What is a game tester and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

A game tester plays video games that are under development to check for errors and defects. Plus, they look for ways to correct those errors by informing the development team about them. Before a game is released to the public, a game tester needs to test it thoroughly.

As expected, game testers often work for video game companies. They must be in close connection with programmers and technical members of the development team.

Without a game tester, a game may be full of bugs and errors that can make the game unplayable. It could destroy the company's image and run them down. Game testers can often work from the comfort of their homes.

Testers who have one to three years of experience make $47,151 per annum. Those with four to six years of experience earn $53,849. More experienced testers earn an average of $67,454 per annum.

ScoreGame TesterUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,520

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 13.90%

male 86.10%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.1

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Game Tester career paths

Key steps to become a game tester

  1. Explore game tester education requirements

    Most common game tester degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.2 %

    Associate

    20.2 %

    High School Diploma

    17.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific game tester skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Bug Reports36.72%
    Test Cases12.65%
    QA9.05%
    Overall Functionality6.10%
    AAA4.43%
  3. Complete relevant game tester training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New game testers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a game tester based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real game tester resumes.
  4. Research game tester duties and responsibilities

    • Manage departmental inventory and troubleshoot testing, reporting and inventory issues.
    • Load different operating systems onto PC's.
    • Used JIRA for reporting and tracking defects.
    • Test new software versions of iOS and provide feedback
  5. Prepare your game tester resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your game tester resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a game tester resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Game Tester Resume templates

    Build a professional Game Tester resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Game Tester resume.
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  6. Apply for game tester jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a game tester job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Game Tester Job

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Average game tester salary

The average Game Tester salary in the United States is $31,520 per year or $15 per hour. Game tester salaries range between $18,000 and $53,000 per year.

Average Game Tester Salary
$31,520 Yearly
$15.15 hourly

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How do game testers rate their job?

4/5

Based On 1 Ratings

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Game Tester reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020
Pros

I like testing because it can be interesting. Things can change but also stay the same. I like routine but not repetition doing the same thing. Testing isn't the best job but a good job.

Cons

Some things you test can be really picky to pass. It's likely they will always fail the first time. Some test seem to always pass and seek insufficient. I always look at productivity but also efficiency. So if not necessary by customer and always passes I can't see why a part of the test he removed especially if another part of the test will fail if it does. Options I am always open to.


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

testing games and having fun meeting new people working with people whi trust you

Cons

being delayed


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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