How can you train and develop game testers in the gaming industry?

Before training game testers, it's vital to establish specific testing objectives and requirements for each project. This includes defining the goals of the testing process, like bug detection and gameplay evaluation. Set clear standards for game quality assessment, such as performance metrics and user experience benchmarks. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of testers, focusing on their tasks in reporting and collaboration. Essential tools to be used should include bug tracking software and test case management systems. By clearly outlining these elements, you can create a focused training plan that meets the project's unique needs.

Know your end user. That to me is a critical aspect of any test plan. If it's a online Mobile game, then testing poor connection is vital. Where as for the PC version, more attention can be spent on visual quality. Always keep in mind who will be using this product, and ensure you adjust your test plan accordingly.

Identifying testing objectives and requirements is crucial for successful testing. Begin by understanding project goals, define clear objectives, and create comprehensive test plans with prioritized testing types. Identify risks, specify the test environment and resources, establish exit criteria, and maintain traceability. Regularly collaborate with stakeholders and adapt objectives as needed throughout the project. This structured approach ensures effective testing aligned with project goals.

Effective training of game testers begins with a clear understanding of testing objectives and requirements. It's essential to define the goals and expectations of the testing process. What standards and criteria will measure game quality? Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of testers is crucial, as is determining the tools and methods they'll utilize. By answering these key questions, you can tailor a training plan that not only meets but exceeds project needs and expectations, ensuring a thorough and effective approach to game testing.

Pour former et développer des testeurs de jeux dans l’industrie du jeu vidéo, voici quelques étapes clés : Une formation en informatique est essentielle pour comprendre le fonctionnement des jeux vidéo et manipuler les outils de test. une grande culture des jeux existant peut tout aussi bien contrebalancer car l’expérience pratique affine le jugement pour tester des jeux, en identifiant et en documentant les bugs. Avoir une bonne culture du jeu vidéo permet aussi de comprendre les attentes des joueurs. Comprendre les mécanismes de jeu et les différentes phases de développement d’un jeu vidéo est tout aussi crucial pour y apporter des remarques constructives.

Provide basic training on game testing by covering fundamental concepts such as the importance of testing, common industry terminology, various testing types, bug life cycle, test case writing, execution, gaming platforms, testing tools, game design principles, communication skills, QA processes, project management basics, feedback mechanisms, and soft skills. Emphasize ethical considerations and encourage a continuous improvement mindset. This comprehensive training equips individuals with the essential knowledge and skills for a career in game testing.

It's crucial to establish a strong foundation in game testing fundamentals. New testers should receive comprehensive training on core concepts like test case creation, bug reporting, and quality assurance processes. Interactive sessions with practical exercises can be highly effective. Incorporating real-world scenarios helps in understanding the intricacies of different genres and platforms. This baseline knowledge is essential for testers to effectively evaluate games and identify potential issues.

For effective game testing, testers must grasp key concepts and skills. This includes understanding the game development cycle, various types and levels of game testing, and effective testing techniques and strategies. Knowledge of proper documentation and reporting methods, along with maintaining ethics and professionalism, is also crucial. To equip testers with these skills, consider providing training through online courses, workshops, webinars, or detailed manuals. Use quizzes, practical exercises, or simulations to evaluate their understanding and proficiency.

Teach game-specific testing methods by covering functional, compatibility, and performance testing, with emphasis on exploratory testing, usability considerations, and localization. Include specialized areas such as multiplayer, VR/AR, AI, and security testing. Introduce industry-standard tools like Unity Test Framework and Jira, address version control systems and automation tools, and emphasize real-time collaboration tools. The training provides a comprehensive understanding of game-specific testing approaches and equips individuals with the skills and tools needed for effective testing in the gaming industry.

As someone’s who has played games for the better part of the past 25 years, the most important factor when testing games are these areas: 1. Methodology - What area specifically are you testing. Design ? Mechanics ? Interaction ? 2. Duration of testing - Some games require extensive hours of testing compared to some where you are able to feel the game right from the time you start playing 3. Replayability and support - Replaying a game and learning from its pros and cons is a key factor.

