How to become a game compliance tester

How to become a Game Compliance Tester

Becoming a game compliance tester typically involves a combination of education, skills development, and experience. Here's a roadmap to a career in the field:

Gain a Basic Understanding of Gaming and QA
Play a variety of games. Familiarize yourself with different platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, PC, mobile) and game types (console, mobile, VR). Learn about quality assurance (QA). Understand how QA testing works, including bug reporting, identifying issues, and collaborating with development teams.

High School Diploma or Equivalent
For some entry-level positions, a high school diploma or its equivalent may be sufficient, especially if you have a strong passion for gaming and are able to demonstrate skills in testing and knowledge of compliance standards.

Bachelor’s Degree
Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in fields related to gaming or technology. Relevant degrees include computer science, game design, computer software engineering, information technology, interactive media, and multimedia arts.

These degrees provide foundational knowledge in coding, software development, and problem solving, which can be helpful for more technical compliance testing roles.

Look for specialized courses in game testing, quality assurance, and game development.

Develop Key Skills

• Attention to detail – This is crucial for identifying even the smallest issues in a game.
• Technical skills – Understanding platforms, systems, and software used for testing (like debugging tools or bug tracking systems such as Jira) is essential.
• Knowledge of compliance standards – Familiarize yourself with industry standards like TRC (PlayStation), XR (Xbox), and ESRB and PEGI rating systems.
• Communication skills – Learn to clearly document issues and collaborate with developers and other teams.

Gain Experience in Game Testing

• Start with entry-level QA jobs – Many testers start their career in general QA roles where they test gameplay mechanics, report bugs, or check functionality before transitioning to specialized compliance testing.
• Internships and freelance work – Look for internships or freelance opportunities with game studios or third-party QA firms. These will provide practical experience and can lead to fulltime roles.
• Volunteer in gaming communities – Some independent developers or smaller studios may offer opportunities for you to get hands-on experience while building a portfolio.

Stay Updated and Network
The game industry evolves quickly, so it’s necessary to keep learning and stay up to date with changes in compliance regulations, platform guidelines, and testing methodologies. Join online communities, attend industry events, or connect with professionals on LinkedIn to expand your opportunities and knowledge.

Certifications
There are several certifications that can help game compliance testers demonstrate their expertise and stand out in the industry. While some certifications are more general to QA testing, others focus specifically on game testing and compliance. Here are some options:

General QA Testing Certifications

• Certified Agile Tester - Foundation (CATF) – This certification, offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), is for testers working in agile environments (a common approach in game development). The agile methodology is a project management approach that involves breaking the project into phases and emphasizes continuous collaboration and improvement.
• ISTQB Certified Tester Game Testing (CT-GaMe) – This is the most relevant certification for game testers, offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), a globally recognized organization. It focuses on the specific knowledge and skills needed for game testing, covering concepts like risk assessment, test design, and testing approaches unique to games.
• ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) – This is the foundational certification for all software testers, including those specializing in games. It covers the basic principles of software testing, testing methodologies, and the software development lifecycle. It's a prerequisite for the CT-GaMe certification.
• ISTQB Certified Tester Performance Testing (CT-PT) – This certification provides knowledge of the principal aspects of performance testing, including technical aspects, method-based aspects, and organizational aspects. Specifically pertaining to performance testing, it covers areas such as basic concepts, measurements, activities, tasks, and tools.
• ISTQB Certified Tester Mobile Application Testing (CT-MAT) – This certification provides an insight into methods, techniques, and tools a professional may use to test mobile applications. It covers the required mobile project activities, roles, methods, and methodologies.
• ASTQB Mobile Testing Certification – Administered by the American Software Testing Qualifications Board, this credential focuses on mobile application testing, relevant for mobile game compatibility.
• Certified Software Test Professional Associate Level (CSTP-A) / Certified Software Test Professional Practitioner Level (CSTP-P) / Certified Software Test Professional Master Level (CSTP-M) – Offered by the International Institute for Software Testing, this series of certifications provides a structured approach to software testing, including game testing principles.

Platform-Specific Certifications

Certification testing is a vital part of the game development process and is necessary to guarantee that games released on platforms like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo meet the demanding standards of quality and performance expected by gamers. This testing process involves adhering to strict standards and guidelines, such as Microsoft XRs, Sony TRCs, and Nintendo Lot Checks, to confirm that the game is suitable for release.

Microsoft Xbox Requirements (XRs), are guidelines that video game developers must follow when creating games for the Xbox platform. The XRs outline a comprehensive list of technical requirements that games must meet, including compatibility with different hardware and software configurations, performance criteria, and other technical standards.

Similarly, the Technical Requirements Checklist (TRCs) set by Sony are guidelines for video game developers creating games for the PlayStation platform. These requirements cover various technical aspects such as compatibility with different hardware and software configurations, performance criteria, and other technical standards that the games must meet.

Localization / Regulatory Compliance Certification

• Certified Localization Professional (CLP) – Issued by The Institute of Localization Professionals (TILP), this certification is targeted at testers specializing in localization compliance (verifying translations, cultural appropriateness, etc.). The CLP credential demonstrates expertise in ensuring that the game is suitable for release in multiple regions.

Security Certification

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – The CISSP program, an advanced program offered by ISC2 (The International Information System Security Certification Consortium), is focused on cybersecurity and data protection. It provides in-depth training in security policies, risk management, security architecture and engineering, security operations, and legal aspects of data security. The CISSP credential can be beneficial for testers working on security compliance, such as data privacy and anti-cheat mechanisms.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the gaming and compliance testing community:

• International Game Developers Association (IGDA) – The IGDA is the largest non-profit membership organization for game developers of all disciplines, including testers. It offers resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for game developers worldwide. Membership provides access to local chapters, special interest groups (SIGs), and online forums comprised of testers and other industry professionals.
• Association for Software Testing (AST) – AST is an organization for professional software testers, creating community, boosting careers, and promoting the science and craft of software quality assurance and testing.
• European Game Developers Federation (EGDF) – The EGDF) unites 24 national trade associations representing game developer studios based in 22 European countries. It offers advocacy, training, and networking opportunities, as well as information on compliance testing requirements within the European Union.
• Game Developers Conference (GDC) – The GDC is the largest and premier annual event for professionals in the game industry. While it’s a conference, the GDC also functions as a professional organization that provides resources, including information on best practices for compliance testing, QA, and platform-specific requirements.
• Mobile Testing and QA Communities – There are specific communities for mobile game testers who focus on compliance across iOS and Android platforms. These online communities, on platforms like LinkedIn, Slack, Discord, Gitter, Telegram, and Facebook, provide resources and discussions on testing practices and platform-specific regulations.