Video Game Testing Explained: From Bugs to Blockbusters

Video game development is an extremely important process, with a crucial part that goes unnoticed, which is video game testing. Although the focus is on the developers and the designers, video game testers make sure that the product is delivered to the gamers in the best possible way, avoiding bug infestations. The final defense of at least a buggy release and a blockbuster success is its game tester.

This article explains how video games are tested, how you can become a video game tester, and what salary you can expect in this role. We will also delve into the knowledge of the experts, the various testing phases, and the direct effects of the processing of testing on the ultimate quality of the favorite games.

Read More: How to Become a Game Tester With No Experience

What is Video Game Testing?

Testing of video games involves playing and analyzing the game in its course of development to determine bugs, glitches in the code, game crashes, and usability challenges. The testers record such errors and report them to the development team so that they are addressed before the availability of the game in the market.

Playing video games as a tester does not involve any fun games; it is organized, monotonous, and critical. The tests involve careful test plans and scripts, thorough investigation of every single inch of the game, and deliberate attempts to break it.

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Categories of Video Game Testing

Through its various stages of development, the types of video game testing become varied. So, what are they?

1. Functional Testing

Functional testing verifies whether something behaves according to the anticipations of the game. The gameplay mechanics, menu functions, and general usability are also checked by the testers. To give an example, when a character takes a step, will it appear in the inventory?

2. Compatibility Testing

Developers publish games on platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile. Testers run compatibility checks to ensure the game works across devices, resolutions, and operating systems.

3. Compliance Testing

This is also referred to as certification testing; it is the process of ensuring that the game meets the standards of big platforms such as Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo. Failure to comply can lead to a late submission or outright rejection.

4. Localization Testing

Titles of games are done in different languages. Localization testing is used to ensure that translations are culture-ready and accurate. It also looks at UI spacing and format across languages.

5. Regression Testing

Whenever a developer solves one problem, there is always a chance that he or she breaks something. Regression test check on the old functions to make sure that other functions do not get compromised by what has been done lately.

6. Load Performance Testing

The test indicates the effectiveness with which a game will operate under pressure, like large numbers of players in an online multiplayer, memory, and frames of action. It is a necessity in multiplayer games.

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Video Game Testing Process

Step 1: Build Review

The process of testing starts with testers looking at the recent build of the game. They determine it is stable enough to undergo further testing.

Step 2: Test Plan Execution

Structured test plans are given by the QA leads or producers. The plans direct testers on the areas they should test, like whether the combat systems work, whether saving or loading works, or the navigation of the interface.

Step 3: Bug Identification

Bugs are reported by testers in the form of screenshots, screen recordings, and a reproducibility process. Every bug has a severity rating, ranging from little cosmetic bugs to those that bring down the game (crashes).

Step 4: Reporting

Bugs would get recorded in a bug monitoring program, such as JIRA or Bugzilla. Testers work together with the developers to get clarity and accuracy in reporting bugs.

Step 5: Verification and Retesting

After developers fix bugs, the testers are re-verifying such features to ensure that they are fixed indeed and have not introduced any new problems.

Step 6: Final QA Pass

Right before a game is slated to go gold (get released), it receives another round of quality assurance to snag up last-minute bugs.

“You don’t need to design the game to break it, but you do need a sharp eye, a tester’s mindset, and a passion for perfection.”

– Fazal Hayat, Game Development Lead at Cubix

How To Become a Game Tester

Provided you have the zeal for gaming and you have a keen eye for detail, you can go about the process of how to become a video game tester in the following ways:

1. Know your Place

It is not a game of fun. You will have to replay levels dozens of times, experiment with strange variations of what can be done in the game, and report bugs in detail.

2. Develop a Game Prowess

The testers should be aware of the functionality of genres of games like RPGs, FPSs, or platformers etc. This assists in realizing when there is a wrong feeling.

3. Knowledge of QA Tools Learn

It is also essential to be conversant with bug-tracking systems (JIRA, Trello), version tracking systems (Git), and the dev kits of consoles.

4. Learn How to Develop a Game

It is a plus to have basic knowledge of programming, scripting, or game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine). It assists in relating well with the developers.

5. Optional: Get Certified (Optional)

Qualifications such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) are credible, and training on the basics of QA is required.

6. Seek Entry-Level QA Employment

Search for junior QA positions or internships in game studios. However, lots of testers begin as contract workers and evolve to work as QA analysts or QA leads.

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Game Tester Salary by Country

Country	Average Annual Salary (USD)
USA	$55,000
Canada	$47,000
UK	$42,000
Germany	$50,000
India	$8,000
Philippines	$6,000

Freelance and Remote Game Testing

Jobs as a tester of video games working remotely are on the rise. Studio cons outsource QA work to freelance or remotely based teams. Several websites, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and GameTesters.net, provide gig opportunities to potential testers.

Freelance Tester Prices

• Entry-level: $10-$15/hr
• Mid level: $20-$35/hr
• Sr/Certified: $40-$70/hr

Flexibility is an advantage to remote testing, and competition is intense, and maintaining the working process is difficult.

