What Is Mobile Game Testing?
Mobile game testing is the process of finding errors, bugs, and other issues within a mobile game before it is released to the public. Testers work closely with developers to ensure that the game is polished, stable, and enjoyable for players. They use a variety of techniques to test the game, including manual testing, automated testing, and performance testing.
Skills Required for Mobile Game Testing
Mobile game testers need a range of skills in order to be successful in their role. Some of these skills include:
- Technical knowledge: Testers need to have a solid understanding of mobile game development, including programming languages like Java and Swift, as well as knowledge of different mobile operating systems and devices.
- Testing methodologies: Mobile game testers need to be familiar with a variety of testing techniques, such as manual testing, automated testing, and performance testing. They also need to know how to write test cases and reports.
- Communication skills: Testers need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with both developers and project managers. They need to be able to explain complex technical issues in a way that is easy for others to understand.
- Attention to detail: Mobile game testing requires a keen eye for detail, as even small errors can have a significant impact on the player experience. Testers need to be able to spot these errors quickly and accurately.
- Problem-solving skills: Testers need to be able to identify and solve problems that arise during testing. This may involve finding workarounds for bugs or developing new test cases to cover specific scenarios.
Types of Mobile Game Testers
There are several different types of mobile game testers, each with their own set of skills and responsibilities. Some of the most common types include:
- Manual testers: These testers use a variety of manual testing techniques to find errors and bugs in the game. They may test the game on multiple devices and operating systems, as well as perform functional and performance testing.
- Automated testers: These testers use specialized software tools to automate certain aspects of the testing process. They may write automated test scripts and use these scripts to run tests on the game.
- Performance testers: These testers focus specifically on testing the performance of the game, including issues like load times, frame rates, and stuttering. They may also perform stress testing to ensure that the game can handle a large number of players simultaneously.
- QA testers: Quality Assurance (QA) testers are responsible for ensuring that the game meets specific quality standards set by the project manager or client. They may test the game for issues like usability, accessibility, and overall user experience.
Average Salaries for Mobile Game Testers
The salaries for mobile game testers can vary widely depending on factors like location, experience, and job role. However, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a mobile game tester in the United States is around $68,000 per year. This is based on data from over 150 salary reports submitted by current or former mobile game testers.
Case Studies: Mobile Game Testing in Action
To give you a better understanding of what it’s like to be a mobile game tester, let’s look at some real-life examples from the world of mobile gaming.
Candy Crush Saga
King, the company behind the popular puzzle game Candy Crush Saga, has a dedicated team of mobile game testers who work tirelessly to ensure that the game is stable and enjoyable for players. According to one tester on Glassdoor, the job requires a lot of hard work and attention to detail, but it can be very rewarding when you see the positive impact your work has on the game.
Pokémon Go
Niantic, the company behind the wildly popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, also has a team of mobile game testers who work to find and fix bugs in the game. According to one tester on LinkedIn, the job can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see players enjoying the game without any major issues.
Clash of Clans
Supercell, the company behind the strategy game Clash of Clans, has a team of mobile game testers who use a variety of techniques to test the game and ensure that it’s running smoothly. According to one tester on Indeed, the job requires strong communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
Summary: Is Mobile Game Testing Right for You?
Mobile game testing can be a rewarding and challenging career for those with the right skills and interests. Testers have the opportunity to work on exciting and innovative games, while also making a real difference in the player experience. However, it’s important to carefully consider the job requirements and responsibilities before deciding whether mobile game testing is the right career path for you. If you are passionate about gaming and have the technical skills and attention to detail needed for this type of work, then mobile game testing may be a great fit. With the growing popularity of mobile gaming, there are likely to be many exciting opportunities available in this field in the years to come.
FAQs: Mobile Game Testing 101
Here are some frequently asked questions about mobile game testing:
- What skills do I need to become a mobile game tester? Testers need strong technical knowledge, testing methodologies, communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
- What types of mobile game testers are there? There are several different types of mobile game testers, including manual testers, automated testers, performance testers, and QA testers.
- How much do mobile game testers make on average? According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a mobile game tester in the United States is around $68,000 per year.
- What is the job like for mobile game testers? Mobile game testing requires hard work and attention to detail, but can be very rewarding when you see the positive impact your work has on the game.
