Pursuing Game Tester Jobs In The Computer Industry?

Answer 1

In the computer gaming industry, game tester jobs are frequently posted to help complete the software development cycle of a video game. The purpose of a game tester is to take partially or fully completed games and test whether the program works under both normal conditions of play and under unpredictable situations. The different levels of game testing, as well as the philosophy of the game company, sometimes requires a computer science or programming background for testers, although late stage testing frequently removes this requirement in exchange for reduced pay.

There are several types of game tester jobs, but most commonly they are defined as alpha testing and beta testing. An alpha tester usually works during early game development and can progressively test and document code modules as they are completed, as well as testing whether graphics and displays work as intended. Beta testers enter the process later in the development cycle and are sometimes alpha testers as well. A beta tester works with a product that is closer to the final game that will be released, requiring less technical knowledge.

In both cases, the tester is expected to first play the game as if they were an average player to ensure that it is, in fact, playable and easily understood. Next, the tester is often required to make every attempt to break the game and find glitches by providing unexpected input, attempting to violate game geometry, or by otherwise creating a situation that could expose a flaw in the game logic and design. Finally, game testers are expected to bring a critical eye to every aspect of a game and its design, including traversing and testing every menu option, user interface, network capabilities, and other related functions. Throughout the entire process, formalized documentation of any problems encountered is mandatory.

During the early days of computer games, game tester jobs required very little experience beyond a familiarity with video games. As the complexity of games progressed, however, this situation changed. In some cases, a degree in computer science, engineering, or programming is desired so that the tester can be more integrated into the development cycle. In other instances, little or no experience is required depending on the expectations of the game company. Despite some common misconceptions, most game tester jobs actually require the tester to work within the headquarters of the software company at a workstation.

The salaries for game tester jobs can vary, but generally is average or below average. For an inexperienced tester with no computer education, the salary can be equivalent to an entry-level retail or service position, and is usually temporary and tied to a single title. Testers that are more ingrained in the development cycle, have a programming background, and that offer technical feedback as well as documenting bugs or flaws can potentially make a little more.