Want to turn your passion for gaming into a job? These three short reads show how to enter the world of video game testing, what skills you need, and how much you can earn. Perfect for beginners looking to break into the industry.
How to Start a Career in Game Testing
To get into video game testing, you don't need a degree, but attention to detail and love for games help. Start with entry-level QA roles, often found on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. Apply to studios directly or through testing agencies. Some testers begin as freelancers. Basic roles may pay $12–$20/hour, while experienced testers can earn up to $30/hour or more.
Skills and Tools Game Testers Need
Game testers need strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills. Knowing bug tracking tools like JIRA or TestRail is a big plus. Understanding basic QA processes and reporting formats is essential. Some studios prefer testers with knowledge of platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine. Skilled testers can earn between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience.
Climbing the Ladder in Game QA
Game testing can lead to higher roles in quality assurance or even game design. With experience, testers can become QA leads, coordinators, or automation testers. These roles can pay $60,000–$90,000 per year. Networking, certifications, and learning to write test scripts can boost career growth. Many game designers and producers started out as testers.