Marco Labate
Senior Game QA / Embedded DevQA Analyst
Supporting development teams through gameplay testing, feature validation, risk analysis, regression and release.
10+ years in QA across 100+ game projects. Currently Embedded DevQA on RuneScape: Dragonwilds (Jagex) via DAQA.
Based in Italy (CET) · Remote · Open to studio, publisher and QA-partner roles
Selected Game QA Work
From ongoing development support to full-game progression and onboarding: recent examples of my contribution.
Current · Embedded DevQA
RuneScape: Dragonwilds
Developed & published by Jagex · QA via DAQA
Embedded QA support covering gameplay, progression, UI, multiplayer session flows, regression, and release validation.
1M+ copies sold · Very Positive on Steam
- Steam
- Microsoft Store
- Epic Games Store
- PlayStation
- Xbox Series
- Nintendo Switch 2
Possessor(s)
Developed by Heart Machine · Published by Devolver Digital · QA via DAQA
End-to-end gameplay QA covering full progression, combat, usability, narrative flow, and Steam Deck testing.
Mostly Positive on Steam
- Steam
- PlayStation
- Nintendo Switch 2
Don't Stop, Girlypop!
Developed by Funny Fintan Softworks · Published by Kwalee · QA via DAQA
Structured gameplay and UX testing focused on onboarding, controller usability, core-loop clarity, and player experience.
Very Positive on Steam
- Steam
Featured projects are recent, publicly attributable examples of my work; additional experience remains unlisted because of NDA, outsourcing structures or crediting limitations. Platform references describe QA coverage or testing exposure where applicable and do not necessarily indicate public release availability on every platform.
At a glance
QA snapshot
Experience
Broader Game QA experience
A foundation in large-scale game testing, localization and long-running collaboration with QA partners.
2016 – 2023
Keywords Studios
Game QA Analyst
Functional, compatibility, localization and regression QA across 100+ PC, console, mobile and VR titles/projects in a large-scale games outsourcing environment.
2020 – Present
DAQA
Project-based Game QA / Embedded DevQA
Focus testing and playtesting with DAQA, an external QA partner, covering 30+ titles across publishers and genres and expanding into embedded DevQA on RuneScape: Dragonwilds (Jagex) from 2025.
Earlier experience: 2010 – 2019 · Italian localization and LQA for Valve, Digital Extremes and Phoenix Labs, including Steam, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Warframe and Dauntless.
QA Case Studies
How I investigate unexpected player behaviour, communicate findings and check what a change could break. Independent exercises and methodology; no confidential project information.
Featured Case Study
Hypothetical QA exerciseHow I Would QA a Systemic Game Like Bradley the Badger
Independent QA exercise based exclusively on publicly available information. No professional involvement with Bradley the Badger or Day 4 Night Studios.
Case Study
QA methodologyLive Patch Monitoring After Major Updates
Monitoring active builds after major releases to identify regression signals, player-impacting issues and hotfix candidates.
Case Study
QA methodologyProgression and Reward Balance Validation
Comparing effort, reward pacing and progression consistency across different gameplay activities.
Software QA
Additional Software QA Experience
Experience across enterprise UAT, data validation, SQL-driven testing and business-critical systems.
About
QA depth with a player-focused mindset.
I follow features as they change, investigate unexpected player behaviour and explain what an issue means for the experience. Clear evidence helps developers reproduce problems and helps the team decide what needs attention.
Contact
Available for studios, publishers, QA partners, and long-term roles.
Public CV version available for recruiters and hiring teams.