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.

• A QA Software Tester will ensure that a game runs from start to finish in the way that is meant to, this means there are no unexpected errors and the game player can enjoy the game as it is supposed to be played.
• The QA Tester will be involved in analyzing issues in games and then deconstructing these issues with recommendations of how they can be fixed and even how the gameplay can be improved further.

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)