Effective game testing requires familiarity with game-specific methods and tools, as different games have unique characteristics and requirements. For instance, mobile games often demand thorough testing for compatibility, performance, and usability, whereas console games might require a focus on graphics, sound, and gameplay quality. To teach these specialized testing approaches, provide materials like game manuals, specifications, guidelines, checklists, and detailed test cases. Additionally, using game demos, prototypes, or beta versions as practical examples can help testers understand and practice these specific testing methods and tools.

As a QA professional transitioning from fintech to gamedev, I can say that there was a lot to learn. - First and foremost, of course, is the Game Engine. It took some time to grasp the basic functionalities, but now it helps me in my work almost every day. - I had to adjust my thinking and testing approaches a bit. Learning the fundamental mechanics of a specific game genre and comparing their implementation in other games proved to be helpful. - There's more emphasis on exploratory testing, especially in action games. It's essential to understand what we aim to find—whether conflicting settings or any graphical artifacts.

Each game is unique and requires tailored testing approaches. Training should include game-specific methodologies, focusing on aspects like gameplay mechanics, user interface, and multiplayer components. Familiarization with specialized testing tools and software used in the industry is also important. Hands-on training with these tools, coupled with insights from experienced testers, can significantly enhance the testers' ability to diagnose and resolve game-specific issues efficiently.

Encourage collaboration among game testers by establishing open communication channels, promoting a positive feedback culture, defining clear roles, and conducting regular team meetings. Provide cross-training opportunities, implement peer reviews, and organize knowledge-sharing sessions. Foster collaborative testing sessions, establish formal feedback mechanisms, and recognize contributions through rewards. Emphasize solution-oriented discussions and support professional development to create a cohesive and skilled testing team.

One thing I have found key, especially for new hires or junior testers, is to count on a buddy or mentor. As a manager, make sure you assign a senior buddy to your new hires to introduce them and guide them to the testing best practices and team culture.

Fostering a collaborative environment is key. Implement regular peer-review sessions where testers can share insights and challenges. This encourages a culture of continuous learning and problem-solving. Utilize platforms that allow for easy communication and knowledge sharing. Also, encourage testers to participate in gaming communities and forums to stay abreast of industry trends and player perspectives, enriching their testing approach.

Provide ongoing training for game testers through continuous learning platforms, internal workshops, and certifications. Offer cross-functional training, engage guest speakers, and organize hackathons. Ensure proficiency in new testing tools, conduct regular skill assessments, and sponsor attendance at industry conferences. Facilitate mentorship programs, establish feedback loops, encourage participation in online communities, and support professional memberships. This approach creates a dynamic learning environment, empowering game testers to stay current and continually enhance their skills.

To keep pace with the dynamic nature of game testing, continuous training and development are essential. Keep testers updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Offer access to online resources, courses, and certifications to broaden their skill set. Encourage participation in industry events, conferences, or workshops for exposure to new ideas and methods. Additionally, provide regular feedback and coaching, highlighting their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. This ongoing support fosters growth and adaptability in the rapidly evolving field of game testing.

Continuous learning is vital in the dynamic gaming industry. Offer regular workshops and training sessions on the latest gaming technologies and testing methodologies. Encourage participation in online courses and certifications to enhance their skills. Facilitate attendance at gaming conferences and webinars for exposure to industry leaders and new ideas. This not only keeps testers updated but also motivated and engaged in their roles.

One certification that I highly recommend is the ISTQB ones. Not an easy one but for sure a fantastic opportunity to keep developing a professional profile in testing.

Something to consider are the skills that the best testers have in your organization. Find people with those skills on your team who can act as coaches and mentors to support others. Create learning spaces where anyone can talk about their testing processes and ideas. One skill that I find invaluable is being able to take a step back to see the title with fresh eyes. In order to do this a person must be able to take on other perspectives. One way to achieve this is to have testers partner with developers, data analysts, engineers, and others.

I consider that the first step to ensure people (testers) is interested in training. When hiring testers, I recommend making sure that skills like a curious mindset, being open for feedback, and quality-driven are part of the tester profile we are hiring.