A regular day for Kunal in the studio revolves around uncovering bugs and polishing gameplay until it shines. As a Senior Game Tester at Ubisoft Pune, he loves getting into the nitty-gritty of game mechanics to ensure that players have a smooth gaming experience. Kunal has successfully delivered two projects, Far Cry 6 and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and he says that his work is not just a job anymore but being part of a team that turns creative worlds into realities. Let’s get to know him better in the first edition of Studio Spotlight.
Hey Kunal, what does a Senior Game Tester typically do?
As a Senior Game Tester, my responsibilities extend beyond just testing games. Every day, we test the current game’s build multiple times to ensure that everything functions smoothly. It obviously requires a lot of dedication and patience. Aside from that, we work on the requests generated by the production teams and provide feedback on game mechanics. It’s not just about finding what’s not working as intended but also suggesting how it can be better.
Additionally, there is a mentoring aspect where we guide junior testers and share our insights gained over our time in the studio. Seniors serve as a bridge between leads and testers, so we must be the best communicators in every phase. It’s a challenging but satisfying role, especially when you see a game you’ve worked on reach the hands of excited gamers across the world.
How did you land a job at Ubisoft?
After completing my master’s degree, I spent six months working for a software development company. However, it didn’t feel like the perfect fit for me. During that phase of uncertainty, a friend mentioned Ubisoft and how it could be an excellent chance given my love for gaming. I applied right away, and I started working as a game tester within two weeks!
What was your favourite project at Ubisoft?
My favorite project at Ubisoft is my first – Far Cry 6. Starting off as a fresher in the field, I had the privilege of working alongside some very talented colleagues whose guidance and collaboration played a pivotal role in shaping my skills. Working on a project from start to finish gave me several wonderful memories and learnings that continue to influence my career positively.
Can you share a special memory at Ubisoft India?
A special memory for me would be when we had a Game Balancing pass on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and a report was sent to the production team. For those unaware, Game Balancing involves adjusting a game’s elements and mechanics to ensure fairness, challenge, and enjoyable gameplay for all players. After a few days, we saw all the changes we suggested present in the game, which was a very special moment for me and all the team members involved in the balancing pass.
Are you a gamer? What is your favourite video game?
Yes, I’m definitely a gamer! My all-time favourites include Dota 2, the Assassin’s Creed franchise and The Last of Us franchise. I really enjoy playing Dota 2 with my friends. When I’m not playing with my friends, I usually play story-driven and narrative-rich games.
How do you spend your free time after work?
After work, I like to unwind and relax by spending time with my wife watching TV shows. While I enjoy gaming, I believe it is important to balance it with non-screen-related activities to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Of course, when a new game is released, it’s too good to pass up. I also play some multiplayer games with my wife. While she isn’t a hardcore gamer, she likes occasional co-op gaming sessions with me.
What advice would you like to share with an aspiring game tester?
If you want to be a game tester, my most important advice is to never lose your interest and passion for gaming. Pay attention to the tiniest details because those intricate problems can make or break a player’s experience. Remember, you are the bridge between developers and gamers, so your ability to clearly express issues is essential.
You must play a wide range of games across multiple genres. The more you play, the better you will understand the player’s perspectives. Finally, have patience. Everyone starts somewhere, and each bug you discover, each report you make, is a step forward in your career growth. Remember that your involvement is critical in shaping the final result, so take pride in your job!
Studio Spotlight explores the backgrounds and lives of our talented teammates across Ubisoft India. Here you will get to know more about their favourite projects, video games that they love, sometimes career advice, achievements which make them proud, and much more!