Gamers Testing Games: A Gamer's Journey Inside the World of Game QA

What's it really like to test video games as a gamer? It's brain numbing, repetitive work under the pressure of timelines and absurdly stressful situations - but it's worth it to be so close to the game.

Most gamers have heard about the long hours of crunch time and the sky high expectations of employers. What's less known is the fine balancing act between two communities: The players with high expectations eagerly waiting for the game to launch versus the studios focused on pushing out games for profit.

With over fifteen years of game industry experience Ryan Fairley offers real on-the-job stories to describe the trials, camaraderie, and absurdity that are embodied in the game industry. Part memoir and part how-to guide for beginners, each chapter details how games are tested and the links between game quality and expectation.

Inside these pages, you'll discover:
- Why gamers' instincts, their curiosity, competitiveness, and attention to detail-make them the perfect testers.
- How games are actually tested, from early builds and bug reports to the art of breaking things on purpose.
- When to ask for more time and who to negotiate with to shrink the gap between game quality and gamer expectations.
- The relationship between testers and their player communities.

Plus plenty of true stories that could only happen inside a game tester's life, because no two game launches are ever the same.

Perfect for readers of: Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Press Reset, and Console Wars.