Evolution and Innovation: Testronic's Path to Meeting Partners' Changing Needs

It has been over a year since Steve Trowbridge took the helm as CEO of Catalis Group, the parent company of Testronic, Secret 6, Giant Worldwide, and Curve Games. Following the departure of former Testronic CEO Mike Betti, Trowbridge has been actively involved in the company's art, development, QA, localization, and player support services. As Testronic undergoes significant growth and transformation, including office expansions, technological investments, and new work methodologies, Gamesindustry.biz had the opportunity to discuss the company's latest initiatives and ambitions with Trowbridge. To begin, can you provide an overview of Testronic's current office portfolio? Where are they located, and do they specialize in specific service lines? Testronic boasts a robust global presence, with over 2,000 employees across 11 major offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Our services encompass a comprehensive suite of art, development, and testing solutions. Although the specific services offered in each location may vary, our commitment to delivering high-quality services remains constant, providing a unified experience for clients worldwide. Since joining Testronic, I have been impressed by the consistency of our service commitment and support, regardless of whether a client is working with our teams in New Orleans or Manila. This consistency has cemented our reputation as a trusted partner to innovative gaming and entertainment companies worldwide. In late 2022, Testronic acquired Secret 6, a 2D and 3D art specialist based in Manila. How has this acquisition been integrated into the business, and what plans do you have for the office going forward? The acquisition of Secret 6 was a transformative step for Testronic, bringing expertise in art production and development, as well as operations in Manila and Madrid. This has enhanced our ability to offer end-to-end creative solutions alongside our traditional QA, localization, and player support services. Our expanded Manila office, which is set to formally open next week, is a major milestone for Secret 6 and Testronic. We see Manila as a creative and testing hub and will continue to invest in resources, talent, and infrastructure to expand our capacity and capabilities. Do you have plans to open new offices in the coming months, and if so, where and why? We are excited to be formally inaugurating our new Manila facility next week, which will be equipped to the high-specification and security standards expected by our AAA partners. This will further solidify our presence in the region, enabling us to meet the growing demand for QA and creative services. Additionally, we have recently expanded our Lisbon office and are actively exploring opportunities for further growth in Central Europe and the Americas. Our approach to expansion is strategic, ensuring we match client demand and leverage a rich talent pool. Following the acquisition of Secret 6 and Whyttest, do you envision further expansion through acquisitions? Strategic acquisitions are an integral part of our growth strategy. We focus on identifying opportunities that enhance our service offerings, expand our geographic reach, extend our technology capabilities, and deepen relationships with new and existing customers. Every acquisition is guided by the question: "Does this make us a better partner to our clients?" If the answer is "yes," we pursue it. This philosophy has driven the successful integration of Secret 6 and Whyttest and will continue to shape our approach in the future. Having added art to your service lines, are there other areas Testronic might be interested in diversifying into? We see Testronic as a comprehensive partner to the gaming and entertainment industry, not just a service provider. As the industry evolves, so do the needs of our clients, and we are constantly looking for ways to anticipate and meet those needs. While I won't disclose specifics, we are interested in exploring areas that complement our existing services, including advancements in technology, such as AI-driven solutions, and expanding our creative offerings to provide greater value. How many testers do you currently have, and where do you see that number in six to 12 months? We have multi-disciplinary teams across art, engineering, test, and player support. We currently have over 2,000 colleagues worldwide, and that number is steadily growing. With the expansion of our Manila and Belgrade offices, as well as increased demand for our services, we anticipate this figure will rise in the next six to 12 months. We are also investing in the professional development of our teams, recognizing the vital role each colleague plays in supporting some of the world's largest and most successful video games. Investing in our teams' professional development is critical to ensuring we deliver the best service to our clients and keep pace with the evolving gaming industry. You are about to introduce a globally remote workforce program. What is the thinking behind this, and what benefits do you think it will bring to Testronic and its clients? Flexibility and agility are at the core of our service delivery. We have seen clients adopt return-to-office programs, and we have been a supportive partner in making these moves happen. However, we have also maintained a strong base of remote workers, as we believe strongly in this model. It allows us to access the best talent worldwide, unbound by geographical constraints. Testronic has been investing in advanced technology and streamlined management processes since 2015, establishing a secure and reliable delivery model. This model has grown stronger over time, and we continue to drive, invest in, and believe in it. The benefits are numerous. For our clients, it means faster turnarounds and broader expertise. For Testronic, it solidifies our position as an innovative and adaptive partner, and for our teams, it provides the benefit of flexibility in their work. You are also investing in new technology. Can you tell us about this and what it will bring to Testronic and its clients? Technology is at the heart of what we do. We are integrating AI and automation solutions into our workflows, from enhancing player support with intelligent systems to streamlining back-office operations. In addition, we are exploring partnerships with cutting-edge tech providers to bring best-in-class solutions to our clients. This dual approach – developing internal capabilities while leveraging external innovations – ensures we stay ahead of the curve. What are the biggest challenges currently facing QA and localization vendors like Testronic, and how are you addressing them? The biggest challenge for our clients is the need for flexibility in an unpredictable market. As a partner, our role is to provide that flexibility, scaling services up or down as needed and adapting to evolving requirements. We are also mindful of the technological disruption in our industry. Rather than resisting it, we are embracing it, using new tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency and maintain the highest standards of quality. By staying client-focused and innovative, we turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. Looking ahead to 2026, what do you think will be the dominant trends and discussions in the industry? By 2026, I believe we will see a resurgent global market, driven by recovering economies and an explosion of new content in games, TV, and film. AI will become a fully embedded solution in workflows and many aspects of day-to-day life, rather than being a technological solution searching for commercial and practical applications. For Testronic, 2026 will be about continuing to lead the charge in providing flexible, agile, and innovative solutions that keep pace with a dynamic and exciting industry.