Staff Spotlight: Meet Marie-Cécile Delrieu, LQA Training Coordinator at Keywords in Japan
We sat down with Marie-Cécile Delrieu, LQA Training Coordinator at Keywords in Japan, to discuss her journey into LQA, diversity in the gaming industry and what it’s like working at Keywords.
What inspired your journey into testing for video games?
During my studies, I stumbled upon a job advertisement from a well-known company in London. They were looking for LQA testers and while reading the ad, I just thought “that’s me!”. I went in for a test and passed it. In the end, I only worked on one project as I was still finishing my studies and hoped to soon leave for Japan, but I really liked the experience. It was a step towards realising that a career in video games was possible and worth considering. Now 10 years later, here I am at Keywords!
Why is testing so important to the video gaming cycle?
A crash when pressing a button or a character falling unexpectedly are serious issues that need intense functionality testing. Some argue that it’s more important than localisation testing but they’re both equally as crucial to the process. Localisation digs out any missing text, ugly placeholders and misleading translations that will prevent the players from progressing. Incorrect instructions or a blank screen needs to be fixed as much as any crash or collision issue.
Testing is important for every product, especially so for video games. It’s the final step and the guarantee that everyone did everything they could to provide the best product to customers and clients. Players deserve to get the most polished game possible. They are, after all, investing their time and money into the experience. Video games are such an important part of so many people’s lives. The biggest example of this was seen during the pandemic, where games acted as a link between people who were housebound during those trying times.
What does a typical day at Keywords entail?
It depends on the day! On training days, I welcome our new recruits and give them a presentation on Keywords and what the job of an LQA tester entails here. Then we move onto some practice training which simulates a real-life workflow. It may be a lot to take in for our trainees but even if they don’t remember everything, I want to make sure they experience as much of the process as possible. We don’t want new members of the team swamped with Excel sheets, instruction e-mails, new faces and new processes. I believe that the tools our training gives them are enough to help them on their way.
If I don’t have anyone to train, I consolidate my training presentation and write documents for our training Sharepoint. I also research content for specific training programs and brainstorm ideas or processes that will help new and veteran testers alike.
Keywords Studios in Japan recently participated in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride festival. What did it mean for you to be involved in such an event?
Although I wasn’t able to make it to the festival, I felt extremely proud seeing Keywords translate its values of inclusivity and diversity into visible action. I hope to be involved in future initiatives!
How important is diversity to the future of LQA and gaming as a whole?
Diversity is here. It has always been. People of all genders have been playing video games since the beginning and will continue to do so. Women and people from under-represented genders deserve to express themselves and show everybody that it’s possible to work and lead in the industry. We see examples of this every day here at Keywords. There will always be room to improve of course and we will continue to strive for perfection.
We need the gaming world to be as open as the universe it creates and to reflect the diversity of people playing them. There is always enough space for all types of games and all types of voices.
What do you like best about working for Keywords Studios?
I like the atmosphere, especially in the LQA Department. Seeing everyone working together to solve problems that transcend the language barrier is always amazing. I am proud to have been here for 10 years across different positions, teams and departments. I’ve learned so much and I’m proud to be able to share that with new recruits here. Hopefully I give them the welcome and the help they need to get off on the right foot.
Tell us an interesting fact about you!
My first “gaming” experience was on an Atari computer (the one with the very flat keys) and I played together with my father. I also did “coding” exercises in primary school as my school had computers. I was really rubbish at it as we were only following instructions and I would have needed more training. I wish it had sparked some life-changing interest but no. At least, I can say I used real floppy disks, the big ones!
And finally, what advice would you give to someone considering a career in LQA?
Be kind and be willing to learn from others. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of teamwork. Your colleagues are your allies, you are all working together to find ways to test in the most efficient way possible. Learning new things by yourself is great but your colleagues can also share knowledge and perspectives you don’t have. There is never only one way of testing, be creative together.
If you are interested in a Localisation Quality Assurance role at Keywords Studios, you can find current open positions on our Careers page.
