1

Video Game Testing Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

Support testing frameworks (e.g., geo experiments, holdouts, incrementality tests) to evaluate ... video game and global interactive entertainment company, home to many of the world's most beloved ...

Data Scientist, Marketing

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$141K - $202K/yr

Support testing frameworks (e.g., geo experiments, holdouts, incrementality tests) to evaluate ... video game and global interactive entertainment company, home to many of the world's most beloved ...

QA/DevOps Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$192K - $216K/yr

... play video games. Discord plays a uniquely important role in the future of gaming, and we are ... You will embed automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and partner closely with ERP Functional ...

Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

... play video games. Discord plays a uniquely important role in the future of gaming, and we are ... Establish and enforce data quality standards through testing frameworks, documentation, and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Video Game Testing information

See Novato, CA salary details

$6

$17

$33

How much do video game testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game testing in Novato, CA is $17.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Video Game Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Tester, you need strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a good understanding of gaming platforms and software, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bug tracking tools such as JIRA, test case management systems, and knowledge of various gaming consoles and PC hardware are commonly required. Excellent communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help testers report issues clearly and collaborate effectively with development teams. These skills ensure thorough game evaluation, efficient issue resolution, and improved overall game quality before release.

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

AspectVideo Game TestingQuality Assurance Tester
CredentialsBasic gaming knowledge, sometimes certifications in testingSame as game testing, often with QA certifications
Work EnvironmentGame studios, testing labs, remote optionsGame studios, software companies, QA departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industryBroader software industry, including gaming
Job FocusFinding bugs, gameplay issues, reporting defectsEnsuring overall quality, process compliance, bug tracking

Video Game Testing and Quality Assurance Tester roles share many credentials and work environments, with game testing focusing more on bug identification during gameplay, while QA testers oversee broader quality processes. Both roles are essential in the gaming industry for delivering polished products.

What is video game testing?

Video game testing is the process of playing video games in order to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues before the game is released to the public. Testers play through different levels, follow specific test cases, and report any problems they encounter to the development team. The goal is to ensure the game is as polished and bug-free as possible, providing a better experience for players. Video game testers often work closely with developers and may test on various platforms such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices.

How do I become a video game tester?

To become a video game tester, you should have a strong interest in gaming, good communication skills, and attention to detail. Many testers start by applying for entry-level positions at game development companies or through testing agencies, and familiarity with testing tools or bug tracking software can be helpful. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and some roles may require knowledge of specific gaming platforms or genres.

How much does a games tester make?

Video game testers typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level testers often start at the lower end of this range, while experienced testers or those working for larger companies may earn higher salaries. The role may also include benefits such as flexible hours and opportunities to develop skills in game development tools.

What are some common challenges faced by video game testers, and how can they be addressed?

Video game testers frequently encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, tight deadlines, and the need to document bugs in precise detail. It can also be demanding to play unfinished or buggy builds for extended periods, which requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Effective communication with developers and other testers is essential to ensure issues are clearly understood and prioritized. Building strong time management skills and maintaining a collaborative attitude helps testers overcome these challenges and contribute to a smoother game development process.

Is there a job for game testing?

Video game testing is a legitimate job that involves playing games to identify bugs, glitches, and usability issues before release. It typically requires attention to detail, knowledge of gaming platforms, and sometimes specific software testing skills; many companies hire testers on a contract or full-time basis. Job opportunities can be found through gaming companies, testing agencies, and online job boards.

How much do video game testers make?

