Computer games tester jobs

In the early stages of development, a computer game may have its code examined by a games tester, who looks for errors in the program code. They evaluate every genre of video game imaginable, including puzzle, adventure, role-play, platform, simulation, fighting, shooting, and sports games.

Testers of video games are also often referred to as quality assurance (QA) technicians.

The Work Being Done

It's possible that:

painstakingly going through a certain section of a game while also developing, following, and updating test scripts (cases) in order to locate and fix bugs and other gameplay issues.

putting all of a game's stages and components, including its visuals, text, music, images, and video animations, through their paces

You should enter any errors or problems that you discover into a quality management system. This system might be in the form of a spreadsheet or a specialized tracking application such as Bugzilla or JIRA.

screening for localization issues in games that are being created for markets outside of the United States and Canada

providing feedback on the playability (i.e., how the player engages with the game) and making suggestions for enhancements

testing to see whether or not the game is compatible with other pieces of hardware, such as computers and graphics cards

evaluating the games in comparison to other titles available on the market based on your familiarity with the industry

working on multi-player games in collaboration with other testers.

Pay

The following numbers should only be used as a reference. The actual pay rates may vary based on the following factors:

where you make a living

the magnitude of the business or organization for which you work.

the level of competition for the job.

The typical beginning salary range is somewhere between £20,000 and £27,000 per year. This may increase to around £30,000 per year with sufficient expertise. A yearly salary of up to £35,000 is possible for experienced team leaders.

You could get additional compensation in the form of profit sharing, incentive payments, or remuneration that is performance-related.

Conditions

The majority of your working hours will be spent seated in front of a computer, often in an open-concept office.

Even if you keep standard office hours, there is a possibility that you may need to put in extra hours in order to fulfill your deadlines.

Because you have to keep doing the same procedures over and over again until the issues are addressed, the job may be incredibly tedious.

You often are not given a choice in the games that you test, but rather you are assigned them.

Getting In

There is no one path that leads directly to this position; nonetheless, admittance is tough, and a relevant degree is increasingly required of applicants (SCQF Levels 9-11).

Courses relating to gaming may be found at a variety of educational institutions in Scotland, from higher national certificates (SCQF Level 7) to full degrees.

Entry requirements may range from a certain number of courses at the National 4 or 5 level for an HNC to between four and five Highers for a degree, and they often need students to have completed mathematics and a computer or technology topic.

You need to be an experienced game player who is also skillful, and you need to have a comprehensive understanding of several gaming platforms and genres.

It's possible that in order to enter the contest, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to spot as many flaws as possible.

Accredited degree programs for the video game business may be found listed on the Creative Skillset website. Among such programs are those offered at the universities of Abertay, Edinburgh Napier, and West of Scotland.

Due to the fact that certain video games are intended for distribution in countries other than the United States, possessing knowledge of one or more languages outside English, such as German or Danish, is advantageous and could even be essential.

It is possible to earn credit toward admission to a program by completing suitable Foundation Apprenticeship coursework throughout the fifth and sixth years of secondary school. The criteria to enter a college might vary from institution to institution, but in most cases, you will need to have appropriate courses at the National 5 level, such as mathematics, physics, or computer science.

Attending gaming events and staying current via the use of gaming websites are both beneficial.

It's possible that you'll need to be at least 18 years old to work in the video game industry, but it totally depends on the firm you work for and the kinds of games they make.

The internet is often used to promote available jobs. There is a great deal of rivalry for available employment.

What are the Prerequisites?

You are going to need to have:

a strong interest in games combined with an expert level of knowledge

a rational, deliberate approach

abilities in analysis and finding solutions to problems

exceptional powers of perception and focus on minute details

patience, tenacity, and a keen focus are all essential.

talents in verbal and nonverbal communication

a readiness to do things that are repetitious.

It is necessary for you to be able to:

Adapt your practices to the ever advancing technologies.

You need to collaborate closely with your coworkers whether you want to operate alone or as a team.

work quickly and efficiently under intense time constraints.

Training

In most cases, training takes place on the job.

You have the opportunity to get a professional certification in software testing via BCS, which is a cooperation between the International Software Testing Qualifications Board and the Chartered Institute for IT (ISTQB).

Getting a Grip

Working in the video game business as a games tester is a great stepping stone to taking on additional responsibilities within the industry.

After getting some expertise, you may be able to transition into a role designing video games.

It is possible for you to advance in the field of testing and get a job as a team leader or one that is more senior, leading teams of testers or organizing test plans or schedules.

Additional Information

On the Talent Scotland website, you'll discover a list of electronic technology firms, including those that specialize in computer games and include Denki, Rockstar North, Ruffian Games, and Serious Parody among its rosters of employees.

The first university Center of Excellence for Computer Games Education in the United Kingdom may be found at the University of Abertay.

Check out the Tech Future Careers page if you are contemplating a job in the field of information technology. The video case studies of employees and the basic knowledge about the sector will be valuable to you.

The BAFTA Young Games Designers competition is split into two age groups: those 10 to 14 years old, and those 15 to 18 years old. You have the option of either writing down and illustrating your concept in order to be considered for the "Concept Award" or creating your own game in order to be considered for the "Games-Making Award." For more information, please visit the BAFTA Young Game Developer website.