.
- Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level game tester positions at game development studios, QA testing companies, or game publishers. Check job boards, company websites, and professional networking sites for job openings and internship opportunities in the gaming industry.
- Network and Gain Industry Insight: Attend gaming industry events, conferences, and meetups to network with professionals in the field and gain insights into the industry. Join online forums, gaming communities, and QA testing groups to connect with other game testers and share experiences and tips.
- Continuously Improve Skills: Stay updated on industry trends, gaming platforms, and testing tools and techniques. Continuously improve your testing skills, communication abilities, and knowledge of game development processes to excel in your role as a game tester.
Certifications
Obtaining relevant certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to potential employers. Here are some certifications that may be beneficial for game testers:
- ISTQB Foundation Level Certification: The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) offers a Foundation Level Certification in software testing, which covers fundamental principles, techniques, and processes of software testing. While not specific to game testing, this certification provides a solid foundation in software testing principles that can be applied to game testing.
- ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester: The American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB) offers a Certified Mobile Tester certification, which focuses on testing mobile applications and games across different platforms and devices. This certification can be valuable for game testers who specialize in mobile game testing.
- Coursera or Udemy Courses: Online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer various courses and certifications in software testing, QA testing, and game development. Look for courses specifically tailored to game testing, game quality assurance, or software testing in general to enhance your skills and knowledge in this area.
- Game Development Certifications: While not directly related to game testing, obtaining certifications in game development can provide valuable insights into the game development process, game engines, and game design principles. Certifications from reputable organizations or game development platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine can demonstrate your understanding of game development concepts.