How to become a multiplayer game tester

How to become a Multiplayer Game Tester

Becoming a multiplayer game tester involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience. Here’s a roadmap to getting started in the field:

Build a Strong Gaming Foundation
Play multiplayer games regularly to understand how they work, concentrating on a variety of genres and platforms. Focus on the technical aspects of online gameplay, such as matchmaking (the process of connecting players together for online play sessions) and cross-platform play.

High School Diploma
Most entry-level positions in game testing only require a high school diploma or equivalent. A strong interest in gaming, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail can help you get started, even without higher education.

Bachelor’s Degree (Optional but Beneficial)
While formal postsecondary education isn’t always necessary, an associate or bachelor’s degree in game design, computer science, computer software engineering, or information technologycan be advantageous.

These degrees provide foundational knowledge in programming, computer networks, and software testing, which is valuable when testing complex multiplayer games.

Technical Skills and Game Testing Knowledge
Develop knowledge of basic coding (e.g., Python, Java, C++) and an understanding of networking concepts like latency (the more technical term for lag, which refers to response delays during gaming), packet loss (which occurs when data traveling between a PC and a game server gets lost along the way), and server-client architecture (architecture of a computer network in which many ‘clients’ or remote processors request and receive service from a centralized server or host computer). Familiarize yourself with bug-tracking tools like JIRA, Trello, or TestRail. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer training in these areas.

Hands-on experience in beta testing or participation in game development projects. even personal projects, may outweigh formal education in some cases.

Hone your attention to detail, as this is critical in identifying bugs, glitches, or network issues in multiplayer games.

Build a Portfolio
Document your testing experience, including any beta testing or freelance work. Creating a portfolio with detailed examples of bugs or issues you've discovered can be a great asset when applying for jobs. Highlight any experience with network testing or multiplayer games specifically, and show how you've contributed to improving the user experience.

Apply for Jobs and Network
Look for job listings for QA testers, multiplayer game testers, or QA analysts. Refer to the What is the workplace of a Multiplayer Game Tester like? section in the career overview. Join gaming communities and forums to connect with other testers and industry professionals. Networking can lead to job opportunities or freelance gigs.

Keep Learning and Stay Updated
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, so staying current with trends in multiplayer game development, new tools, and emerging technologies (such as VR or AR multiplayer) will help you stay competitive.

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

• 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 Advanced Level Test Analyst (CTAL-TA) – This certification provides the skills needed to perform structured and thorough software testing across the software development life cycle. It goes into detail about the test analyst’s role and responsibilities in every step of a standard test process and expands on important test techniques.
• ISTQB Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst (CTAL-TTA) – This certification provides a thorough introduction to the technical testing skills which are fundamental in many organizations today. These skills include risk-based testing, white box testing, static and dynamic analysis, non-functional testing, and test automation.
• 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.
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) – While not focused specifically on game testing, CompTIA ITF+ provides a solid foundation in IT principles, including networking basics and hardware knowledge, which are essential for understanding multiplayer game environments. This certification can help testers understand the technical side of multiplayer systems, such as server-client architecture, latency, and packet loss.
• CompTIA Network+ Certification – This certification is valuable for those who want to specialize in network testing for multiplayer games. The program teaches networking fundamentals (IP addressing, DNS, routers, and switches), implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
• Unity Certified User: Programmer / Unity Certified Associate: Game Developer – These certifications demonstrate familiarity with Unity, which is useful for multiplayer testing in Unity-based games. They help testers understand the technical aspects of game mechanics and network code that they will be testing.
• Unreal Engine Certified Developer – This credential is helpful if testing games built in Unreal Engine, a 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games. It can help testers understand multiplayer issues.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the gaming and software 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, including one for quality assurance professionals in the gaming industry.
• Association for Software Testing (AST) – AST is an organization for professional software testers, creating community, boosting careers, and promoting the science and craft of software quality assurance and testing.
• Game Developers Conference (GDC) – The GDC is the largest and premier annual event for professionals in the game industry. While it’s a conference, the GDC also functions as a professional organization that provides resources, including information on best practices for compliance testing, QA, and platform-specific requirements.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – IEEE is a major professional association for those working in electrical, electronics, and computer engineering fields. The IEEE Computer Society offers resources and access to standards and best practices relevant to individuals working in computer science, software engineering, and game development.
• Game Testing and QA Communities – There are also specialized communities, forums, and social media groups dedicated specifically to game testing, including platforms like Testers.io, Reddit (GameDev and QA testing subreddits), and Discord channels for game testers. These informal groups facilitate direct communication among testers, developers, and other gaming professionals.