25 Disadvantages of Being a Video Game Tester (No Cheat Codes!)
Thinking about pursuing a career in video game testing?
It’s simple to get swept up in the appeal:
But there’s another side to this coin.
Today, we’re going to delve deeper. Much deeper.
Into the tiresome, the frustrating, and the downright tough aspects of being a video game tester.
Monotonous tasks? Check.
Limited creative input? Indeed.
Emotional strain from constant criticism and bug fixes? Definitely.
And let’s not forget the irregular work schedules.
So, if you’re contemplating a leap into video game testing, or just curious about what’s beyond the fun and games…
Continue reading.
You’re about to get a comprehensive insight into the disadvantages of being a video game tester.
Monotony and Repetitive Work of Testing Same Game Segments
Video game testing is not as glamorous as it sounds.
It involves playing the same game or even the same segment of a game repeatedly to identify and document bugs or issues.
The job often requires testers to perform the same tasks over and over, such as running into walls, going through doors, or executing specific moves in a game.
This can be monotonous and tedious, leading to a loss of interest in the game.
Testers may also be required to play games in a specific way or follow a specific path, which can limit their freedom and enjoyment of the game.
While this repetitive work can help ensure a game is ready for release, it can also lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction for the tester.
Eye Strain and Potential Negative Effects on Vision From Prolonged Screen Time
Video game testers spend a significant portion of their workday, often up to 8 hours or more, staring at a computer or television screen.
This prolonged screen time can lead to eye strain, which can manifest as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
Over time, this could potentially lead to more serious vision problems.
Additionally, the sedentary nature of the job, combined with the intense focus required, can lead to lack of physical activity and potential posture-related health issues.
It’s therefore important for video game testers to take regular breaks and maintain good eye health practices, such as wearing glasses that filter blue light and ensuring proper lighting in their workspace.
Lower Compensation Compared to Other Roles in the Game Development Industry
Video game testers often receive lower compensation compared to other roles in the game development industry such as game designers or programmers.
While game testing is a critical part of the development process, it does not require the same level of technical skill or education that other roles in the industry require.
Because of this, companies often pay testers less.
Furthermore, testing roles are often temporary or contract-based, meaning they may not come with the same benefits or job security as other positions.
This can make it a less attractive option for those looking for a long-term career in the gaming industry.
Limited Career Advancement Opportunities Within Game Testing
Video game testing, though it may sound like a dream job for gaming enthusiasts, can be a role with limited opportunities for career advancement within the same field.
Typically, game testers are part of the quality assurance team, and their primary role is to find and report bugs in games before they are released.
However, the skills required for this role are quite specific and do not necessarily translate to other roles in the gaming industry.
Many game testers may find themselves stuck in the same position for many years, with little chance for promotion or increased responsibilities.
While some may be able to transition into other roles within the gaming industry, like game design or programming, this often requires additional education and skills that are not a part of the game tester’s job.
Therefore, while game testing can be a way into the gaming industry, it doesn’t always provide a clear path for career progression.
High Stress Levels Due to Tight Deadlines and Crunch Periods
Video game testers often have to deal with high stress levels due to tight deadlines and so-called crunch periods.
In the fast-paced gaming industry, getting a game ready for market as quickly as possible is a high priority.
This often leads to testers having to work long hours, weekends, and sometimes even holidays to meet these deadlines.
The crunch period, the time leading up to a game’s release, can be particularly stressful as there is immense pressure to locate and resolve all remaining bugs and glitches.
This high-stress environment, while rewarding for some, can lead to burnout and negatively impact work-life balance.
Potential for Job Insecurity and Project-Based Employment
Video game testers often face job insecurity as their employment is typically project-based.
Once a game is thoroughly tested and ready for release, the need for testers diminishes, and they may find themselves out of work until another project comes along.
This lack of job stability can lead to financial stress and uncertainty about the future.
Furthermore, even when working on a project, testers may face periods of intense, demanding work followed by periods of idle time waiting for the next testing phase to begin.
This irregular workflow can be challenging and stressful for many.
