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LYNDSAY PISTELLA

Senior Video Game QA Analyst

TESTING

JIRA/Confluence, ADO, Trello, Test Track Pro (TTP), Hansoft, Test Rail, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack

TYPES OF TESTING

  • Functionality

  • Regression

  • Compliance

  • Localization

  • Performance

  • Ad-Hoc

  • Balance

  • Multiplayer/Network

  • Cross-Platform

  • Build Verification

  • Smoke/Sanity

  • Database

  • Automation

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DEV TOOLS

Sony Dev Kit, Microsoft Game Dev Kit, Nintendo Dev Portal SDK, Perforce, Selenium, Visual Studio, Hermes, Aspera, Jenkins, Python, Lua, Unity, Unreal Engine

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  • Frequent use of the Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo Dev Kit software and hardware - very familiar with compliance testing and debug functionality.

  • Used Aspera to share files with external partner studios.

  • With Jenkins, I implemented continuous integration and delivery pipelines, enabling seamless build automation and deployment using Perforce at EA for The Simpsons Tapped Out.

  • Selenium to automate web application testing, creating robust test scripts to improve efficiency and coverage.

  • Utilized SQL to query databases, analyze data and utilize in testing and test cases.

  • Familiar with Unity and Unreal in personal projects and work Game Jams.

PLATFORMS

SONY: PS3, PS4, PS5, Vita
 

MICROSOFT: Xbox 360, Xbox One + Kinect, Xbox Series X
 

NINTENDO: Wii, Wii U, 3DS, Switch
 

PC: Steam, MSS, Epic, GoG
 

MOBILE: Android, macOS, FireOs
 

VR: Vive, Oculus, PSVR
 

LANGUAGES: SQL, JQL, English: C2 (Fluent), Spanish: A2 (Basic), Swedish: A1 (Beginner)

  • Tested and optimized games consoles, such as Nintendo Switch’s handheld and docked modes, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent performance.

  • Contributed to the successful launch of multiple titles by ensuring compliance with first-party submission guidelines and achieving certification on all target platforms.

  • Used JQL to create custom JIRA filters to quickly find specific issues based on criteria like status, assignee, priority, or labels.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 12+ years of QA experience in video games

  • 7+ years of leadership positions

  • 3 generations of consoles

  • Over 20 shipped titles

  • ​Player Perspective

  • Attention to Detail

  •  Curious

  • Thoughtful

  • Listen Carefully

  • Willing to Learn

  • Communication

  • Problem-Solving

  • Time Management

  • Team Collaboration

  • Adaptability

  • Leadership/Mentorship

  • Documentation

  • Passion for Gaming

ABOUT

​With over 12 years of experience in QA and over 7 years in leadership roles, I am a adept Senior QA Analyst specializing in video game testing across AAA, indie, and mobile platforms. Currently at Panic Button, I lead a team of testers and have spearheaded QA efforts for high-profile titles like Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 4/5, and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. I designed and implemented the test pipeline for Skyrim’s 10th Anniversary Edition, collaborating with Bethesda to optimize workflows and ensure seamless cross-platform performance. My expertise spans Agile/Scrum methodologies, bug tracking (JIRA, Azure DevOps), and a wide range of testing types, including compliance, performance, and localization. With a Bachelor’s in Media Arts & Animation and a passion for gaming, I bring a unique blend of technical knowledge, leadership, and a player-focused perspective to deliver polished, high-quality gaming experiences. Over 20 shipped titles and a proven track record of building and managing QA processes from the ground up underscore my commitment to excellence in game development.

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TICKET TRACKING SOFTWARE

JIRA, Azure DevOps, Test Rail, TTP, Hansoft, Trello 

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PLATFORMS

Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Steam, HTC, Meta, Epic

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DEV TOOLS

Perforce, Visual Studio, Selenium, SQL

Resume

Experienced Senior QA Analyst with 12+ years in video game testing, contributing to 20+ AAA and indie titles across PC, mobile, VR, and multiple console generations. Proven leader in Agile/SCRUM environments, skilled in data-driven test strategies, automation tools, and platform compliance. Player-first mindset with deep industry knowledge, with strong analytical skills for risk assessment and test optimization. 

