Breaking Down Barriers: A Black QA Tester's Journey in the Gaming Industry

This interview is part of GamesIndustry.biz's Black Voices Progress Report, offering a glimpse into the diverse experiences of Black professionals in the gaming sector. The report can be found on this page, along with other insightful entries. So far, the Black Voice Progress Report has featured established and successful professionals in the field. However, an anonymous QA tester shares their unique perspective on being Black in a role that often lacks respect, regardless of the individual in the position. The tester's career in the gaming industry began with a passion for the hobby, which eventually led to working on AAA titles. Nevertheless, it wasn't until attending an in-person company party that they noticed a striking lack of diversity, prompting them to research and realize the severity of the representation issue in the industry. This discovery sparked a desire to make a positive impact while still working in the gaming industry. As time passed, the tester's concerns about diversity grew, exacerbated by a schedule and remote work setup that increased feelings of isolation. 'Since everyone who is Black doesn't work on my shift, I rarely get to interact with them,' they explain. Although the company has a Black network, the tester finds it challenging to connect with others due to geographical distances. The anonymous tester expresses frustration that leadership has not addressed this isolating work environment, making it difficult to express concerns about interacting with a more diverse group of employees. 'Most of my higher-ups are not people of color, which makes it tough to convey my concerns to potentially indifferent ears,' they say. Furthermore, the employee is dissatisfied with the lack of career advancement opportunities, which rely partly on visibility to management – a challenge when working hours don't overlap with decision-makers. The tester recalls a frustrating experience where no one from their shift was promoted to a certain position. As a result, their current work in the gaming industry lacks fulfillment. However, attending a gaming convention last year renewed their passion for their career. 'I was able to network with many people in the gaming industry, which was a great experience,' they explain. The convention, which had a large attendance from marginalized communities, marked a turning point for the tester. They discovered the Black in Gaming Foundation and connected with like-minded individuals, providing them with new tools and career considerations. 'Having these outside sources and doing my research helps, but within my company, I'd have to leave or move up to a higher position to feel less isolated,' they say. The tester finds being part of an organization focused on Black talent to be professionally rewarding and beneficial for their mental well-being. 'I'm involved with the Black in Gaming Foundation's city chapter, which allows me to network and create panels about Black people in the gaming industry. I can also talk to potential mentors, unlike the mentorship programs offered by my job, which don't always match me with people I'm looking for,' they explain. Unfortunately, the QA tester's experiences are not unique, as marginalized communities continue to navigate these challenges in the gaming industry. Despite this, the tester remains hopeful for a better future. 'Knowing that there are others dealing with similar issues gives me the motivation to keep going,' they say. Regarding their career progress, the tester feels it has been 'very limited,' but they appreciate the invaluable experience gained in their current position. 'I work in QA and mostly interact with developers. One thing I'd like to see as progress is more Black characters in non-stereotypical roles. Most Black characters I can think of are either fighting or surviving, which doesn't represent our full spectrum,' they explain. The tester believes that moving the representation needle requires having more Black professionals in the field and in decision-making positions. 'I wish for more realistic portrayals of Black characters in games,' they say. 'I don't want to see the same stereotypes, such as the strong basketball player who joins the military, or Eurocentric facial characteristics.' By the end of the conversation, the QA tester expresses a strong desire to help improve the numbers for people of color, particularly Black professionals, in the gaming sector.