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Playtest Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spellbrush

Level Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K/yr

Playtest your missions and iterately improve them. Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are ...

Spellbrush

Level Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K/yr

Playtest your missions and iterately improve them. Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Designer - D&D

Renton, WA · Hybrid

Incorporate playtest feedback into every product * Represent Wizards of the Coast and D&D at events and in interviews What You'll Bring: * Bachelor's degree in the liberal arts, or equivalent ...

Spin Master

Game Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

You will translate qualitative playtest data into actionable design refinements and ensure our dark horror themes are elegantly integrated into airtight physical rules. This is an on going contract ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

User Research Assistant

Burbank, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Administer each playtest in a non-biased manner. * Contribute to high-quality research reports that synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into clear, actionable insights for product ...

MrBeast

Game Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$182K/yr

Communicate ideas through wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes, then playtest and iterate fast on player feedback and product metrics. * Partner daily with Product Designers, Motion ...

Hasbro

Associate Game Designer - D&D

Renton, WA · On-site

Experience crafting for or contributing to Unearthed Arcana or other public-facing playtest programs * Experience generating player-facing rules content and refining it through testing and review

ARRISE

Game Designer

$158K/yr

Playtest and iterate on your game's math, mechanics, game flow, and visual presentation with an eye toward creating the best player experience possible * Produce and maintain clear design ...

ARRISE

Associate Mathematician

Playtest and iterate on your game's math and mechanics with an eye toward creating the best player experience possible * Collaborate with other mathematicians to provide gameplay feedback and ...

ARRISE

Senior Mathematician

Playtest and iterate on your game's math and mechanics with an eye toward creating the best player experience possible * Collaborate with other mathematicians to provide gameplay feedback and ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

Playtest and refine animations to ensure they're engaging, polished, and fun Work Location This role is based onsite at our Reno office. While it isn't remote-eligible, we welcome applicants who ...

Electronic Arts

$80 - $120/hr

Playtest frequently and provide high quality feedback. Qualifications * 5+ years professional experience as a game designer on a multiplayer game * Experience in rapid prototyping and iterative ...

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Playtest information

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$5

$21

$26

How much do playtest jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for playtest in the United States is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a playtest?

A playtest is a process where a video game or tabletop game is played by testers to identify bugs, gather feedback, and improve gameplay before its official release. Playtesters are usually asked to play through parts or all of a game and provide detailed feedback on their experience, highlighting any issues or areas for improvement. This helps developers refine game mechanics, balance, and user experience to ensure a better final product. Playtesting is a crucial step in game development as it helps catch problems that developers might overlook. Sometimes, playtests are open to the public, while other times they are conducted privately with a select group.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a playtester?

To thrive as a Playtester, you generally need keen attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of gaming mechanics, often supported by familiarity with various game genres and platforms. Experience with bug tracking systems, version control software, and sometimes QA certifications are valuable technical assets. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback help Playtesters stand out. These skills are crucial for identifying issues, ensuring game quality, and effectively collaborating with development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by playtesters, and how can they be addressed?

Playtesters often encounter challenges such as providing objective feedback, identifying subtle bugs, and balancing their personal enjoyment with the need for thorough testing. It can also be difficult to communicate issues clearly to developers, especially when describing complex gameplay mechanics or rare glitches. To address these challenges, playtesters should take detailed notes, use standardized reporting tools, and maintain open communication with the development team. Engaging in regular team check-ins and sharing insights with fellow testers can also help improve the overall quality and relevance of feedback.

What is the difference between Playtest vs Game Tester?

AspectPlaytestGame Tester
Primary RoleProvide feedback on game mechanics, usability, and overall experience during developmentIdentify bugs, glitches, and technical issues in the game
Work EnvironmentOften part of the development team, working closely with designers and developersTypically contracted or employed by testing companies or publishers
Required SkillsGood understanding of gameplay, communication skills, and attention to detailTechnical troubleshooting, bug reporting, and familiarity with testing tools

In summary, Playtest involves providing feedback on gameplay and user experience during development, while Game Tester focuses on identifying technical issues and bugs. Both roles are essential in game development but serve different purposes in ensuring a polished final product.

Can you get paid for playtesting?

Playtest jobs often pay participants for testing video games, board games, or software, with compensation varying by company and project. Payment can be hourly, per session, or through gift cards, and some roles may require specific skills or experience in gaming or testing tools. Not all playtesting opportunities are paid, so it’s important to verify the terms before participating.

Does playtest pay real money?

Playtest jobs typically do not pay real money; they usually offer compensation in the form of gift cards, game credits, or other non-monetary rewards. Some platforms or companies may provide monetary payments, but this is less common and often involves specific conditions or freelance arrangements.

How do you become a playtest?

To become a playtest, individuals typically need to apply to companies or platforms that offer game testing opportunities, often requiring familiarity with gaming and good communication skills. Some roles may require specific hardware, software knowledge, or prior testing experience, and applicants may need to complete a screening or training process before starting.
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What states have the most Playtest jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Playtest jobs look for?

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Playtest jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playtest job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 71% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,729 per year, or $21 per hour.

Level Designer

Spellbrush

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$128K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

What you will do
Use our in-house level design tools in Unity to create fun tactics missions. Design enemies, terrain effects, and mission objectives for your missions. Playtest your missions and iterately improve them. Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are using. Maintain knowledge and context of all of the level content in the game.
What we're looking for
Deep passion for tactics games. You must be able to stay self-motivated to make tactics missions for a long time. Proven ability to make fun game content. Show us what you have made! Some programming skill, preferably with C#/Unity. Enough to be able to contribute on the level design tooling and content scripts. Comfortable in a fast paced, high ownership startup environment. Shipped a game start to finish before.

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