The Game Tester Tools

Testing of video games as a profession involves not only working with a console or a PC. Ordinary tools are:

• BTS: JIRA, MantisBT, Bugzilla
• Screen Capture Software: OBS, Camtasia
• Automation Tools: TestComplete, Selenium (scripted testing)
• Word Processors: Google Docs, Confluence, Notion

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Skills Required to Succeed in Video Game Testing

• Detail-Oriented: This is because there might be minor inconsistencies that could be spotted before a major problem arises after a launch.
• Communication: It is an important aspect to communicate via bug reports so that bugs can be fixed efficiently.
• Tranquility and Endurance: The tests may be monotonous and tiring to the brain.
• Team Collaboration: Communicating and working with devs, artists, and producers is the daily routine.
• Problem-Solving: It is worth knowing how a bug was caused, even without writing code.

In 2024, the Game Testing Service Market achieved a valuation of USD 2.5 billion, and it is forecasted to climb to USD 6.5 billion by 2033, advancing at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2026 to 2033.

How Video Game Testing Works: A Realistic Breakdown

Step 1: Submission Build

Developers submit the game build for testing: from pre-alpha to fully polished beta.

Step 2: Test Case Definition

QA managers create test cases: detailed instructions for testers to execute on everything from mechanics and controls to menus and tutorials.

Step 3: Manual Testing

Executors bring about the result according to the cases, diverging from them, and exploring edge cases. All inputs get tested.

Example: RPG testers would combine cheat codes using excess inventory or reload autosaves at rapid speeds to check damage.

Step 4: Reporting Bugs

All bugs are logged into systems such as JIRA or Bugzilla, including:

• Steps to reproduce
• Screenshots or videos
• Platform/hardware info
• Severity levels (Critical, Major, Minor)

Step 5: Fix and Retest

Developers fix issues, then testers confirm the fixes. This goes through this cycle in many dozens of builds.

Step 6: Final QA Sweep

A full sweep completes the final round of intensive testing just before the gold master build is certified.

Read more: How Much Does It Cost to Make a Video Game

The Role of Game Testing in AAA vs Indie Games

Or sometimes through contract testers. Indie projects generally follow the same lines as professional titles, but the testing procedure is less formalized and more customized. The testing process may typically be supplied with a build and includes case-related requirements and time for verification, and then possibly goes out to release. In contrast, AAA game art studios often integrate testing directly into production pipelines to maintain quality benchmarks across large-scale assets and environments.

AAA Testing

AAA Testing ensures top-tier quality for blockbuster games developed by major studios like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Rockstar Games. Here, the QA teams are large, structured, and distributed globally.

Key Characteristics:

• Large QA teams: Dozens to hundreds of testers across regions
• Specialized roles: Compliance testers, network testers, UI/UX testers, accessibility testers
• Multiple platforms: Testing across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and cloud platforms
• Extensive automation: Use of proprietary tools and test bots for regression and performance testing
• External partnerships: Often outsource testing to QA firms in countries like India, Romania, or the Philippines

Example: 

Over 200 testers were employed while creating Naughty Dog’s latest video game, The Last of Us Part II. Testing for issues such as story pacing, visual polish, and motion capture accuracy, as well as accessibility features, had to be flawless across all the major consoles, in more than 20 languages.

Indie Game Testing

Indie studios often operate on tight budgets and smaller teams. Testing is usually handled in-house, by volunteers, or through early access players.

Key Characteristics:

• Smaller teams: Sometimes just 1–3 testers or the developers themselves.
• Manual testing focus: Limited access to automation or enterprise bug-tracking tools.
• Community involvement: Rely on open betas or Early Access players for feedback and bug reports.
• Limited platform scope: Most indies release only on PC or a single console.

Example:
Games like Hollow Knight or Celeste had strong QA input from tight-knit teams and loyal beta testers. Although bugs were discovered post-launch, rapid patching and community trust helped maintain their reputations.

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Why Video Game Testing Is More Important than Before? 

In an industry where being the first can either make or break a game, video game testing provides the ultimate checkpoint between a failing release and a smashing hit. Whether it’s an AAA game or a title developed in a garage with a few million dollars in funding, ultimately, the QA process guarantees a comfy, powerful, and gratifying experience for players.

Then you have known:

• What is the process of a video game test on various platforms and stages?
• The salaries of game testers, the lowest to freelance experts
• How Should One Become a Video Game Tester Concerning Its Tools, Skills, and Career Development

The difference between indie and AAA production pipelines, as seen in testing how testing differs between indie vs AAA production pipelines.

What Trends of the Industry and World Data Tell About the Future of Game QA?

Since games will keep on growing into giant, interconnected virtual worlds, the number of people qualified to be testers will continue to increase. Therefore, there can be no overestimation of the importance of testing, whether you plan to establish a new career in the field of QA or you are a studio willing to provide a higher quality of your games.

Test Your Game with Cubix

Want to launch your game with flawless performance and zero bugs? At Cubix, we turn your vision into a polished reality through expert game testing, rigorous quality assurance, and detailed performance checks.

From action titles and RPGs to mobile games, our team ensures every feature works perfectly across devices and platforms, with no glitches, no guesswork. So, let us help you deliver a game that’s built to impress.