How to Become a Video Game Tester

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

If you're a gamer, working as a game tester probably seems like living the dream. After all, what could be better than playing your favorite game all day? QA testing can help you turn your gaming passion into a real career, and it's also a great way to get your foot in the door if you want to work in other gaming-related fields like design and development. We're here to answer your biggest questions about this fast-paced career!

Question 1 of 8:

What education do you need to be a video game tester?

You only need a high-school degree, although additional training may help. You can usually get an entry-level job as a quality assurance (QA) technician without any special education or previous experience—all you really need is a passion for gaming.^{[1]
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Research source} However, you'll have an edge if you have a bachelor's in something like computer science or game design. If that's not an option, you can also get a professional certification in QA, like the one offered by ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board).^{[2]
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- To get certified through ISTQB, take and pass the Foundation Level exam, which will test you on basic QA knowledge. There aren't any prerequisites to take the exam, but you should study by reading through the syllabus or taking an accredited training class.^{[3]
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- Occasionally, some studios will require these certifications or degrees, but even if they don't, having this additional training will show that you're really serious about a career in the gaming industry.

Question 2 of 8:

Can I get paid to play video games all day?

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Not really—you'll be doing really specific tasks that help you find glitches. When you're playing a video game, you can explore it at your own pace, working on whatever you're most interested in at the moment. As a video game tester, though, you often have to focus on a specific aspect of the game for long periods at a time. You'll go through the game methodically, trying out a variety of different options to see if anything in the game breaks.^{[4]
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- Game testing can be kind of monotonous, but if you really enjoy grinding to level up in a game, or you like solving tough puzzles, it might be just the thing for you!
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You'll also have to do paperwork as part of your job. In addition to the actual testing, you'll also do some of the same things you would in any other office. For instance, you might spend a lot of your time attending meetings and writing emails or reports.^{[5]
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- As you get more experience in the field, you might even be involved in fixing bugs when you find them—this position is typically known as a QA engineer.

Question 3 of 8:

How do I find video game tester jobs?

Search for positions as a quality assurance (QA) technician. Most jobs won't be listed as "video game tester," so use this formal title when you're browsing. Online job boards are always a good place to start, but you might also check individual studios' websites to see if they have any open positions, as well.^{[6]
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- To get a more competitive edge, you might start by looking for internships and summer jobs in the tech industry—they don't necessarily have to be gaming-related to start with.^{[7]
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- If you don't live near any gaming studios, try getting experience by creating your own games, learning the tools and technology that are used in the industry, and being active in online testing communities.^{[8]
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Question 4 of 8:

Can you be a video game tester from home?

Most jobs are in-studio. You need to work closely with other testers and the dev team—and the nature of your work can be highly confidential—so most studios prefer to hire QA technicians who can work on location. Because of that, you're most likely to find a job as a tester if you live in a city with a big tech industry, like San Francisco, London, Seoul, Brisbane, or Tokyo.^{[9]
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Research source} However, more studios are offering opportunities for remote testing, so don't give up if there aren't any video game studios near you—you might be able to snag a position if you're lucky!^{[10]
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- Remote testing positions are likely to be really competitive, so try to boost your resume with certifications, beta testing experience, and knowledge about the software you'll be using in the field.^{[11]
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Question 5 of 8:

Is being a game tester a good entry into the video game industry?

Yes, it's a great way to get entry-level experience. The video game industry is extremely competitive, and it can be hard to break into fields like animation and design. QA doesn't require you to have a degree or prior experience, so it's a great way to get your foot in the door.^{[12]
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- There's no guarantee that working in QA will lead to other jobs, so keep working to learn new skills and technologies that can help you transition into another field if that's what you hope to do.^{[13]
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Question 6 of 8:

How do you prepare for a game test interview?

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Read the job description and tailor your interview to that. Check out any keywords in the job listing and think about how you can demonstrate those. For instance, if they mention "attention to detail," you might point out a cool but subtle technology you noticed in a game you've played. If you see "problem-solving skills," you might talk about a time you solved a tough problem when you were working on a project. That will help you stand out, even if you've never worked as a QA technician before.^{[14]
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- Other qualities that are important for a QA technician include being logical, persistent, organized, patient, and creative.^{[15]
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- If you've ever been a beta tester for a game before, definitely mention that! It's not exactly the same as QA work, but it involves a really similar approach to a game, where you're going deeper than just casually playing.
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Research the company you're interviewing with. Make sure you know the type of games the company creates—knowing a few of their previous titles definitely won't hurt. If you can find any information on projects they're currently developing, make a note of that. You might even do some research on the people who work on their games, especially if the studio has any heavy-hitters in the industry.^{[16]
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- Even if the studio makes your favorite game of all time, try to do some research beyond that—you don't want to just seem like a gamer, but someone who's really passionate about the industry as a whole.

Question 7 of 8:

What is the salary of a game tester?

Usually, it's about $10-$20 USD an hour. Being a QA technician is usually an entry-level position in the video game industry—the starting rate is usually around $10 an hour. Work can be a little sporadic, especially when you're first starting out—you may find that you're hired on near the end of a project for a few weeks of furious work, then you may be laid off after the game is released. However, if you're willing to stick with it, it can be a great way to get the experience that can lead to better jobs in the future, so don't give up if this is your dream!^{[17]
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Question 8 of 8:

Is it fun to be a video game tester?

Yes, but the job can be really stressful, too. The gaming industry can be high-pressure, with tight deadlines. On top of that, QA testers are often the last line of defense against bugs that can ruin a user's experience. Because of that, working in QA can be really intense sometimes. All jobs carry some degree of stress, though, so don't let that stop you if it's what you really want to do.^{[18]
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Community Q&A

Question

What should I study at university to become a game tester?

Community Answer

Coding would be most impressive to know because you could recognize bugs more easily. But lots of people without degrees are impressive gamers.
Question

Do I need to learn coding or programming?

Community Answer

You can, but you don't have to. If you do decide to learn coding, then it will be easier for you to spot bugs and file a report.
Question

Can I do this job if I have no experience beyond gaming?

Community Answer

Yes, but your odds may be slightly decreased. Almost anyone can play a game, but you need something special about yourself to be a tester. Learn code and become a YouTuber. Make yourself stand out.

Warnings

As you're looking for jobs, watch out for scams—real studios will never ask you to pay for a game that you're testing.

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