Employers

Video game testers are employed by computer and video game manufacturers, and no two gaming companies are organized in the same way. Opportunities are best in large cities and suburbs where business and industry are active. Many testers work for video game manufacturers, a cluster of which are located in California, Texas, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts. 

Starting Out

Positions in the field of video game testing can be obtained several different ways. Many universities and colleges host computer job fairs on campus throughout the year that include representatives from hardware and software companies. Internships and summer jobs with such corporations are always beneficial and provide experience that will give you the edge over your competition. General computer job fairs are also held throughout the year in larger cities. Job opportunities and industry information can also be found through online employment agencies and trade associations.

Video game testers are considered entry-level positions in most companies. After acquiring experience and industry knowledge, testers might advance to any number of professions within the gaming industry. Project managers, game test coordinators, game designers, developers, and programmers are among the possibilities. Video game testers can also move to other areas of the software industry as quality assurance testers.

Talk with software testers about their careers. Ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field.

Attend the QAI Quality Engineered Software and Testing Conference (https://www.qaiglobalservices.com) and the Conference of the Association for Software Testing (http://associationforsoftwaretesting.org/conference/cast2020) to network and participate in continuing education classes.

Read IEEE Software (https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/so) to learn more about the field.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• Animation World Network (https://www.awn.com)
• CreativeHeads.net (https://www.creativeheads.net)
• GameJobs.com (http://www.gamejobs.com)
• Gamasutra (https://www.gamasutra.com)
• Dice (https://www.dice.com)