
The Complete Guide to Becoming a Professional Beta Tester for Games
Are you passionate about video games and want to turn your love for gaming into a career? Becoming a Games Tester can be your first step into the gaming industry. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to become a beta tester for games, career progression, salary expectations, and the required skills.
What Does a Games Tester Do?
If you are most comfortable with a controller in your hands, becoming a Games Tester might be the perfect job for you! A Games Tester’s role involves identifying bugs and glitches before a game’s release by playing different levels multiple times, executing different scenarios, and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Playing a game or specific levels repeatedly to test different scenarios.
- Identifying and investigating bugs, glitches, and performance issues.
- Documenting all findings in detail for developers.
- Checking in-game text for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
- Providing feedback to improve the gaming experience.
Career Progression and Salary Expectations for a Games Tester
Job Role | Salary (Up to) | Description |
---|---|---|
Games Tester | £20,000 | Entry-level role involving extensive gameplay to identify bugs, glitches, and inconsistencies. Testers document issues and provide feedback to developers. |
Lead Tester | £30,000 | With experience, testers progress to this mid-level role, overseeing a team of testers, managing schedules, and ensuring quality standards. |
Game Developer | £50,000 | Lead Testers can transition into development roles, designing game mechanics and coding interactive experiences. This requires creativity and technical skills. |
Is a Career as a Games Tester Right for You?

To become a successful Games Tester, you need more than just a passion for gaming. Here are some essential skills required:
- Excellent attention to detail – to identify even minor bugs.
- A methodical approach – to follow structured testing processes.
- Ability to work under pressure – especially before major game releases.
- Problem-solving skills – to troubleshoot and document issues effectively.
- Good knowledge of gaming trends – staying updated with the latest developments.
What’s It Like to Be a Games Tester?
“I’ve been playing games my whole life, but I never thought I could make a career out of it. Being a Games Tester is great! The hours can be long, and the work repetitive at times, but getting paid to play and improve games is a dream come true.”
How to Become a Beta Tester for Games

If you’re wondering how to become a beta tester for video games, here are the essential steps:
- Gain Experience – Play a variety of games across different platforms.
- Apply for Beta Testing Roles – Participate in open and closed beta testing programs.
- Develop Technical Knowledge – Learn about bug tracking software and testing methodologies.
- Build a Strong Resume – Highlight any relevant experience, including beta testing and internships.
- Apply for Entry-Level Roles – Look for job openings at gaming studios and quality assurance (QA) companies.
Get Qualified as a Games Tester
Formal qualifications are not always required, but having a background in game design, software engineering, or computer science can be beneficial. Practical experience is crucial, and you can gain it through:
- Internships at gaming companies.
- Beta testing new game releases.
- Entry-level QA testing positions.
Conclusion

Becoming a Games Tester is an excellent entry point into the gaming industry. By following these steps on how to become a beta tester for games, you can turn your passion for gaming into a rewarding career. Start gaining experience today, and who knows? You might be playing and improving the next big game before anyone else!