Computer games tester
Computer games testers play games to check that they work as intended and identify problems or ‘bugs’.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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.
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
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
More Information
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 Production, Design and Development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
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
More Information
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 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
Further information
You can get details about careers in gaming from ScreenSkills and Into Games.
You can also find out more about working in the creative sector from Discover Creative Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.