FIFA 14 - FIFA Ultimate Team
Jul 2011 - Dec 2013 / Vancouver, CA / Quality Analyst
What:
As part of the FIFA 14 project my team and I focused specifically on the FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) mode. My role involved gameplay testing, regression testing, and investigating online fraud to ensure the quality and integrity of the game.
Why:
FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) is a popular game mode in the FIFA series where players build their dream football teams by earning, trading, and purchasing player cards. As one of the franchise's most-played modes, FUT is a key driver of FIFA 14's success, both in player engagement and revenue generation. Ensuring the mode was bug-free, secure, and enjoyable was essential for maintaining its popularity and supporting the game's overall sales and reputation. With the added complexity of launching on next-gen consoles, quality assurance and fraud prevention became even more critical.
How:
Initially, I contributed to FIFA 13 part-time while in university, performing gameplay and graphics testing. After graduation, I transitioned to full-time QA on FIFA 14, where I:
Conducted gameplay and regression tests, focusing on specific areas of FUT functionality.
Tested the game on next-gen consoles (Xbox One and PS4) before their official launch to ensure compatibility and performance.
Collaborated with development teams to track and resolve bugs across gameplay, hardware, and companion applications.
Later, I joined the FUT Fraud Team, focusing on online security and ecosystem integrity. My responsibilities included:
Investigating unusual trading behaviors of player cards.
Reviewing customer tickets related to stolen coins or accounts.
Identifying and banning bot accounts and cheaters.
Tracking phishing websites targeting FIFA players and shutting down illicit coin-selling operations.
Tools:
Dev kits for next-gen consoles (Xbox One, PS4).
Bug tracking software (e.g., JIRA).
Internal tools for monitoring in-game transactions and user activity.
External resources for identifying phishing websites and fraudulent activity.