Games QA Testing: The Pros & Cons

What is a QA Tester?

A QA Tester, also known as a Game Tester, is an entry level QA position whose job is to perform manual testing of a game that's in development. If any bugs are found during testing, then the bugs are reported in a bug tracking database. Often, testers will perform adhoc testing around certain game features or execute specific test cases to verify functionality.

The Pros of Being a Game Tester

No Prior Experience Necessary

Game Testing is one of the few avenues into the Games industry that does not require prior experience. Through game testing, you will also build a better understanding of how game development and production works. It's a good way to learn new skills, work with industry standard hardware and software, and start making professional connections.

Career Opportunities within QA

Quality Assurance has evolved into its own specialized department in the Games Industry. Depending on a tester’s skills, aptitude, and career interests, they have the opportunity to further pursue a career in QA as a QA producer, QA engineer, or QA analyst.

The Cons of Being a Game Tester

Low Compensation

Even though your work in quality assurance is critical to ensuring the game is of shippable quality, a business wants to maximize test coverage while minimizing costs. So, testers are often paid minimum wage.

Tendency To Be Hired on Contract

Game testers are commonly hired as temporary contract workers instead of full-time employees. As a result, these testers end up jumping from studio to studio to maintain steady employment.

Susceptible to Layoffs

QA tends to be employed on a cyclical basis. Once a game enters production, QA ramps up headcount to be able to achieve the desired test coverage. After game releases, QA ramps down. If the studio doesn't have another project to shift QA testers to, then the testers will be laid off.

Potential Conflict Between Devs & QA

If QA testers are siloed from the developers, testers may feel like they are not a part of the team. This could also lead to concerns brought up by QA being ignored for long periods of time.

Sometimes testers and developers don’t always get along. Passion for the project can fog judgement and developers may feel attacked when testers submit a bug or give feedback. The relationship between developers and QA can be strained if management from both parties refuse to address it, ultimately affecting the quality of the game.

Fewer Internal QA Positions

There are far fewer internal QA tester roles today. So, if your plan is to enter the industry via QA and pivot to a different discipline, such as game design, engineering, production, or art, you will have a harder time making that transition. External QA companies are the largest employers of QA testers. Expect to put in the work to secure a job in a different discipline.