A large number of young adults are addicted to their Xbox and PlayStation. If you’re one of them, video game testing might be the ideal career option for you! In the realm of ‘dream jobs’, video game tester ranks high for a significant amount of people. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend day after day playing games? But the truth is, video game testing is so much more than that. It is a highly challenging career that requires more than just leisurely thumbing through video games. You may be the best PUBG player in your group, but that doesn’t mean you would make a great video game tester. Why, you ask? Read on!
What is required of a video game tester?
A video game tester is someone who works for game production companies to test games in terms of functionality before their final version is made available to the public. They play the games several number of times from the beginning till the end in order to locate any technical and functional errors in the game. While playing the game, the game tester tries to discover hidden bugs by making every possible move or decision which a normal player might make during game-play.
Video game testers work from home or they have a dedicated work space at the video game production company with whom they are associated. The gaming industry has strict deadlines for various portions of the game and the testers have to report information about the game’s functionality within the stipulated time. Sometimes they work on a game well over eight hours a day for three to four months or even longer!
What education do you need to become a videogame tester?
If you want to become a video game tester, you need to have a degree in software development, computer programming, computer science, or any another technical field. Only with one of these degrees, will you be in a position to test games. Your education path should cover how programmes and coding come together to make video games, websites, and online apps. Your degree will teach you why certain programmes behave the way they do and how applications are designed from the ground up. In addition to technical knowledge on the gaming industry, you will also learn artistic concepts like image balance, colour composition, and user behaviour through the course you select. Certificates in graphic design, game design, or web programming will give you an added advantage if you want to become a video game tester.
What is the scope of video game testing in India?
The global gaming industry is growing at a rapid pace. It’s valuation is at a staggering $108.9 billion! The Asia-Pacific region contributes to 47% of this valuation. India is ranked 17th globally and valued at $818 million. Gaming in India is still in its nascent stages with tremendous scope for growth and recognition. We have 253.2 million gamers in India with 81% of them in the age group of 16 – 30. Also, gaming in India has received a boost in the recent years with the advent of 4G and FTTH. So it is safe to say that the job of a video game tester has huge scope in India.
As more and more people have access to the internet, there is a huge demand for online games. Video game testers are crucial for game production companies. From multiplayer online games to action games, video game testers have a plethora of gaming options to choose from. Video game testers can also decide if they want to test games on Xbox, PlayStation, mobile devices or PC platforms. Companies like Ubisoft Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd and Rockstar India offer job opportunities in video game testing in India. It is for this reason that the demand for video game testers in our country is on the rise.
Can you make a living as a video game tester?
As per a recent report, the average salary of a video game tester in India is Rs. 215,634. However, the salary of video game testers depends on various factors such as their location, the company they are working with as well as their experience in the industry.
A career in video game testing is interesting and unique. It is meant for those who have a strong alacrity for gaming. With the rapid advancement of technology and easy access to the internet, the demand for video game testers has increased like never before.
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