Games tester
Play console or online games many times to spot any bugs and mistakes that need to be fixed before the game goes on sale to the public.
Also known as: video games tester, quality assurance (QA) tester
About the job
What it's like
You'd play console or online games many times to spot any bugs and mistakes that need to be fixed before the game goes on sale to the public.
Testing is a vital part of producing any game. You’d re-play the game over and over again, being persistent and disciplined in choosing all the options to test it from every possible perspective.You’d find and record the programming faults (bugs).
You'd also play the role of the game’s first public user. You’d report on its playability and recommend improvements.
Your task might include:
playing games in detail and in as many ways as possible
testing different levels and versions of a game
checking its performance against what the designer intended
comparing the game against others on the market
noting problems and suggesting improvements
trying to work out what is causing a problem
trying to recreate the problem and recording the steps you took
checking accessibility options needed to help people with disabilities to play the game
checking for spelling mistakes and copyright issues such as logos
checking the text on packaging and in instruction manuals
entering each 'bug report' into a quality management system
You'd have strict deadlines to meet. You’d work closely with a team of testers, programmers, artists and designers before a game is released and with customer support teams once it is on sale.
In some jobs you might also check and translate in-game instructions and manuals for overseas markets.
Hours
You would often work long and unsocial hours (such as evenings, weekends and public holidays) in order to meet deadlines, particularly when getting near to a game's release.
Environment
The work is office-based and you would spend most of your time at a computer.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- test planning
- jira
- agile methodology
- test automation
- automation
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- evaluating
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no formal qualification required for entry to this job. But entry is increasingly competitive and many applicants have related qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate knowledge of games, software, programming and databases such as a computer games or digital media Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degrees may be of value.
You can enter an introductory level computer games or digital media National Certificate / National Qualification (SCQF level 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications.
Entry to a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
To study for a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires a minimum of four Highers at B or relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) qualifications.
You will need to be an experienced and skilled games player and have a detailed knowledge of games platforms and styles.
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