Unpredictable Work Hours, Including Overtime and Weekend Work
Being a video game tester doesn’t adhere to the usual 9 to 5 work hours.
The work schedule can be pretty unpredictable and often requires overtime and weekend work.
This is especially true in the weeks leading up to a game’s release, when the pressure is on to find and fix as many bugs as possible.
The crunch time can involve long hours of continuous testing and retesting, which can be quite exhausting and stressful.
This irregularity in work hours can interrupt your work-life balance and might cause you to miss out on social events or time with family and friends.
Risk of Developing Musculoskeletal Disorders From Long Hours at a Desk
Video game testers often have to spend long hours sitting at a desk, which can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders.
These health issues can include chronic back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive strain injuries.
The extended periods of sitting and the repetitive nature of the job can place significant strain on the tester’s body.
In addition, game testers often work under tight deadlines, which can increase stress and further exacerbate these health issues.
This can impact not only their job performance but also their overall quality of life.
Therefore, it’s crucial for testers to take regular breaks and exercise often to alleviate some of these risks.
Less Creative Involvement in the Game Development Process
As a video game tester, your role primarily involves identifying and reporting bugs, glitches, and other issues that could impact the overall player experience.
This means you will spend most of your time playing the same sections of a game repeatedly to ensure all problems are identified and documented.
This can be a tedious and repetitive task, and it doesn’t offer much opportunity for creative input into the game’s development.
You may often feel like a quality control worker rather than a contributor to the creative process.
Despite being an integral part of the video game industry, testers rarely have the chance to contribute to the game’s storyline, character development, or artistic design.
The role can be quite limiting for those who aspire to more creative positions in the gaming industry.
Encountering Frustrating Game Bugs and Glitches Regularly
As a Video Game Tester, one of the major downsides is frequently dealing with game bugs and glitches.
These issues can range from minor inconveniences to serious problems that completely halt gameplay.
Testers have to meticulously document each issue, providing detailed reports on how it occurred and the impact it has on the gameplay.
This can be a frustrating and tedious process, particularly when dealing with persistent or hard-to-locate bugs.
Moreover, there’s the potential for disappointment when a game you’ve invested hours into testing does not function as expected.
This can lead to stress and dissatisfaction, especially if the problems persist after multiple rounds of testing.
Potential for Reduced Enjoyment of Gaming as a Hobby
For many, the idea of becoming a video game tester stems from a deep-rooted love for gaming.
However, it’s important to note that the professional testing of video games is very different from playing games for fun.
As a video game tester, you will be required to play the same game repeatedly, often focusing on specific levels or areas for weeks at a time.
You will be tasked with finding and documenting bugs and glitches, rather than simply enjoying the game.
Over time, this can lead to a reduction in the enjoyment of gaming as a hobby, as you may start to associate gaming with work.
Moreover, because you’ll be playing games that aren’t finished and are filled with bugs, the gaming experience can sometimes be frustrating and far from the fun, immersive experience you may be used to.
This is a significant downside for many in the field.
Misconception That Game Testing Is Equivalent to Casual Gaming
Many people have the misconception that being a video game tester is akin to playing video games casually for fun.
However, the reality is that video game testing is a meticulous process that requires precise attention to detail, rigorous documentation, and repetitiveness.
Testers often have to play the same level or sequence of a game repeatedly to identify and document any bugs or glitches.
They may also have to play games that are not in their preferred genre or style, and they are required to approach the game from a quality assurance perspective rather than for enjoyment.
This can make the job far more tedious and less enjoyable than casual gaming.
Difficulty Transitioning Skills to Non-Gaming Industries
Video game testers often acquire highly specialized skills that are uniquely relevant to the gaming industry.
This includes specific knowledge of game mechanics, understanding of programming languages, familiarity with gaming hardware and software, and the ability to identify and document bugs and glitches.
While these skills are highly valued within the gaming industry, they may not be as easily applicable or transferable to jobs outside of the gaming world.
Therefore, if a video game tester decides to transition to a different industry, they may find it challenging to find roles that leverage their unique skill set.
