Welcome to the thrilling world of gaming and the increasing demand for technically skilled game testers. With the increasing high desire for games across the world, the need for certified game testers makes perfect sense. What are the technical aspects that make a great game tester today? What is the role of a game tester in this billion-dollar industry? Let's find out about what a game tester is and does.
Game testers are like quality control engineers or experts. Their role is to quality check the game development process. Focusing on finding errors and bugs in code. A game tester guards against the end product from anything that could negatively impact a player’s experience of the game.
Game testers do not play and participate in the game as if they were online gamers. That’s certainly not a reality. A game tester rarely has a chance to just play, unless while getting to understand a new project or during playtests.
The game testers do not have the pleasure of starting the game to beat their opponents or have a fun time. The game tester’s personal preferences may be contrary to the intended target audience of the game itself. This does not deter the tester from going through the same level of testing over and over again to check that game objects are displayed correctly. This may seem monotonous but running these repeated test actions is rewarded with finding defects that might easily suspend the gameplay envisioned by the developer.
The majority of work is associated with conducting many types of tests; in some instances, the methods of testing are not unsimilar to those used for other software testing. Each element of the game is meticulously checked so that each scenario is covered during thorough testing.
Game testers are responsible for verifying that developed games function correctly, typically towards the end of the development process. However, they may also be involved in testing games still in development and reporting any identified issues as they play the game. While this may seem straightforward, there are various techniques that testers must learn before playing games. According to ISTQB®, game testing consists of several components (see the image 1):
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Image1: This image demonstrates the contents of the Game Testing syllabus
A game tester uses their gaming knowledge, analytical skills and various tools to mimic a gamer’s experience to ensure the game meets the development team's expectations for the game and end user’s enjoyment. It includes conceptually designing, implementing and executing game software tests, approaches to games testing (Game Testing Mechanics, Sound Testing, Graphics Testing and Localization) and recognizing games testing tools.
Certification can help you prove your game testing skills and pave the way for a successful career. Obtaining a Game Testing certificate can broaden your understanding of testing and equip you with the necessary skills to work as a professional tester in game projects. The ISTQB® Game Testing certification specifically focuses on the knowledge and skills required to perform and manage testing at all levels in game projects. It covers fundamental concepts of video and game testing, risk and goal determination for gaming software, and practical aspects such as designing, implementing, and executing game software tests. Additionally, it includes an overview of game testing mechanics, sound testing, graphics testing, localization, and relevant testing tools.
This ISTQB® Certified Game Tester (CT-GaMe) certification is for anyone who aspires to gain more knowledge of software testing in the video gaming industry, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants. Those associated in the development and production of high-performance hardware such as PCs, mobile and gaming consoles will also benefit from this certification.
How to apply for the ISTQB® Certified Tester - Game Testing (CT-GAME) certification and take the exam?
This certification is aimed at professionals who have achieved in-depth testing experience in traditional methods and who would like to acquire specific competence for testing game software. It is also appropriate for junior testers who are just starting in the testing profession and who would like to know more about the tester’s role when developing game software.
Experienced testers who need more understanding and knowledge about how to perform and manage testing on all levels in game projects will also find this certification beneficial.
iSQI suggests: CT-GaMe Syllabus
Important!
To register for the ISTQB® Certified Tester - Game Testing (CT-GAME) exam, you must first complete the ISTQB® Certified Tester - Foundation Level (CTFL) certification.
The CTFL certification provides crucial testing knowledge that can be applied in practical situations and explains the widely used terminology and concepts in the testing field. This foundational certification is essential to building a solid understanding of testing principles and practices, making it a prerequisite for the CT-GAME certification.
iSQI suggests: ISTQB® Certified Tester - Foundation Level (CTFL) online Mock exam
The prolific growth in the global gaming industry continues. As the demand for game testing evolves because of the high need for more elaborate games, a competent way for testing will determine the continued effort to test games with high quality assurance. Any game tester will tell you their mastery of methods, processes and techniques is vast, it includes a deep understanding of the product which is not required in other software testing fields.
Becoming a game tester is a highly lucrative career move. A game tester sits testing new games locating bugs and flaws before the game is put out to the market end users. Game testers enable customers with the possibility to play a highly developed product that meets their expectations on its design, compatibility and functioning.