Computer games tester
Computer games testers play games to check that they work as intended and identify problems or ‘bugs'.
Also known as: Games tester, quality assurance tester, video games tester
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£36,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a computer games tester you would:
- test different levels of a game on different platforms
- find problems or 'bugs', and record inconsistencies
- write clear bug reports and add them to an online reporting system
- check that fixes to resolve problems work as expected
- report copyright issues and check for spelling mistakes in the game, manuals and packaging
- check a game's accessibility options and gameplay experience
- work closely with developers to meet deadlines
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail for finding faults and 'bugs'
- analytical thinking skills for software testing
- complex problem-solving skills for fixing 'bugs'
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- concentration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a computer games tester
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- games design
- computing
- programming
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course, which may help you to find a job as a junior tester.
Courses include:
- computing
- creative media
- T Level in Digital Software Development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Software Tester Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This usually takes around 2 years to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Direct application
You could contact games companies about part-time or short-term work experience opportunities.
You'll need good technical and problem solving skills and an in-depth understanding of different game platforms and quality assurance processes.
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could:
- become a quality assurance manager
- move into games marketing
- become a games designer, animator or games developer
If you're fluent in another language, you could check different language versions of games as a localisation tester .
Career tips
Some game companies release test versions of games for the public to try and to report back on.
You might also go to gaming events where you could:
- talk to people who work in the industry
- get advice about finding jobs or training
You can also search for games companies and educational institutions , offering courses in digital gaming, on the UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) games map.
Guides for this industry
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