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Computer games tester

Alternative titles for this job include Games tester, quality assurance tester, video games tester

Computer games testers play computer games to check they work, and find and record problems or ‘bugs’.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 course in:

  • computing
  • games design
  • 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

College

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

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 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 maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could complete a software tester higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 24 months 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

Direct Application

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.

More 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 and Into Games.

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • test different levels and versions of a game
  • find the cause of faults and recommend improvements
  • enter each 'bug report' on a quality management system
  • compare the game against other games on the market
  • check for spelling mistakes in the game, manuals and packaging
  • report copyright issues like the use of logos
  • check a game's accessibility options
  • work under pressure and to deadlines

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

If you are fluent in another language you could work as a localisation tester to check different language versions of the game.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Software Tester Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,000.00 Annually
  • Location: London

Apprentice QA Analyst (Software Tester)

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Digital Games Design and Development

  • Provider: NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2022
  • Location: Leeds

Award in Games Design and Development Level 1

  • Provider: BOSTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 March 2022
  • Location: Boston
Find courses near you

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