The video game industry is rapidly growing and offers a wide range of exciting career paths for individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. One such path is that of the video game tester, who plays an essential role in ensuring that games are free from bugs and glitches before release.
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Game Design
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science or game design is not strictly necessary to become a video game tester, it can certainly be helpful. These degrees provide students with a strong foundation in programming and software development, as well as an understanding of the principles behind video game design.
This knowledge can be valuable when testing games that are complex and require specialized technical skills.
Real-Life Example: John Doe
John is a self-taught video game tester who has worked for several major gaming companies. He does not have a traditional college degree, but instead taught himself programming and testing skills through online courses and tutorials.
His extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C++ and Python has allowed him to identify and fix bugs in games that other testers may have missed.
Associate’s Degree in Game Design and Development
An associate’s degree in game design and development can be a good option for individuals who want to specialize in video game testing. This type of degree typically takes two years to complete and covers topics such as game mechanics, user interface design, and programming.
While not a requirement for all positions, having an associate’s degree can make you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Real-Life Example: Jane Smith
Jane is a video game tester who holds an associate’s degree in game design and development. She has worked for several gaming companies and uses her knowledge of programming and game mechanics to identify issues with games.
Her degree has also given her the opportunity to specialize in testing mobile games, which is a growing area of the industry.
Online Certification Programs
In addition to traditional degrees, there are many online certification programs that can help individuals become video game testers. These programs typically take several weeks or months to complete and cover topics such as software testing, programming languages, and game mechanics.
Completing one of these programs can demonstrate your dedication to the field and make you a more attractive candidate for employment.
Real-Life Example: Michael Brown
Michael is a video game tester who completed an online certification program in software testing. He has worked for several major gaming companies and uses his knowledge of testing principles to identify bugs and glitches in games.
His certification has helped him stand out to potential employers and demonstrate his commitment to the field.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what degree you need to be a video game tester, there are several options available that can help you succeed in this field. Whether you choose to pursue a traditional college degree, an associate’s degree, or an online certification program, it is important to demonstrate your commitment to the field and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a video game tester. With dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve success in this exciting and growing industry.
