The first-generation Atari and Coleco gaming consoles came out back in the 1970s. Since then, video games have captured the imagination, time, and money of literally billions of people around the world.
Not only does someone have to develop, build and code video games, but they also test them before they hit the market. That could be you! And there are many jobs as a Quality Assurance (QA) Tester. People of all ages just love to play video games: on consoles, on mobile devices, and on PCs. Video games are everywhere.
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A ridiculously rapid-growing industry!
Advancements in technology have made gaming more accessible than ever. As of 2020, the global market value of the gaming industry is $173.70 billion and growing. The industry is thought to be worth a considerable $293.2 billion by 2027. This matters because there will be more and more need for testers in the next few years, and with the right skills, you can get in on the ground level now.
In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at How to Become a Teenage Video Game Tester. I’ll also tell you what the job entails and what requirements you’ll need to meet.
What Is A Video Game Tester?
A game tester’s job is to break the game. Simple. The developers do a great job writing and programming, but in any beta or developer release, there are inevitably glitches and errors that need a new set of eyes to check them in practice. A game tester works with a team, either for a company or freelance, to find bugs and report them.
Perhaps you are an outstanding player, whether you’re a first-person shooter or multi-player RPGs, crushing and pawning your opponents left and right! But not everyone who plays well is right for the job of game testing.
Read more: QA Tester Job Description
Play slowly and break the game down…
While playing, you’ll need to slow down and try every move you can along the way to make sure that there are no bugs or glitches. There are tricks of the trade to learn as you go to help you be more efficient and to really put that beta release through its paces.
You’ll need to check every menu, make sure any crafting or new weapon is functioning correctly, and look for unintended shortcuts or leftover pieces of code that hamper the game’s functionality.
“Problem-Action-Location” procedures…
When you find a bug, you’ll need to document it. Each company or project may have its way of documenting, but you’ll likely need to use a spreadsheet and follow the PAL procedures. PAL procedure is documenting “Problem-Action-Location” so programmers can easily find, check and fix bugs.
There will usually be multiple people working as a team on testing any game or section, and often bugs and fixes are posted online so you can see if a specific error has been reported or has already been fixed.
General Tasks and Job Expectations
- Become familiar with best practices in game QA testing. Some companies will train you; others expect you to hit the ground running. Be sure to ask if you will receive train during the hiring process.
- Work with checklists and product-specific test plans given to you by your employer or team leader.
- Do “regression testing” and verify bug fixes, ensuring a game still functions as it’s supposed to after any code changes, updates, or improvements.
- Document complete “defect reports” and other required documentation.
- Publish your reports and documentation using Jira or other specific industry-standard bug report databases and platforms.
How Much Money Can I Make?
Wages for noob game testers are often above average for entry-level positions (in the US, the median wage for a game tester is around $14.60 per hour). Many people get into game testing, not for the immediate money, but as a springboard for future careers and better salaries in testing management, game development, and distribution.
What Are The Job Requirements?
If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian’s permission to work as a game tester. There are legal age restrictions on game violence, adult content, and language, which companies must observe. You will need to comply with these to get the job.
You’ll also need to have
- Basic ability and dexterity in playing video games.
- Proficiency with computers, word processing, database handling, record keeping, good working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
- High-quality internet connection.
- Focus on quality, with a keen eye for detail.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- The ability to work under pressure, as a team player, within tight deadlines.
Consoles and Equipment
The more options you have in terms of actual equipment, the more opportunities you will have as a tester. There are Android and I-phone games to be tested, as well as PC. When talking about consoles, the current best-selling 4th generation console is the PS4.
On the whole, PlayStation makes up 58.61% of the console market share, compared to Xbox’s 41.38%. Having any or all of these available to you can help you get started.
Finding A Job
My best suggestion is to explore online and look up “Quality Assurance Video Game Tester” with the search engine of your choice. We found many different job boards and companies offering roles as a tester.
You may find positions that offer long-term and permanent work, or you may find that some companies are looking for freelancers for specific projects.
Job boards are an excellent source…
Job boards offer online application systems, where you enter your personal details and experience, and they put you in touch with the companies that are looking to hire staff.
If you find specific companies that you want to work with, we recommend you go to their websites and search their “Careers” pages. Once you’ve found a company looking for testers, follow their application procedures, or email them to find out how to apply.
Find Your Game Testing Guides And Gear Here!
Gaming has been taken to a whole new level, and all gamers know the right gear needs to be top quality! So, check out these awesome options, such as the Oculus Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset or the Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset to begin with!
In addition, you can also choose from this great selection of headsets and controllers such as the Gaming Headset for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Bass Surround and Noise Cancelling, as well as the GameSir T4 pro Wireless Game Controller for Windows 7 8 10 PC/iOS/Android/Switch, or the BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset for PS4 PC Xbox One PS5 Controller all available online in 2023.
Finally, we have all the tips and tricks to gaming and testing with Start Your Video Game Career: Proven Advice, or The Subtle Art of Game Testing and of course Game Testing: All in One, the Land a Job as a Video Game Tester, the Game Development Essentials: Game QA & Testing, and even Game Hacking: Developing Autonomous Bots for Online Games to take it even further!
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to get a job as a video game tester? Well, if you don’t get hired right away, don’t feel discouraged. Job searches can take time, but remember gaming is growing, and there will be more and more jobs on the way.
Keep up with current trends in gaming and equipment, research, and learn how testing works. Get involved in gaming communities online. If you continue applying, you will find the right job for you.
We wish you the best of luck and a bright future in the lucrative gaming industry!
