Become a QA Tester

The job of QA tester (Quality Assurance tester) involves testing video games to check their quality and correct operation before they are released. It is an essential link in the video game development process.

The role of the QA tester is to detect as many bugs, glitches and technical problems in the game as possible so that they can be corrected by the developers before the final release. The QA tester must thoroughly test all the game’s functionalities: gameplay, graphics, sound, interface, stability, etc.

The job of QA tester has become essential with the increasing complexity of today’s video games. Studios cannot afford to release a buggy or poorly finished game, at the risk of disappointing players and tarnishing their reputation. The testing phase is therefore crucial to ensure that the game meets players’ expectations in terms of quality.

Its missions

The main tasks of a QA tester in the video game industry are :

• Test the game at all stages of development to detect bugs, defects and gameplay problems. The QA tests each of the game’s functionalities in depth.
• Write detailed bug reports when a problem is detected, including screenshots and a precise description of the steps to reproduce the bug.
• Checking that bugs fixed by the developers have been resolved. Re-test the areas of the game affected.
• Analysing feedback and opinions from players to identify new bugs or problems.
• Taking part in discussions with the development team about bugs and the quality of the game.
• Suggest improvements to ergonomics and gameplay.
• Checking that the game complies with the technical requirements of the target platform (console, PC, mobile).
• Ensuring that the game is correctly localised in all the planned languages.
• Carry out stability and performance tests.

Skills and competencies required

To become a QA tester in the video game industry, you need certain technical and personal skills:

• In-depth knowledge of video games, the different genres, platforms and technologies. It’s important to have a good command of the field.
• Computer and programming skills. Knowing how to use different software, frameworks and languages such as C#, JavaScript, etc.
• The ability to analyse and summarise in order to identify problems and bugs and propose solutions.
• Rigour and methodology to carry out complete and documented tests.
• Curiosity and creativity to explore the game in depth and find original bugs.
• A critical and objective mind to assess the quality of the game.
• Excellent communication skills to write clear, concise reports.
• Patience and perseverance to test a game in depth.
• Fluency in English, as most tools and documentation are in English.
• A passion for video games and a desire to learn constantly in this fast-moving field.

Your salary

Salaries for a video game QA tester job vary according to the level of experience, but are generally between €30,000 and €45,000 gross per year for a beginner.

With experience, salaries can rise to €50,000 or €60,000 gross per year. Senior QA testers or those in lead positions can even earn up to €70,000 or €80,000 gross per year.

Remuneration also depends on the size and success of the development studio. Large international studios tend to pay better than small independent studios.

Salary is also influenced by geographical location, with higher salaries in major video game centres such as Paris, Montreal or Los Angeles.

On the whole, the job of QA tester in the video game industry is well paid and offers interesting prospects for salary progression with experience and responsibility.

Working conditions

A QA tester generally works on the premises of the video game development studio that employs him or her. Large studios often have their own dedicated buildings, while smaller studios are sometimes housed in coworking spaces.

Working hours are generally stable, based on 35 to 40 hours a week. However, as deadlines approach for the delivery of a game, teams often work longer hours to meet the schedule. Night or weekend shifts may apply during these crunch periods.

The work is done in front of a computer, in a quiet environment. The QA tester spends most of his time methodically testing the game according to established procedures. Good resistance to repetition of tasks is therefore essential.

The job also involves a lot of written and verbal exchanges with the developers and other members of the QA team to report and document bugs. The QA tester must therefore be comfortable with frequent communication.

Finally, even if the work is mostly sedentary, the QA tester sometimes attends standing meetings or takes part in motion capture sessions, which requires a certain amount of physical stamina.

Prospects and career opportunities

The QA tester profession offers interesting career development prospects. After a few years’ experience, it is possible to progress to positions of greater responsibility.

Here are a few examples of the positions available:

• Lead QA tester: managing a team of testers, organising schedules and allocating tasks.
• QA manager: supervising QA teams, defining testing processes, managing relations with other departments.
• QA architect: designing the test architecture and acceptance criteria, taking an active part in the specifications.
• QA engineer: automating tests, developing test frameworks, implementing continuous integration.

The QA tester may also specialise in certain types of test: performance tests, security tests, accessibility tests, etc.

Finally, it is possible to move on to other related jobs: project manager, product owner, functional analyst, etc.

The skills developed as a QA tester (rigour, organisation, analytical skills) are valued in many fields. So there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to progress in this direction.

Is this the job for me?

Working as a QA tester in the video game industry offers a number of attractive benefits:

• The opportunity to work in an exciting and creative sector. Video games are an interactive art form and testers contribute directly to their development.
• Previewing games. Testers are among the first to play new games, long before they are officially released.
• Continuous learning opportunities. Testers must constantly keep up to date with the latest technologies and gaming trends.
• Stimulating teamwork. Testers work closely with developers, graphic designers, etc. to create the best game possible.
• Potential for career development. With experience, testers can become lead testers, QA managers or change jobs in the video games industry.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a product enjoyed by millions of gamers around the world. Testing is essential to delivering the best possible gaming experience.

The job of QA tester: what you need to know

• The job of QA tester in the video game industry is an exciting but demanding one. It requires solid technical and programming skills, as well as great rigour and patience to methodically test all aspects of a game.
• The tasks are varied: designing test plans, writing bug reports, analysing the causes of malfunctions, checking corrections, and so on. You work in a team, in close collaboration with the developers.
• Initial training is usually in computer science or programming. Experience in video games is a plus. Salaries are reasonable, around €35k a year to start with.
• It’s a demanding job that requires you to be available. The hours can be intense at the end of a project. But the satisfaction of contributing to the quality of a successful video game is priceless for someone who’s passionate about it! It’s a good springboard for moving on to other technical or management positions.