Games tester
Play console or online games to spot bugs and mistakes that need to be fixed before the game goes on sale.
Also known as: video games tester, quality assurance (QA) tester

About the job
What it's like
Do you dream about having a job where you get paid to play video games? As a games tester, that's exactly what you'll do!
You'll play console or online games many times to spot bugs and mistakes. You'll take a note of these and pass them on so they can be fixed before the game goes on sale to the public.
Testing is a vital part of producing any game. You’ll re-play the game over and over again, being persistent and disciplined in choosing all the options so you can test it from every possible angle. You’ll find and record any programming faults (bugs).
In this role, you'll be the game's first public user! You'll cast your eye over it first to report on its playability and recommend improvements.
Your tasks might include:
playing games in detail and in as many ways as possible
assessing a game's performance against what the designer intended and comparing it to other games on the market
noting problems within the game and suggesting improvements
trying to recreate the problem and recording the steps you took
checking accessibility options needed to help people with disabilities to play the game
reading the text on packaging and in instruction manuals to make sure it's accurate
Games testers have to meet strict deadlines. You'll work closely in a team that includes other testers, programmers, artists and designers before the game is released. Once it's on sale, you'll work with customer support teams.
In some testing positions, you may check and translate in-game instructions and manuals for overseas markets.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Screen Skills – discover more information about getting into the gaming industry
University of Bradford – 'my life as a video games tester'
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 -
Control room engineer
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
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.
Technically, you don't need any formal qualifications to do this job. But entry is increasingly competitive and many applicants have related qualifications.
Explore the routes you can take to become a games tester.
Work
You could contact games companies about part-time or freelance work opportunities.
This type of work will allow you to build a portfolio of games you've worked on. Having experience and a portfolio will make it easier to land other games tester jobs.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Computer Games Technology
Computer Games Design
Games Development
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Computer Animation Arts
Use the My World of Work course search to find degree courses.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Computer Games Development
Software Development
Computing
Interactive Media
Digital Design
Technical Support
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Creative Media.
You must be an experienced and skilled games player.
You'll need to have a detailed knowledge of games platforms and styles.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Games tester'