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Work History

Senior QA Analyst

Panic Button

Austin, TX
June 2020 - 2025

  • Led QA efforts and teams for titles including Skyrim, Fallout 4, Starfield, Forza Horizon 4/5, and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order.

  • Designed and implemented the test pipeline and process for the Skyrim 10th Anniversary project across all consoles and PC platforms (Steam, Epic, MS Store, GoG).

  • Collaborated with Bethesda QA, production, and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and ensure seamless information exchange.

  • Prioritize and track defects using JIRA and Azure DevOps, utilizing dashboards, filters, and other tools to streamline bug triage.

  • Use internal automation test tools for testing UI and stability/uptime.

  • Improved testing efficiency and by analyzing testing data and using it to pinpoint high risk or problem areas

QA Analyst III

Panic Button

Austin, TX

June 2019 - June 2020

  • Partnered with developers across all production stages to establish test processes for Doom Eternal, Torchlight and Wolfenstein: Youngblood on Xbox Series X/One, PS4/PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

  • Conducted specialized tests for compliance, accessibility, regression, performance, build verification, latency and localization.

  • Develop and execute detailed test cases to ensure comprehensive coverage of game features, and documentation of other valuable project information.

  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills used to identify root causes of issues and propose effective solutions.

QA Manager

Phaser Lock 

Austin, TX

Feb 2018 - Mar 2019

  • Built and managed the QA department including hiring testers, arranging playtests, and manually testing Final Assault on VR platforms.

  • Developed QA procedures, selected testing tools, and collaborated with owners and developers to align QA efforts with critical quality goals..

  • Provided detailed feedback to directors and producers, ensuring testing efforts focused on validating key aspects of game quality.

  • Balance Testing: Conducted extensive gameplay testing to ensure smooth mechanics and balanced difficulty

QA Analyst II

EA Games - Red Crow

Austin, TX

Apr 2017 - Nov 2017

  • Managed daily builds for The Simpsons: Tapped Out using Jenkins and Perforce.

  • Created test plans, logged bugs, and led the Baton Rouge QA team to ensure timely and accurate testing.

  • Adapted quickly to changing project requirements and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with a major studio and its highly protected IP - Fox and The Simpsons.

  • Testing and analyzing mobile games across multiple platforms (macOS, Android, Fire OS) to ensure a seamless player experience. 

  • LiveOps Support: Monitored updates, patches, and live game performance, ensuring smooth rollouts and quick issue resolution.

QA Analyst II

InMotion Software

Austin, TX

June 2016 - May 2017

  • Agile & Scrum: Participated in sprint meetings, provided updates and reports on the health of projects, and set and met milestones.

  • Mobile UX/UI Testing for the HEB Mobile app to identify and resolve issues in design or functionality 

  • Tested app communication between external client hardware and the web version for the REEF Education project

  • Traveled and met with the QA team at HEB Headquarters in San Antonio to define the test plan, scope, and test cases for our assigned areas of ownership.

QA Analyst I

Certain Affinity

Austin, TX

 Apr 2017 - Nov 2017

  • The feature lead and expert for multiplayer mode Demons focusing on functionality, including matchmaking, latency, and server stability, and assisted with planning and set-up for internal studio-wide playtests. 

  • Focused on gameplay parity, specifically timing, with the original game on the remaster of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in identifying and reporting bugs and potential exploits.

QA Tester

KingsIsle

Austin, TX

Apr 2014 - May 2015

  • Tested Wizard101 and Pirate101, ensuring builds met quality standards for release and adhered to child privacy and safety laws and guidelines.

  • Worked with automated testing tools and scripts; used Lua to streamline repetitive testing processes for character progression.

  • Assisted developers in debugging and reproducing complex issues.

  • Utilized test plans for regular smoke and sanity testing and made changes where needed

QA Tester

Pole to Win

Austin, TX

2017

  • Conducted manual testing and developed expertise in assigned features and test areas.

  • Used various bug tracking or organization tools like Jira, Hansoft, and Trello to document and prioritize issues.

  • Provided QA and tech support for titles including GTA 6 Online, Tekken 6, Telltale's The Walking Dead, and Zumba: World Party console versions.

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OFFICE

Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Autodesk

CREDITS

© 2025 by Lyndsay Pistella. All rights reserved.

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