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Remote Video Game Tester Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

Love for video games (not just ours!) This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations ...

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

Love for video games (not just ours!) This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations ...

Remote Video Game Tester information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$6

$16

$31

How much do remote video game tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote video game tester in Santa Rosa, CA is $16.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote video game tester?

To thrive as a Remote Video Game Tester, you need strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a passion for gaming, usually supported by familiarity with multiple game genres and platforms. Proficiency in bug tracking software (such as JIRA), test case documentation, and sometimes experience with console or PC emulators is typically required. Excellent written communication, teamwork, and time management are important soft skills for providing clear feedback and meeting remote deadlines. These skills ensure thorough testing, accurate reporting of issues, and effective collaboration with development teams, leading to higher game quality.

What are the typical challenges faced by remote video game testers, and how can they be addressed?

Remote video game testers often face challenges such as clear communication with development teams, managing time zones, and accessing the latest builds or test environments. To address these, testers should become proficient in using collaboration tools, maintain detailed bug reports, and proactively communicate any issues or schedule constraints. Staying organized and adaptable helps ensure high-quality feedback and smooth workflow despite the remote setting.

What is the difference between Remote Video Game Tester vs Remote Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectRemote Video Game TesterRemote Quality Assurance Tester
CredentialsBasic gaming knowledge, attention to detailTechnical skills, testing certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentHome-based, gaming setupHome-based, software testing environment
Industry UsageVideo game development companies, publishersSoftware companies, game developers, tech firms
Common Search IntentTesting video games for bugs and feedbackEnsuring software quality, bug tracking in games

Remote Video Game Testers focus on playing and identifying issues in video games, often with minimal technical skills. Remote Quality Assurance Testers have a broader role, including technical testing, bug documentation, and ensuring overall software quality. While both roles work remotely and in the gaming industry, QA testers typically require more technical knowledge and certifications.

What is a remote video game tester?

Remote video game testers are professionals who play pre-release versions of video games from their own location to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues. They document their findings and report them to developers to help improve the game's quality before it launches to the public. This role requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and often familiarity with a variety of gaming platforms. Testers may work full-time, part-time, or on a freelance basis, depending on the company and project.

How do I become a remote video game tester?

Remote video game testers report bugs and provide feedback to the developers about user experience of the games they test. To become a remote video game tester, you need a high school diploma. A degree is not required, but completing an associate or bachelor's degree in game design, software development, or a related field may improve your chances in the job market. Become proficient in working through different types of video games to find issues and glitches the developers did not expect. For those aiming to work for specific gaming companies, study the different games that company makes and practice playing through them with a critical eye to find bugs. Acquire a position as an in-house video game tester with a development company or gaming agency. Once you have established yourself as a competent tester, companies are more likely to trust you to work remotely.

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Video Game Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Video Game Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Remote Video Game Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Video Game Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Video Game Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Remote Video Game Tester jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Remote Video Game Tester job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Video Game Tester job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,734 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

2K

Novato, CA • On-site, Remote

$130K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and entrepreneurial. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul, and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and technical innovation, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the smartest and most creative minds in the industry.

What We Need:

We're seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you'll take ownership across a broad technical landscape- working in distributed systems, large-scale computing, and efficient databases to build high-performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world-class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world. This role reports into Lead Director of Programming.

What You Will Do:
  • Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features
  • Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
  • Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
  • Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions
  • Deliver high-performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
  • Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.
Who Will Be A Great Fit:
  • 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server-side systems
  • Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
  • Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, PHP, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python
  • Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
  • Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
  • Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large-scale software development
  • Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account-based features, a strong plus
  • Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
  • Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
  • Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar systems
  • Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
  • Love for video games (not just ours!)

This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations where the pay transparency law is in effect: California: $130,700 - $174,300 per year. New York State (inclusive of New York City): $117,700 - $157,000 per year. Washington: $130,700 - $174,300 per year. New Jersey: $117,700 - $157,000 per year. British Columbia: $115,700 -$154,300 (CAD) per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

To learn more about Visual Concepts and our studio locations, check out our website at www.vcentertainment.com