Are you considering a career in video game testing? Or do you simply want to learn more about this fascinating and often misunderstood field?
Either way, it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the job of testing video games.
In this article, I’ll bust the top 10 myths about video game testing and provide you with a clearer understanding of what the job actually entails.
Myth #1: Video game testing is an easy job
Some people assume that testing video games is a dream job that requires little effort or skill. After all, you’re just playing games all day, right? Wrong. While testing video games can be enjoyable, it’s also a challenging job that requires specific skills and knowledge.
As a video game tester, you need to be able to identify and document bugs, glitches, and other issues with the game. You need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the development team, including designers, programmers, and project managers. You may also need to work long hours and meet tight deadlines in order to ensure that the game is ready for release.
Myth #2: Anyone can become a video game tester
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone can become a video game tester. While there are no specific educational requirements for the job, there are certain skills and qualifications that are necessary. For example, you need to have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well as part of a team.
Additionally, you may need to have some prior experience in the video game industry, such as working as a game designer or programmer. This experience can help you better understand the development process and the specific challenges of testing video games.
Myth #3: Video game testers get to play games all day
While it’s true that testing video games involves playing the game, it’s not the only task that testers need to perform. In fact, a significant part of the job involves identifying and reporting bugs and other issues with the game.
For example, you may need to play a specific level or section of the game repeatedly in order to identify a bug or glitch that only occurs under certain conditions. You may also need to test different game modes or difficulty levels to ensure that the game is balanced and fun to play.
Myth #4: Video game testers get paid to play games
It’s true that video game testers are paid for their work, but they’re not paid simply to play games. Instead, they’re paid to identify and document bugs, glitches, and other issues with the game.
This requires a significant amount of focus and attention to detail, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with other members of the development team. In some cases, testers may be paid based on the number and severity of the bugs they find, which can be a motivating factor to find as many bugs as possible.
Myth #5: Video game testers get early access to games
Some people assume that video game testers get to play games long before they’re released to the public. In reality, testers typically work on games that are close to release and are already in a playable state.
This is because the primary goal of testing is to identify and fix bugs and other issues that could affect the game’s performance or playability. Early access to the game would not be helpful for this purpose, as many of the bugs and issues may not yet be present in the game.
Myth #6: Video game testers get to keep the games they test
Another common misconception is that
video game testers get to keep the games they test. While it might seem like a perk of the job, it’s simply not true. Testers are not given free copies of the game as part of their compensation, nor are they allowed to keep any copies they may have used during the testing process.
This is because the primary purpose of video game testing is to ensure that the game is functioning properly and is enjoyable for players. Giving testers free copies of the game would be impractical for game development companies, as it would not serve this purpose and would also be costly.
Myth #7: Video game testing is not important
Some people believe that video game testing is not a crucial part of the game development process. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Video game testing is essential for identifying and fixing bugs, glitches, and other issues that could impact the game’s playability and performance.
Without proper testing, games may be released to the public with serious issues that can negatively impact the player experience. This can lead to negative reviews, decreased sales, and a damaged reputation for the game development company.
Myth #8: Video game testing is a dead-end job
Another common myth about video game testing is that it’s a dead-end job with no opportunities for advancement. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While testing video games may not be the most glamorous job in the industry, it can be a great way to get your foot in the door and start building a career in game development.
With hard work and dedication, testers can advance to more senior roles, such as lead tester or quality assurance manager. They can also transition into other areas of game development, such as game design or programming.
Myth #9: Video game testers work alone
Some people assume that video game testers work alone and in isolation from the rest of the development team. However, this is far from the truth. Video game testing is a collaborative process that involves working closely with other members of the development team, including designers, programmers, and project managers.
Testers need to communicate effectively with these team members in order to identify and report bugs, as well as to provide feedback on the game’s overall playability and user experience. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that the game is of the highest possible quality when it is released to the public.
Myth #10: Video game testers can fix all the bugs they find
Finally, some people believe that video game testers have the ability to fix all the bugs and issues they find during testing. However, this is not the case. Testers are responsible for identifying and reporting bugs, but it is the job of the development team to fix them.
This means that testers need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the development team, including designers and programmers, in order to ensure that bugs are fixed in a timely and effective manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video game testing is a challenging and important part of the game development process. While there are many myths and misconceptions about the job, it’s important to separate fact from fiction in order to gain a clearer understanding of what the job actually entails.
By busting the top 10 myths about video game testing, I hope that I’ve provided you with a better understanding of the challenges and rewards of this fascinating field. Whether you’re considering a career in video game testing or simply want to learn more about the industry, I encourage you to continue exploring and learning about this exciting field.