Computer Game Tester is quite a new field which is much in demand nowadays. People in present time usually go for this career option if they have great love and passion for games.
What is a Games Tester?
A Games Tester is actually a dedicated kind of Software Quality Assurance Engineer. The designation also knows by the name Games Testers, Beta Game Tester, Video Games Tester, etc.
A Computer Game tester is someone who basically works for video game production companies to carefully test video games prior to the final version which is given to the public. Also called as beta game testers, game testers receive a report of a game that is close to its final stages. They must actually play the game a number of times, from beginning to finish, in order to uncover the bugs or glitches which are present inside the game.
Without Computer Game tester, bugs and glitches would actually increase in games, perhaps building them to an unplayable stage and disturbing the status of the video game production company.
For every platform and genre, game testers are required. Prior to the location and the company, testers will play games on XBox, Playstation, Nintendo Wii and PC platforms. Role-playing games, particularly multi-player online games, action games, and knowledge games are just some of the genres of games that a game tester must play and carefully assess prior to release.
What Does a Game Tester do?
A Computer Game tester gets advanced copies of games in order to cautiously test the game before it goes for the public release. They must navigate all the menus to make sure that everything works appropriately and takes the player to the accurate sub-menu or stage in the game.
If the game offers more than one means of play, such as learner, in-between or advanced, the tester must play through each of these means from beginning to finish exposing all the glitches if present. If the game allows playing as more than one type of character, the tester must also play the end to end game with each personality or avatar.
During the gameplay, there are attempts by the tester to discover hidden bugs by trying every possible move also analysis the choices a player might make during normal gameplay. The tester may even opt for certain things within the game that an average player might not go for, such as trying to get stuck in a wall or obstruction within the game. This type of bug is called as clipping. Once the character is stuck, the player is repeatedly unable to free the character, causing further gameplay impossible. Testers note occurrences of these and same kind of game malfunctions.
After the bug has been discovered, game testers must write an account of what occurred along with directions that precisely explain how to find the bug in the game. After submitting this information to the programmers, the testers may be requested to test revised editions of the game in order to make a constant version.
What is The Workplace of a Games Tester Like?
A Computer Game tester usually works from home, though there are some kinds of options which might require you to work on-site at a video game production company. Testers have no set daily plan, but once a game is received, they may often have to stick to strict deadlines for a number of portions of the game. Game developers often set a predictable release date for their games, so it is vital that beta testers return class information about troubles as soon as it could be done.
A Computer Game tester spends a lot of time in front of a television or computer screen and executes rhythmic motions with their hands. While an office or space allocated purposely to the job of game testing is not needed, it is significant for gamers to work in a silent and relaxing environment in order to dedicate their full attention to game play.
Salary and Benefits of a Computer Game Tester
For the testers, the starting salary range between £12,000 and £20,000 a year, depending on the company and the altitude of work, although this can go as high as £30,000 with practice and a history of effectual testing. The work can be done at home too but can be office based too. You are just required to sit in front of the computer and do all the work. The benefits for this are according to the company. So it depends that which company you are actually working in.
How To Enter This Line?
To enter the industry, testing is a great way especially if you’re not capable in coding, programming or design, and an incredible chance to become a part of a sector that prevails to grow. Your skills on the comfort and information of the market are sufficient enough to get you a job, although teaching yourself a bit about programming can do no damage to your chances. Often you will have to prove your eagerness for the industry, and whilst a 100% completion rate on your PlayStation is one thing, it might be wiser to demonstrate this through the audience at expositions and shows (such as E3) and a data backed up through reading around the subject. Placements are often helpful ways of making contacts and securing yourself options so get thinking early if this is a career path you are looking to pursue.