Additionally, non-gaming industries may not fully recognize or understand the complexities and expertise involved in video game testing, making it even more difficult for these professionals to transition into new roles.
Pressure to Maintain Confidentiality and Avoid Leaks
As a video game tester, there is significant pressure to maintain strict confidentiality and prevent any leaks of the game’s content.
Testers often work with games that are in development and are not yet released to the public.
The leaking of any details about the game could lead to significant financial losses for the game developers and may even lead to legal issues.
This constant pressure can lead to increased stress and anxiety, especially in a world where sharing information online is so common.
It also means that testers must be extremely careful and vigilant in their personal and professional communications to avoid inadvertently leaking information.
Possible Undermining of Skills by People Outside The Industry
Being a video game tester often involves a lot of expertise and skill.
However, many people outside the industry may not understand the complexities and technical aspects of the job, leading to the undermining of the profession.
It’s a common misconception that video game testing is simply about playing games all day, when in reality it involves a great deal of critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical knowledge.
The lack of recognition for the skills required in this role can be disheartening and may even impact career progression opportunities.
Furthermore, this misunderstanding can also contribute to lower wage expectations and a lack of respect for the profession as a whole.
Limited Interaction With the Game’s Creative Aspects or Design Decisions
As a Video Game Tester, your primary role is to play games in a systematic and analytical way, testing different aspects of the game for errors or glitches.
Although it may seem like a dream job for avid gamers, it is important to note that you do not get to contribute to the creative or design aspects of the game.
You will not be making decisions about the game’s storyline, character design, or gameplay mechanics.
Instead, you execute specific test cases and provide detailed reports on any bugs or issues you discover.
This can be frustrating if you have creative ideas but aren’t in a position to implement them.
You are not involved in the creative process, but are there to ensure the final product functions as intended.
Need to Maintain Detailed Logs and Documentation of Bugs and Issues
A significant part of a video game tester’s role involves keeping meticulous records of the bugs and issues they encounter while testing games.
This may include anything from minor glitches to major software crashes.
Often, they are required to recreate these issues to provide detailed feedback to the development team.
This process can be tedious and time-consuming, requiring a lot of patience and focus.
Furthermore, it can also detract from the fun of playing the game, as a tester must repeatedly play through the same sections of the game to identify and document specific problems.
While this documentation is essential for improving the game, it can make the job less enjoyable and more demanding than some might expect.
Dealing With The Frustration of Game Features Not Working Properly
As a video game tester, one of the primary responsibilities is to identify and report any bugs or glitches within the game.
This means that often, you will be dealing with various features of the game not working as they should.
This can be quite frustrating, as it can hinder your progress and make your work more time-consuming.
You may have to repeat the same level or section of the game multiple times, or try different approaches to trigger or reproduce the bug.
This can be a tedious and repetitive process, and can lead to a high level of frustration, especially if the bug or glitch is hard to identify or replicate.
Despite this, the role of a game tester is crucial in ensuring that the final product is of high quality and provides a smooth gaming experience for the end user.
Exposure to Content That May Be Violent or Otherwise Distressful
Video game testers are often exposed to a wide variety of content, some of which may be violent or otherwise distressing.
Depending on the type of game being tested, this could include graphic violence, strong language, or mature themes.
This is part of the job, and testers are expected to play through these sections regardless of their personal comfort level.
Additionally, testers may have to play through the same violent or distressing scenes over and over again to identify and document any bugs or glitches.
This constant exposure to potentially distressing content can be mentally and emotionally exhausting for some testers.
The Necessity of Having a High Tolerance for Repetition and Detail
Video game testers are required to have an extremely high tolerance for repetition and attention to detail.
This is because their job primarily involves playing the same game, or even the same section of a game, over and over again to identify any bugs or glitches.
The task can become monotonous as they have to repeat the same actions multiple times, sometimes for weeks or even months, until the game is perfect.
Also, they need to pay attention to every little detail, as even the smallest bug can cause a major issue in the gameplay.
This level of repetition and detail-oriented work can be mentally exhausting and may not suit everyone’s work style or personality.
