BioWare Montreal QA Lead
Req. Number: 26589
Location Information: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
BioWare is a division of EA which crafts high quality multiplatform role-playing, MMO and strategy games, focused on emotionally engaging, rich stories with unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's most critically acclaimed titles and franchises, including Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, Mass Effect and Dragon Age. BioWare currently operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec, Canada) and Austin (Texas).
BioWares games have continually achieved critical and commercial success. All of our published titles are highly rated at
www.gamerankings.com; in fact we have 6 games in the top 1% highest rated games of all time! Today BioWare has over 800 staff at its locations and continues to grow. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit
www.bioware.com, or follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/bioware . To join the millions of fans already registered with the BioWare community, go to
http://social.bioware.com.
BioWare is looking for a highly skilled gameplay expert responsible for testing and measuring the player experience (fun) using proven analytical techniques (iterative process consisting of characterizations, hypotheses, predictions, and experimentation). The key activities are design and gameplay analysis, test architecting, and testing (providing both objective and subjective feedback).
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Scope out and develop high level testing plan for singleplayer / multiplayer gameplay
Coordinate testing efforts between different locations and cross platform
Coordinate testing efforts with external parties
Scope out and develop high level testing plan for Post Release Content
Determine task priority, schedules, and deadlines for assigned areas/systems
Provide risk assessments and offer testing solutions for high risk technical changes; provide key testing cost feedback during Triage
Assess and report on the health of the product
Drive discipline excellence and teamwork in the testing team
Effectively develop, mentor and lead QA team of 8+ Analysts and Testers
Manage the planning, tasking and execution of testing with respect to project goals
Act as a liaison to the Production department
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3 years experience leading a team of QA Testers;
The ideal candidate has shipped at least one video game title and has a minimum of three years of Development experience in the video game or related industry
Strong knowledge of software testing methodologies and best practices
Familiarity with spreadsheet tracking document creation and maintenance via tools such as Excel
Experience with online social network integration
Prior experience supervising and directing of the daily testing duties of other testers
Good knowledge/experience with project management, budgeting, resource planning
Familiarity with design concepts (gameplay/level design)
ADDITIONAL SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE
Familiar with major release first- and third-person shooter genre titles
Avid gamer who regularly engages in multiplayer gameplay
Solid understanding of and experience with agile development processes
Strong time and task management skills
Strong problem identification and solving ability
Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing
Strong knowledge in key area(s), particularly game design, development
Familiarization with defect tracking and test management tools
Focused on continuous improvement
ADVANTAGES
General understanding of first party compliance
University degree or graduate of a recognized post-secondary program in software engineering or related discipline is a strong asset;
Current Specializations (w/defined test processes): Level Design, Combat, Interface Design, Single Player/ Multiplayer / Action-RPG Experience is a plus.
