The Video Game QA Software Tester course is designed for those looking to get a foot into the games industry. The course results in a Diploma from TIGA which is the official trade association representing the UK games industry.
This course is not just about playing games, students will have to have the desire to go further and be able to analyse issues within games, then deconstruct how issues are being created and make recommendations on how these can be fixed. It is not just limited to code errors and faults but also how to generally improve the game.
The QA Software Tester has a unique position within the game development framework. Whilst an Artist / Animator will be responsible for the look and feel of a game, the Game Programmer the technology and the Game Designer deals with the ideas, a QA Tester is the person whose job it is to ensure that a game goes from start to finish without crashing or producing unexpected results.
Don't believe the public view that all a Video Games QA Software Tester does is play games all day. Whilst this may sound very appealing the QA Tester is an integral part of the development team. The course is taught by experienced QA professionals and presented in a proven unique method that enables students to learn all the concepts and tools required.
expected salaries for this role
Salaries range from £20,000 for recent graduates to considerably over £100,000 for executives who are at the forefront of the industry. Lead designers and lead programmers often receive some of the highest salaries but these positions require some years of experience in similar positions at lower levels before they can be attained.
If you are self employed you can expect to earn from £35 to £175 per hour depending on your experience, the job you are doing and also the time of when the work is performed.
- Starting salaries are around £20,000*
- Average games development salary in UK is £37,352*
- Average salaries have seen consistent year on year increases
- Over 73% of all people working in the games industry are confident about their future
*Source: Intent Media (2010)
