Games testers play computer, video or mobile games many times to spot any issues that need to be fixed before the game goes on sale. Games testers receive a version of a game that is close to its final stages. They must then play the game a number of times, from start to finish, in order to uncover bugs or glitches within the game.

ANZSCO ID: 261211
  
Alternative names: Beta Game Tester, Computer Games Tester,

Specialisations: Video Game Tester,
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes
   
To become a games tester, you would need:

• excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• a passion for playing computer games

• an ability to play consistently at advanced levels

• good written and spoken communication skills

• an understanding of quality assurance processes

• the ability to work well as part of a team

• the ability to work to strict deadlines

(Source: Nerd Stash)

Duties and Tasks
    
Testing is a vital part of producing a computer game. As well as finding and recording programming faults (bugs), you would also play the role of the game’s first public user. You would report on its playability and recommend improvements. They navigate all the menus to ensure that everything works correctly and takes the player to the correct sub-menu or stage in the game.

If the game has more than one mode of play, such as beginner, intermediate or advanced, the tester will play through each of these modes from start to finish to expose any glitches. If the game offers play as more than one type of character, the tester will also play through the game with each character or avatar.

During gameplay, the tester attempts to discover hidden bugs by attempting every possible move or decision a player might make during normal gameplay. The tester may even attempt to do things within the game that an average player might not do, such as trying to get stuck in a wall or obstruction within the game. This type of bug is known as clipping. Once the character is stuck, the player is often unable to free the character, making further gameplay impossible. Testers note occurrences of these and similar game malfunctions.

After discovering a bug, game testers write a description of what occurred along with directions that accurately describe how to find the bug in the game. After submitting this information to the programmers, testers may be asked to test revised editions of the game in order to create a stable version.


As a games tester, you would:

• play games in detail and in as many ways as possible

• test different levels and versions of a game

• check that the game performs as the designer intended

• compare the game with other similar games

• note problems and suggest improvements

• try to work out what is causing a problem

• try to recreate the problem, recording the steps you took

• report bugs using quality management software

• check for issues such as grammar or spelling mistakes

(Source: New York Film Academy)

Working conditions

You would often work long and unsocial hours (such as evenings, weekends and public holidays) in order to meet deadlines, particularly when getting near to a game’s release. The work is office-based and you would spend most of your time at a computer.

Games testers may work remotely, often from their own homes, and often part-time alongside other jobs. Games testers traditionally work from home, though some opportunities are available to work on-site at a video game production company. Testers have no set daily schedule, but once a game is received, they may often have to adhere to strict deadlines for various portions of the game. Game developers often set an expected release date for their games, so it is vital that beta testers return quality information regarding problems they encountered as soon as possible.

A games tester spends long hours in front of a television or computer screen and performs repetitive motions with their hands. While an office or space assigned specifically to the job of game testing is not required, it is important for gamers to work in a quiet and relaxing environment in order to devote their full attention to game play.
   
Contract or project work is common.
  
Tools and technologies

Games testers are needed for every platform and genre. Depending on the location and the company, testers will play games on XBox, Playstation, Nintendo Wii and PC platforms. Role playing games, massive multi-player online games, action games, and learning games are just some of the genres of games that a game tester will play and thoroughly evaluate prior to release.

Excel database helps games testers to keep track of all the bugs that need fixing and when the fixing was done and again checked.

Education and training/entrance requirements
  
Game playing skills and knowledge of the games market will be more important to employers than formal qualifications for this role. However, some knowledge and skills in programming may give you an advantage when looking for work, as will experience of using databases, which are used for bug reports.

Attending games events, trade shows and expos, and keeping yourself up to date with industry news through gaming magazines and websites can help you keep your knowledge up-to-date.

Another source of employment opportunities may be dedicated forums on social media sites, particularly ones linked to professional bodies, games development companies and games publishers, where you can make contact with people working in the industry, seek advice and hear about jobs before they are advertised.

Experience in games retail is another way of developing useful background knowledge and an understanding of game players' needs.

Having a degree in games design, games development or computing can be helpful, especially if you want to progress into programming, games design or games producing.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of workers involved in the design, development and testing of computer games generally is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. The rapid growth of online and mobile technology, and the strong appetite for entertainment in these areas, requires new applications continually. These games or apps need to be tested before public release.

 

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Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Games Developer; ]
CareerHQ [Games Developer; Games Tester; ]
Career Explorer [Games Tester; ]
Your Career [Game and Multimedia Developer; ]