Games tester
Play console or online games many times to spot any bugs and mistakes that need to be fixed before the game goes on sale to the public.
Also known as: video games tester, quality assurance (qa) tester
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£462
Entry level
£635
Experienced
Monthly
£2,000
Entry level
£2,750
Experienced
Yearly
£24,000
Entry level
£33,000
Experienced
7,900
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You'd play console or online games many times to spot any bugs and mistakes that need to be fixed before the game goes on sale to the public.
Testing is a vital part of producing any game. You’d re-play the game over and over again, being persistent and disciplined in choosing all the options to test it from every possible perspective.You’d find and record the programming faults (bugs).
You'd also play the role of the game’s first public user. You’d report on its playability and recommend improvements.
Your task might include:
playing games in detail and in as many ways as possible
testing different levels and versions of a game
checking its performance against what the designer intended
comparing the game against others on the market
noting problems and suggesting improvements
trying to work out what is causing a problem
trying to recreate the problem and recording the steps you took
checking accessibility options needed to help people with disabilities to play the game
checking for spelling mistakes and copyright issues such as logos
checking the text on packaging and in instruction manuals
entering each 'bug report' into a quality management system
You'd have strict deadlines to meet. You’d work closely with a team of testers, programmers, artists and designers before a game is released and with customer support teams once it is on sale.
In some jobs you might also check and translate in-game instructions and manuals for overseas markets.
Hours
Environment
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Games tester'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Database administrator Home technology integrator
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- evaluating
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no formal qualification required for entry to this job. But entry is increasingly competitive and many applicants have related qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate knowledge of games, software, programming and databases such as a computer games or digital media Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degrees may be of value.
You can enter an introductory level computer games or digital media National Certificate / National Qualification (SCQF level 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications.
Entry to a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
To study for a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires a minimum of four Highers at B or relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) qualifications.
You will need to be an experienced and skilled games player and have a detailed knowledge of games platforms and styles.
Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland
Find the perfect course to boost your career.
