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Playtest Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animator

Reno, NV ยท On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

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 ...

Animator

Reno, NV ยท On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

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 ...

$119K/yr

Playtest and evaluate features, content, and balancing adjustments to ensure quality and alignment with design goals before release. * Own the design, balancing, and ongoing management of the in-game ...

Playtest and iterate often. Amass a deep understanding of the game''s fundamentals in order to focus your work towards improving the player''s experience. * Foster a healthy working relationship with ...

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

Playtest and iterate often. Amass a deep understanding of the game's fundamentals in order to focus your work towards improving the player's experience. * Foster a healthy working relationship with ...

Convert playtest and user feedback into prioritized, trackable work. * Drive postmortems and continuous process improvement to increase velocity and predictability. * Help build and reinforce strong ...

$145K - $168K/yr

Example areas may include trunk stability, build and compile performance, editor/tool crash rates,presubmitvalidation, playtest stability, automated reporting, and cross-project regression tracking.

Convert playtest and user feedback into prioritized, trackable work. * Drive postmortems and continuous process improvement to increase velocity and predictability. * Help build and reinforce strong ...

Convert playtest and user feedback into prioritized, trackable work. * Drive postmortems and continuous process improvement to increase velocity and predictability. * Help build and reinforce strong ...

Senior AI Designer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$94K - $101K/yr

Use playtest feedback to iterate and improve AI features * Create and maintain clear and concise design documentation What we're looking for * Experience shipping multiple AAA titles as a Designer

$145K - $168K/yr

Example areas may include trunk stability, build and compile performance, editor/tool crash rates,presubmitvalidation, playtest stability, automated reporting, and cross-project regression tracking.

Technical Director

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$147K - $343K/yr

Use playtest data, telemetry, and player-facing metrics (performance, stability, latency) to inform technical priorities. Who We Look For * Shipped at least one AAA PC or console title as Technical ...

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Playtest information

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How much do playtest jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Playtester, and why are they important?

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 is a playtest in the gaming industry?

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 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.

More about Playtest jobs
What cities are hiring for Playtest jobs? Cities with the most Playtest job openings:
What states have the most Playtest jobs? States with the most job openings for Playtest jobs include:

Animator

Progressive Gaming

Reno, NV โ€ข On-site, Remote

$114K - $141K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

IGT, where innovation meets entertainment on a global scale! ย From the casino floor to your mobile screen, we deliver thrilling, responsible, and unforgettable gaming experiences-powered by worldclass content, strong technical and commercial capabilities and nurtured by a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ownership.

ย 

Whether it's spinning reels, placing bets, or enabling secure payments, we turn innovation into impact through disciplined execution and longterm value creation. With a team of over 6,000 employees across 30+ countries and products delivered in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, we operate at scale while staying closely connected to costumers we serve. If you're ready to bring your talent to a team shaping the future of entertainment, your next big move starts here - www.igt.com.

Overview

Bring worlds to life at IGT's Vibe Studio in Reno, Nevada! We're looking for Animators who thrive on creating bold, dynamic visuals that elevate gameplay and captivate players. You'll shape the look, feel, and energy of our games-owning animation from concept to final polish while collaborating with a passionate, cross-disciplinary team.

What You'll Do

  • Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay
  • Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement
  • Collaborate with designers, engineers, and artists to define and execute creative vision
  • Bring complex game mechanics to life (bonuses, jackpots, feature events, etc.)
  • Elevate quality through feedback, iteration, and hands-on problem solving
  • Explore new techniques, tools, and workflows to push visual innovation
  • 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 already live in Reno/surrounding areas or are excited about the opportunity to relocate.

What You Bring
  • Minimum 3-5 years game development experience required
  • Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling
  • Expertise in 2D/3D tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender, etc.)
  • Experience creating animations in Unity or other real-time engines
  • Deep understanding of motion, composition, and player-driven animation design
  • Ability to collaborate, give/receive feedback, and raise the bar creatively
Keys to Success

ย Building collaborative relationships
Decision making
Drive results
Foster innovation
Personal energy
Self-leadership
#LI-CK1

At IGT, we believe compensation should be as individual as you are, reflecting your skills, experience, background, and location. For this role, the starting compensation range is $114,500 to $141,400, with flexibility to adjust higher or lower based on the full scope of qualifications. We proudly comply with all applicable local pay transparency laws and collective bargaining agreements.

And compensation is just the beginning. Our Total Rewards program is designed to support your success, both professionally and personally, and may include:

  • Commission opportunities for eligible sales roles
  • Discretionary bonus potential for non-sales positions
  • Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance
  • A 401(k) Savings Plan with company contributions to help you plan for the future
  • Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and growth
  • Paid time off to rest, recharge, and reset
  • Wellness programs that support your overall well-being
  • Identity theft protection for added peace of mind