Before a video game is released to the public, developers put in extensive effort to ensure it’s polished and delivers a seamless experience. However, to make sure everything runs smoothly, they rely on professional video game testers. These are people who play games solely for the sake of quality assurance. They identify problems that need to be fixed for the games to meet the high expectations of both developers and players.
Game testers test every part of the game, from its mechanics and graphics to its audio, storyline, and interface. They look for glitches, bugs, inconsistencies, and anything that disrupts the gameplay. Once they spot an issue, they document it and share it with the developers, who then work on fixes.
But what does it take to become a game tester? In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps and skills needed to break into the field and become a professional.
Have Valuable Gaming Experience
Before you can graduate into testing games, you must first be deeply familiar with video gaming itself. You must have played several video games, from simple to sophisticated ones. Being an experienced gamer gives you a solid understanding of how different game mechanics, controls, and genres work. This not only sharpens your ability to spot glitches and bugs in a game but also helps you think like its target audience. After all, you already know what makes most games enjoyable or frustrating. For instance, exploring diverse gaming experiences, like the mechanics of the Big Bass Bonanza slot game, can give you insight into how developers design games to keep players engaged and entertained.
While being an experienced gamer doesn’t automatically make you a game tester, it definitely gives you an edge. The more diverse your background, the sharper your eye will be for spotting issues and assessing how well a game performs across different genres.
Develop Video Game Testing Skills
Developing your video game testing skills is just all about learning how the stuff works. This includes learning how bug documenting and reporting work, familiarizing yourself with bug-tracking software like Jira, Bugzilla, or Trello, etc.
You also have to learn about the different types of game testing, basic game development concepts, how games are built, etc. Fortunately, there are plenty of online courses and certifications in game testing and quality assurance (QA) that can teach you all these skills in detail. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer great options at reasonable costs.
Get Necessary Certifications
Getting certified as a video game tester will give you a significant advantage when it comes to securing a job in the field. Certifications not only prove that you’ve mastered essential skills, but they also show potential employers that you’re serious about your career.
As mentioned earlier, there are various online platforms offering courses and certifications in game testing and quality assurance (QA). Moreover, beyond just a game-testing certification, getting certified in other related areas like game design, programming, or software testing will give you an extra edge technical-wise.
Gain Some Firsthand Experience
The next step in your journey to becoming a video game tester is actually testing games to build experience. Learning about game testing is good, but the vital part is putting that knowledge into practice.
Start by seeking out opportunities to participate in beta testing programs. These programs let you test upcoming games and share valuable feedback with developers. Many game studios actively look for beta testers, and this can be a great way to gain hands-on experience while also networking within the industry.
Consider exploring internships or entry-level positions at gaming companies, even if they’re not specifically focused on testing. You can also join online communities where you can collaborate with other testers. These roles can provide valuable exposure to the game development process and help you hone the skills necessary to excel as a tester. Besides gaining confidence, having firsthand experience looks good on your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Have a Strong Resume
Your resume is one of your most important assets in the job market, especially in a competitive field like game testing. It’s your first chance to impress potential employers, so it must effectively showcase your skills, experience, and passion for gaming.
Start by highlighting your relevant experiences, including any internships, volunteer work, or beta testing you’ve participated in. Make sure to emphasize the skills you’ve gained, such as bug reporting, familiarity with testing tools, etc. Also, remember to tailor your resume for each job application. Use keywords from the job description to show that you have the specific qualifications the employer is looking for.
Be sure to include any certifications in game testing or related areas, as they can really enhance your resume. You can also showcase your gaming experience by mentioning the types of games you’ve played and any relevant achievements or contributions to gaming communities.
Conclusion
Behind every great video game is a team of testers who ensure flawless gameplay. With the right approach and commitment, you, too, can become an essential part of this process and turn your passion for gaming into a professional career. All you have to do is follow the above tips, from developing testing skills and getting certified to building a strong resume that showcases your passion and expertise.
