What is a Video Game Tester Job?
A video game tester job is a position that involves testing and reviewing video games before their release to the public. The purpose of this job is to identify and report any issues, bugs, or glitches that may affect the gameplay experience of the user. Video game testers are responsible for ensuring that the game is error-free, runs smoothly, and meets the expectations of the company and the gamers.
What Usually Do in This Position?
As a video game tester, your primary responsibility is to play the game and identify any issues that could affect its performance. You will be required to test the game in various scenarios, such as different levels, characters, and modes. You will need to document any issues you find and communicate them to the development team. You may also be required to provide feedback on the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall gameplay experience.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
To be a successful video game tester, you need to have the following skills:
- Attention to detail: You must have a keen eye for detail and be able to identify even the smallest issues in the game.
- Problem-solving skills: You should be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently.
- Communication skills: You must be able to communicate effectively with the development team and provide clear and concise feedback.
- Patience: You will need to have patience when testing the game and be able to play it repeatedly to identify any issues.
- Passion for gaming: You should have a genuine interest in gaming and a good understanding of different game genres.
How to Become a Video Game Tester?
To become a video game tester, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. A degree in computer science or game design is preferred but not required. You should also have experience playing a variety of video games.
To get started, you can search for job openings on gaming company websites or job boards. You can also contact gaming companies directly and inquire about any available positions. Once you get hired, you will receive on-the-job training on how to test and review video games.
Average Salary
The average salary for a video game tester is around $33,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on your experience, location, and the company you work for. Some companies may also offer bonuses, benefits, and other perks to their employees.
Roles and Types
There are several roles and types of video game tester jobs, including:
- Functional Tester: This type of tester focuses on identifying bugs and errors in the game's functionality.
- Localization Tester: This type of tester focuses on verifying that the game is translated and localized correctly for different countries and cultures.
- Compatibility Tester: This type of tester focuses on ensuring that the game works on different platforms and devices, such as PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
- User Experience Tester: This type of tester focuses on testing the game's user interface and overall gameplay experience.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
The video game industry is primarily concentrated in California and Texas, with the most popular gaming companies located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. However, there are also opportunities for video game testers in other states, such as New York, Florida, and Washington.
What are the Typical Tools?
Video game testers use a variety of tools to test and review video games, including:
- Bug tracking software: This software is used to document and track any issues found during testing.
- Console and PC hardware: Testers use various consoles and computers to test the game on different platforms.
- Debugging tools: Testers use debugging tools to analyze and diagnose any issues in the game's code.
- Communication tools: Testers use communication tools, such as email and chat, to communicate with the development team.
In Conclusion
Video game tester jobs are an excellent opportunity for gamers to turn their passion into a career. While the job may seem easy and fun, it requires a lot of attention to detail and problem-solving skills. If you have a genuine interest in gaming and the skills needed for the job, you can pursue a career as a video game tester and work for some of the most popular gaming companies in the world.