Introduction: The Growing Gaming Industry

The gaming industry has experienced rapid growth over the last decade, with total revenue reaching $180.3 billion in 2021. With such exponential growth, the industry has become a credible career path for many job seekers. The demand for gaming and eSports professionals continues to expand, leading more individuals to explore various positions to break into the industry.

One of the most cited and sought-after careers in gaming is Quality Assurance (QA) Testing. As in app development and software companies, QA Testers play a crucial role in the gaming industry by screening games for glitches, bugs, coding errors, narrative issues, and replayability. However, there are common misconceptions about QA testers and the job’s actual requirements with the growing interest.

What is QA Testing in the Gaming Industry?

Quality Assurance Testing is a critical aspect of early and mid-stage game development. QA Testers troubleshoot games to identify and resolve issues that could compromise the game’s overall performance and user experience. This includes bugs, glitches, coding errors, and other issues that may affect gameplay. However, QA testing requires more than just playing games for fun; it involves intensive documentation and process design to ensure a thorough evaluation.

QA Testers design and execute systems to check for issues, record the outcomes of test cases, develop standards and procedures to check the quality of the product, and confirm market readiness. They also have to be proactive in developing tests for user experience issues, ensuring that the game is enjoyable and engaging for players. Additionally, QA Testers must work under tight deadlines to avoid interrupting or delaying the game’s production.

Types of Testing in Game Development

Testing in game development is not limited to professionals. Depending on the production stage and goals of the developer, fans and consumers can also participate in testing by playing video games, PC gaming, or application games before they are officially released to the general public. Some common types of testing include:

Alpha Testing:

QA Testers conduct alpha tests while the game is still in development. At this stage, games may not have full functionality or be fully built graphically. Alpha testing helps reveal any glitches or issues that compromise the game’s overall performance, ensuring that all features run properly without system crashes. During alpha testing, meticulous documentation of hardware and software failures is essential to enable game developers to fix them before the game’s official release.

Beta Testing:

Beta testing occurs when game developers release an early version of a new game to consumers before its official release. Beta testers are often consumers and fans, not paid employees. There are two types of beta testing:

• Open Beta: The beta version is made available to anyone interested. Players try out the game for a predetermined time frame and share early reviews with the development team, helping build hype around the game.
• Closed Beta: A select group of people chosen by the publisher play the beta version before its release, providing valuable feedback and insights.

Early Access and Its Impact on QA Testing

Early access is a funding method that allows consumers to purchase and play a game during its pre-release development cycles, including alpha and beta stages. Unlike demos or pre-orders, early access games are incomplete and unpolished. Developers use the funds from early access to complete the game’s development and incorporate feedback to fix bugs, glitches, and add new features to improve the overall gameplay.

While early access has grown in popularity, it has also raised some concerns about its impact on QA testers. Full-time QA job opportunities have given way to part-time contractor openings. Although this change may not be directly related to early access, other factors like Covid-19’s impact on employment in the gaming industry also play a role. However, QA testers will continue to have a place in the gaming industry as long as large publishers drive gaming.

The Changing Landscape of QA Tester Jobs

As the gaming industry evolves and early access becomes more prevalent, the landscape of QA tester jobs has seen some changes. Full-time QA job opportunities have decreased, and part-time contractor openings have become more common. Nevertheless, QA testers remain essential for ensuring game quality and user satisfaction. The demand for skilled QA testers continues to be significant, making it an attractive career path for those passionate about gaming and technology.

Exploring Gaming Career Opportunities with Yellowbrick

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in gaming, Yellowbrick’s Gaming & eSports Industry Essentials course can be a great starting point. The course offers insights into various gaming careers, including QA testing, and provides valuable knowledge and skills to help you enter the gaming industry with confidence. Explore the exciting world of gaming and eSports and turn your passion into a rewarding career with Yellowbrick’s industry-focused courses.