Video game testers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with entry-level positions often paying around minimum wage and experienced testers earning higher rates. Salaries can vary based on location, company, and experience, and some testers work part-time or on contract. Many testers also need strong attention to detail and familiarity with gaming platforms and tools.
What job categories do people searching Video Game Testing jobs in Novato, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Video Game Testing jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Video Game Testing jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Video Game Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Video Game Testing job openings in Novato, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,299 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Business Development Manager (BDM) | America (Player Support and QA)

Side

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

We're looking for a Business Development Manager to drive growth for our Player Support and Quality Assurance divisions and broader co-development services across the San Francisco Bay Area and wider North American market. This role focuses on expanding partnerships and revenue primarily across our player support and QA capabilities, while also touching on our full suite of game production services including Game Development, Art Production, Localization, Localization QA, Game Audio, Datasets, and IT services - serving console, PC, and mobile game developers, depending on end client needs.

You'll be the face of our Bay Area presence, building relationships, creating proposals, and developing new business opportunities with both domestic and international clients across the full game production lifecycle.

This position is ideal for someone who combines commercial acumen with a deep understanding of player support operations and quality assurance, alongside the wider co-development landscape.

Sales & Account Growth Lead business development for player support and QA services - including live operations support, helpdesk solutions, functional testing, compliance, and certification - alongside our co-development capabilities spanning Game Development, Art Production, Game Audio, Localization, Localization QA, Datasets, and IT. Build and maintain relationships with producers, QA leads, operations managers, and development leads across major and indie studios - identifying opportunities to expand engagement beyond player support and QA into broader production partnerships.

Market Development Identify new opportunities by tracking emerging trends in live service operations, quality assurance, player experience, and game production pipelines. Expand our client base across the Bay Area and into key global markets, positioning our studio as a full-service partner for game developers at every stage of production.

Client Consultation Conduct detailed discovery sessions to understand project needs, scope player support, testing, and operational requirements, and develop tailored proposals. Where relevant, surface opportunities to support clients with complementary co-development services - from art production and game audio to localization and IT - ensuring they understand the full value of our capabilities.

Collaboration Partner with our player support, QA, co-development, and global BD teams to deliver cohesive, integrated client solutions that draw on the breadth of our service offering.

Strategic Planning Develop go-to-market strategies for new services and technologies across player support, QA, and co-development verticals. Provide feedback to internal teams to enhance offerings and competitiveness in the Bay Area and global markets.

Performance Management Own your revenue targets across all service lines, manage forecasting, and maintain an active CRM pipeline reflecting opportunities in player support, QA, co-development, localization, and beyond.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or operations within the games or entertainment industry (preferably player support, quality assurance, live operations, co-development services, or localization)
  • Proven track record of managing client relationships and closing deals in creative or technical service environments
  • Strong understanding of player support operations and QA workflows - from ticketing systems and helpdesk management through to functional testing, compliance, and certification pipelines
  • Familiarity with game co-development services and production workflows across disciplines such as art, localization, game audio, and IT
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Proficiency with CRM tools and MS Office/Google Workspace
  • Self-driven, organised, and comfortable managing projects end-to-end
  • Passion for video games and player experience
Preferred but not essential
  • Existing network of contacts among QA leads, operations managers, producers, or game developers in the Bay Area and abroad
  • Experience working in or selling to AAA, AA, or mobile game studios
  • Background in player support operations, QA management, live service, or post-production coordination
  • Exposure to selling or delivering services across multiple disciplines (e.g. player support + QA, localization + QA, art + game audio)
  • Familiarity with player support platforms and QA tooling (e.g. Zendesk, Salesforce Service Cloud, JIRA, or similar)

Benefits

  • Competitive basic salary
  • Working with people creating cutting edge interactive entertainment
  • Excellent OTE with % based commission package
  • Group pension scheme and death in service benefit
  • Dynamic and entrepreneurial culture
  • Video games focused environment
  • The opportunity to work with video games pioneers creating cutting edge interactive entertainment

Who we are

Side (formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world.

Founded in Japan in 1994, Side has grown to become a global force in the video games industry, with over 40 studios in 15 countries worldwide and offices across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Our industry-leading services include codev, art production, localization, audio production, quality assurance, localization QA, player supportcommunity management, and datasets. For more information, visit www.side.inc