Computer Games Tester

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How To Become a Computer Games Tester

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:

computing
games design
programming

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

You could take a college course, which may help you to get a job as a junior tester. Courses include:

A level in Computing
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media
T level in Digital Production, Design and Development

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and a creative subject

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and mat

Apprenticeship

You could complete a software tester higher apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You could contact games companies about part-time or short-term work experience opportunities.

You'll need good technical skills and an in-depth understanding of different game platforms and quality assurance processes.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

maths knowledge for understanding programming
to be thorough and pay attention to detail for finding faults and 'bugs'
analytical thinking skills for software testing
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
excellent verbal communication skills
a good memory
complex problem-solving skills for fixing 'bugs'
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could be:

testing different levels and versions of a game
finding the cause of faults and recommending improvements
entering each 'bug report' on a quality management system
comparing the game against other games on the market
checking for spelling mistakes in the game and in instruction manuals and packaging
reporting copyright issues like the use of logos
checking a game's accessibility options
working under pressure and to deadlines

Working Environment

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a quality assurance manager or move into games marketing.

With further training, you could become a games designer, animator or developer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Some games companies release test versions of games for the public to try. Going to games events and joining industry forums are good ways to hear about these and other opportunities. They're also useful for making contacts with people working in the industry, who may help you to find work.

Further information

You'll find more advice about working in gaming from ScreenSkills.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.