Is breaking into the game industry as a programmer your ultimate goal? You might be surprised to learn that starting in game testing, also known as Quality Assurance (QA), can be a powerful launchpad for your programming career. This is a common question for aspiring game developers, especially those still learning the ropes of coding and pursuing their education. The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why, and how you can make it happen.
Many people, including myself, have successfully used game testing as their entry point into the competitive world of game development. When I was starting out, eager to become a game programmer but needing practical experience, I landed a game tester role at KnowWonder, a studio focused on children’s games. During my time there, I worked on diverse titles, from racing games to educational adventures, and even the very first Harry Potter game, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” It was an incredible experience, especially seeing the positive reception our Harry Potter game received, even outscoring the movie on Metacritic!
While immersed in the world of game testing, I was also diligently learning to code in my spare time. I armed myself with a game programming book and started building a simple 2D space shooter. It was basic, with hand-drawn (and admittedly not great) graphics, but it was my project. This hands-on approach was invaluable. The best part? Being surrounded by experienced game programmers at the studio meant I had access to mentorship and advice whenever I hit coding roadblocks – which was often! They were incredibly supportive and willing to guide a budding programmer within their QA ranks.
Person reviewing code on a computer screen, symbolizing game programming and quality assurance in game development
This initial game testing role wasn’t just about bug hunting; it was about immersion and learning. It provided a unique insider perspective into the game development process. I was observing how games were built, tested, and iterated upon, gaining crucial context that textbooks simply couldn’t provide.
Beyond the technical skills, game QA is also a fantastic networking opportunity. Working alongside developers, designers, and artists allowed me to forge genuine connections with people in the industry. These relationships proved invaluable later on when I was ready to transition into a programming role. Building these professional relationships organically within the studio environment is far more effective than cold outreach.
After gaining solid experience as a tester and bolstering my programming knowledge through self-study, I enrolled in a game programming certificate course at the University of Washington. This intensive program significantly sharpened my skills and provided a portfolio of projects and code examples. Armed with practical experience from testing, a growing skillset in programming, and a certificate to demonstrate my commitment, I was able to successfully transition into an entry-level programming position at the same studio. My personal projects and the initiative I showed were key factors in securing that promotion. That marked the official start of my journey as a game developer, not just a tester.
Now, you might be wondering if my story is just a lucky exception. Is this path from game tester to game programmer truly replicable? The answer is a definite NO, it’s not just luck, and YES, it’s a very achievable and common path. My experience is far from unique. I personally know numerous individuals who began their game industry careers in QA and successfully transitioned into various game development roles.
Consider my friend Daniel, who started in testing and is now a senior engineer on a major game team. Or Merrick, who climbed the ranks from QA to become a senior producer. Brian leveraged his testing experience to become a talented game designer working on diverse projects. And Alison, who started as a tester, is now a skilled 3D artist and even teaches art at the university level. These are just a few examples, and I could share many more stories of people who used game testing as a springboard into successful game development careers.
Many of us, like myself, combined on-the-job experience with continued learning through courses, certificates, or degrees. So, to directly answer your question, it is absolutely possible to transition from game testing to a programming career, and it’s a well-trodden and respected path within the game industry.
If you’re curious about the specifics of landing a game testing job, I recommend checking out my podcasts, episodes 2 and 7, which delve into getting started in game QA. Also, my book, “Land a Job as a Video Game Tester,” is a comprehensive guide covering everything from mastering testing techniques to crafting your resume and navigating the job application process. It’s available on various platforms like Amazon, iBooks, and Kindle.
Starting as a game tester is more than just an entry-level job; it’s a strategic move that can provide invaluable experience, industry connections, and a solid foundation for your future programming career in the exciting world of game development.