Managing the Balance Between Thoroughness and Efficiency
Video game testers are expected to be both thorough and efficient in their work, which can sometimes be a difficult balance to manage.
They need to explore every possible aspect of the game to identify bugs, glitches, and areas for improvement, which requires a high level of detail and patience.
Yet, they are also often working under tight deadlines, as developers are eager to fix any issues and release the game as soon as possible.
This need for speed can sometimes clash with the need for a comprehensive review of the game.
Too much speed can lead to overlooked issues while too much attention to detail can cause delays in the game’s release.
This constant pressure to balance thoroughness and efficiency can make the role of a video game tester quite challenging.
Psychological Impact of Constantly Finding Faults in Game Mechanics
While the role of a video game tester may seem like a dream job for gamers, constantly finding and reporting faults in the game mechanics can have psychological impacts.
Testers are required to play the same sections of a game repeatedly to ensure any bugs or issues are identified and reported.
This often means focusing on the negative aspects of a game rather than enjoying the overall experience.
Over time, this can lead to a loss of enjoyment in gaming and may even result in feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction with the job.
Additionally, the constant nitpicking can lead to a negative mindset that could affect the tester’s personal life as well.
Challenges in Communicating Technical Issues to Development Teams
Video game testers often encounter a multitude of technical issues during their gameplay.
These issues can range from minor glitches to major bugs that can affect the overall gaming experience.
The challenge arises when they need to communicate these technical problems to the development teams.
This requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and coding, as well as a high level of technical language proficiency.
Testers must be able to accurately describe the nature of the issue, the circumstances under which it occurs, and potential ways to reproduce it.
If the communication is not clear and precise, the development team may not be able to identify and fix the problem, which can lead to delays in the game’s release or persistent bugs in the final product.
This can be a stressful and frustrating aspect of the role, particularly when dealing with complex and recurring issues.
Uncertainty of Contract Work and Freelance Opportunities
Many video game testers aren’t hired as full-time, permanent employees.
Instead, they’re often brought on as contract workers or freelancers for a specific period of time or for a particular project.
This can mean a lack of job security and benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
The length of contracts can vary greatly, and there’s always the risk that the contract won’t be renewed once it’s completed.
Furthermore, the availability of work can be unpredictable and inconsistent, which can lead to financial instability.
On the bright side, this arrangement can offer flexibility and a variety of projects to work on, but the uncertainty can be stressful for many.
Experiencing Burnout From Extended Periods of Focused Concentration
Video game testing often involves long hours of intense focus and concentration.
Testers are expected to play the same sections of a game repeatedly to identify any bugs or glitches.
This can involve hours of monotonous gameplay, which can lead to mental exhaustion or burnout.
The job demands continuous attention to detail as small errors can lead to big problems in the final product.
Furthermore, testers are often working against tight deadlines which can add to the stress and pressure.
This can make the job very mentally taxing and could potentially lead to a lack of work-life balance.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
A no-holds-barred look at the disadvantages of being a video game tester.
It’s not just about playing new games and finding hidden easter eggs.
It’s challenging work. It’s commitment. It’s navigating through a labyrinth of technical and creative obstacles.
But it’s also about the satisfaction of spotting a bug before anyone else.
The joy of being part of the development of a hit game.
The thrill of knowing you played a part in someone’s gaming experience.
Yes, the path is gruelling. But the rewards? They can be extraordinary.
If you’re nodding along, thinking, “Yes, this is the challenge I’ve been looking for,” we’ve got something more for you.
Dive deeper into the industry with our comprehensive guide on the reasons to be a video game tester.
If you’re ready to embrace both the victories and the setbacks…
To learn, to grow, and to thrive in this dynamic industry…
Then maybe, just maybe, a career in video game testing is for you.
So, take the leap.
Explore, engage, and excel.
The world of video game testing awaits.
Crazy Career Choices: The Weirdest Jobs Ever
No Suit, No Problem: Remote Jobs with Six-Figure Potentials!
Work Your Own Way: The Most Flexible Jobs for Custom Careers
The No-Stress Success Formula: Finding the Right Low-Key Career
