Volunteer Role: Game Playtester (Emulation-Based Research & QA Recording) Important: Volunteer Position

This is a volunteer (non-paid) role within a community initiative. Participants contribute gameplay sessions for research and testing purposes.

This opportunity is part of Xover Gaming, a community non-profit group focused on technology, gaming culture, and digital creativity. Xover Gaming is expanding into interactive gaming research and experimental systems.

This specific project explores Agentic Gaming AI systems, with the long-term goal of potential showcasing at future LAN centre events and gaming community showcases.

Participants will use emulation software to play retro and legacy video games, with gameplay recorded for analysis of player behavior, game design, and experimental AI research.

No technical or programming experience is required.

Overview

We are seeking Game Playtesters to help evaluate and record gameplay sessions across a variety of video games, primarily using emulated retro and legacy systems.

Participants will play games normally while gameplay footage and/or controller inputs are recorded. These recordings support research into player behavior, decision-making, and interactive system design.

Responsibilities

- Play assigned games using emulation-based setups (retro/legacy systems)
- Complete normal gameplay sessions (level progression, exploration, story progression)
- Allow gameplay sessions to be recorded (video and/or input data where applicable)
- Replay sections when requested for consistency testing or alternative strategies
- Report bugs,



glitches, or unusual in-game behavior
- Provide short feedback on gameplay experience (controls, difficulty, clarity, enjoyment)

What You’ll Be Doing (Simple Explanation)

- Playing games such as Pokémon, Mario, Zelda, and other classic titles via emulation
- Your gameplay is recorded for research and analysis purposes
- No coding, scripting, or technical setup required (all tools are preconfigured)
- Just play normally and progress through the game

Requirements

- Comfortable playing video games for extended sessions
- Basic familiarity with PC or console controls
- Ability to follow simple playtest instructions
- Willingness to have gameplay recorded for research use
- Reliable participation and attention to detail

Nice to Have (Optional)

- Experience with retro or classic games (NES, SNES, Game Boy, etc.)
- Interest in game design, QA testing, or AI systems
- Curiosity about how players interact with games and mechanics
- Interest in AI, and it's intersection with Gaming
- Passion for streaming, Gaming and / or future of Gaming,
- Knowledge of Nintendo game lore and worlds

Technical Note (Internal Use Only)

Depending on the session, gameplay may be recorded using:





- Emulation software (for retro and legacy systems)
- Screen capture tools or HDMI capture devices
- Optional controller input logging systems
- Research tools for analyzing gameplay behavior and progression

All tools are preconfigured; volunteers are not required to install or configure software unless specified.

What This Supports

Participation contributes to research in:

- Game quality assurance and testing workflows
- Player behavior analysis in interactive systems
- Game design evaluation and usability studies
- Experimental Agentic AI systems for gameplay analysis and interaction modeling

This work is part of an ongoing exploration into how AI systems can interact with and learn from human gameplay, with future goals including live demonstrations and showcases at gaming community events and LAN centres.

About Xover Gaming

Xover Gaming is a community-based non-profit initiative focused on gaming, digital systems, and experimental technology projects. The group explores the intersection of gaming culture, interactive media, and emerging AI systems, with an emphasis on community involvement and educational experimentation.

Closing

This is a flexible volunteer opportunity for individuals who enjoy gaming and want to contribute to research involving game systems, player experience, and interactive behavior analysis within a community-driven non-profit setting.

Job Types: Freelance, Casual

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote

📌 Video Game Tester (Canada)
🏢 Xover Gaming
📍 Canada