If you really want to work with games, the gaming industry is always in the need for game testers! Don't worry if you don't already know what that job entails, we'll explain it to you!
No matter which gaming company you're hoping to work for, every single one needs a game tester. Some smaller companies may not have people working solely as a game tester, but every game needs to be tested thoroughly before it can be released.
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Game Testers don't just get to play the game for fun, though, there's a reason why they're also called Quality Assurance Testers (QA Testers). Someone needs to take a very close look at a game, to make sure everyone will have a (hopefully) smooth and fun start at a game's release, and later on as well.
What Is A QA Tester's Job?
QA Testers are in charge of making sure that a game will function properly once it's launched and that there are no major bugs or errors that will occur while playing the final version of the game. Here are some important basic aspects of a game tester's job:
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Test Gameplay
As you probably already guessed, one part of a game testers job description is to actually test what it is like to play the game. They check different aspects of the game and analyze whether they'll actually be enjoyable for players, or if some aspects might be too confusing or repetitive. This can also mean that a game tester will have to play certain parts of a game over and over again to ensure that it's working as it should.
Bug Testing
Besides just checking for the enjoyability of a game, a game tester also needs to be on the lookout for bugs and glitches and assure a game's quality. Figuring out where a game's technical issues might lie is an incredibly important part of game development, which is why game testers and programmers will work closely together to ensure an optimal product.
- Not sure if game testing is the right job for you? Check out our other Jobs for Gamers, to find your dream job in the gaming industry!
Report
Once a game tester has completed one of their many tests, they'll have to summarize their findings in a report, so the other project members can evaluate and decide how to move forward with the game's development. This is especially helpful for the programmers of the game, so they know which issues they need to fix.
Hopefully this helps you decide which job you want to pursue in the future!