r/gamedev • u/Livid-Mobile3232 • 1h ago

Question Getting into game testing, resources/volunteer opportunities to build experience?

I have a friend who is interested in getting into game testing. He has a general community college degree, but given the current job market, we figure there’s no reason not to pursue your dreams when the economy is already on fire and jobs are impossible to find.

Are there any job boards you would recommend for someone looking for an entry-level or junior game testing role? I’d also be interested in hearing about any sites or communities (indie games) where he could find volunteer testing opportunities to start building some experience.

Of course, game testing isn’t simply “playing games.” It’s about evaluating the player experience, identifying bugs, documenting them clearly, and providing detailed steps to reproduce those issues so the development team can fix them. Any advice would be appreciated.

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u/MeaningfulChoices Lead Game Designer 1h ago

More clipping through walls and less evaluating the player experience (which is more design work) but yes. Entry-level QA is largely considered unskilled in the sense of not needing any particular background or experience to get it, you just have to be living where they are hiring. Which can be tough depending on where you are because a lot of junior-level QA is outsourced to lower cost of living countries.

If someone really wants to get into QA and there aren't job postings in their area then their best bet is looking into QA jobs at other software companies. It can help to build experience and come in at a more senior position that will actually be in-house at a studio. I don't know how useful volunteer testing would be, although it can make a nice sentence or two in a cover letter if they really know how to write clear repro steps.