Gaming Fields You Can Jump Into After Testing

So, you’ve got a job or are planning on applying for a job in the game testing field. What happens when you get there and start testing away? Surely, you’ll want to move on eventually and get a higher paying job in the game development field, but what does testing actually set you up for? You’d be surprised how many potential jobs you can land coming out of a successful stint in game testing.

The Careers

For the most part, there are dozens of different opportunities in game testing. You can be a tester for life if that’s your ambition, building expertise and working toward becoming a lead tester who focuses solely on game development. But, if you want to be more directly involved with the game’s production, you can also strive for roles in the following:

·         Programming – Programmers are the back bone of any game production. There need to be people who can hard code the different pieces of a game as it goes together. You will either need a college degree in computer sciences or previous experience that demonstrates your ability to completely understand the necessary programming languages for the job.

·         Design – Design is dedicated to the production of visual elements in a game. If you want to be a designer, you will need experience with key 3D animation software and advanced hardware tools. There are college programs in digital production and animation, or you can practice on your own to develop a working portfolio.

·         Systems – Systems involves the development of systems, game balance, and online play for a game. It might also include scripting and writing for a game’s story and dialogue, though these roles are less frequently promoted from within a testing staff.

·         Production – If you are truly ambitious you can work your way up to the production staff. Producers are in charge of managing the rest of the development staff, overseeing deadlines and budget concerns, and ensuring the game as a whole is on a good track.

Gaming is a diverse field with dozens of potential career roles. However, it is also a very high stress field when deadlines loom and investors want results. So, while a successful production can lead to bonuses, job offers and a long career, you will also need to be ready for potential negative feedback, long hours, and high demands. If that sounds like the kind of fast moving environment you’ve been looking for, game testing and development may very well be perfect right for you.