Quality Assurance / Speltestare

What does a Quality Assurance/Game Tester do? – Tasks and working environment

A Quality Assurance/Game Tester works to ensure that computer games and digital products meet high quality standards before release. Tasks include testing games to detect bugs, errors, and user issues, as well as documenting these systematically. Testers often work closely with developers and designers to ensure the product meets expectations and is free of technical flaws. The working environment is usually office-based, with varying pace, especially near deadlines when workload increases. Special testing tools and reporting systems are often used, and success requires both accuracy and a genuine interest in games and technology.

Salary development over time

The profession of Quality Assurance/Game Tester has shown stable and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,500 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 47 600 SEK, representing a rise of approximately 4.6%. The latest year, 2024, the average salary rose further to 48 600 SEK, which is an increase of just over 2.1% compared to the previous year. This positive trend can be explained by the increasing demand for skilled testers in the gaming and IT industries, where technical competence and experience are increasingly valued. The development of more complex games and systems has also contributed to the role becoming more specialized, driving up salary levels in the profession.

Quality Assurance/Game Tester salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 53,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 292 SEK
• Women: 47 700 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 49 100 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Quality Assurance/Game Tester, a high school diploma with a focus on technology, IT, or game development is often required, but many employers also seek post-secondary courses or practical experience in game testing. Combining formal studies with personal projects or internships to build knowledge and networks is common. Self-study and certifications in testing methodology, such as ISTQB, can be advantageous and improve chances of employment in larger companies.

• High school diploma: Technology program or IT specialization (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Game development, system testing, QA (6–24 months)
• Certifications: ISTQB, other testing and QA certificates
• Internships/Trainee positions: Common within the industry
• Self-study and online courses: Recommended to stay updated

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and discounts on games or tech gadgets are often offered. Other common compensations include occupational pensions, insurance, and sometimes bonuses linked to project deliveries or company performance.

Challenges and competition

The market for Quality Assurance/Game Testers is competitive, especially within attractive gaming companies where many seek employment. Employers often require not only technical skills but also strong analytical abilities and good communication skills. A challenge is the relatively high pace and shifting tasks, with deadlines creating stressful periods. The industry evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning to stay updated on new testing tools and methods. Employers also look for testers with experience in agile workflows and understanding of the entire development process. Despite these challenges, there are good employment prospects, especially for those who show commitment and a willingness to develop further.

Tips for aspiring Quality Assurance/Game Testers

To succeed as a Quality Assurance/Game Tester, it is beneficial to develop a keen eye for detail and accuracy, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in finished games. A genuine interest in technology and the gaming world makes daily work easier and helps understand both user experience and technical requirements. Good teamwork skills are crucial, as the work is often done in teams with developers and designers. The ability to communicate clearly is important, especially when reporting bugs and suggesting improvements. Being adaptable and curious about new tools and methods increases chances of success, as does taking initiative and showing engagement in solving problems when they arise.

Key facts about Quality Assurance/Game Testers

• Education level: High school diploma or post-secondary courses in IT/games
• Work environment: Office-based, often in teams with developers
• Work mode: Full-time or project-based, sometimes with remote options
• Demand: 179 job openings in spring 2024
• Special skills: Testing methodology, reporting, game knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, it is common for Quality Assurance/Game Testers to advance to more qualified roles such as test lead, QA coordinator, or specialized tester within specific technologies. It is also possible to develop into roles in project management or product development, especially for those with leadership skills and an interest in process improvement. The employment agency’s forecasts for system testers and test leads indicate a certain recruitment need, even if no exact assessment is made for this niche role due to limited statistical data. The number of job openings suggests demand remains stable, offering good opportunities for those wishing to progress within the gaming and IT industries.

Common questions about Quality Assurance/Game Testers

• What does a Quality Assurance/Game Tester earn?
  - A Quality Assurance/Game Tester has an average salary of 48 600 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 49 100 SEK, while women earn 47 700 SEK, which is 97% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Quality Assurance/Game Tester?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on IT or technology is common, supplemented with internships, courses, or certifications in testing and QA.
• What is the job market like for Quality Assurance/Game Testers?
  - There are 179 job openings within the profession, indicating stable demand.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Testing games, reporting bugs, collaborating with developers, and ensuring product quality.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, many progress to roles such as test lead, QA coordinator, or specialists after a few years.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, teamwork skills, communication skills, and an interest in technology and games.