Xbox One X

On Xbox One X, my final role was QA Team Lead.

What is Xbox One X?

The Xbox One X is a high-end hardware revision of the Xbox One, a home video game console developed by Microsoft. Built under the codename “Project Scorpio“, the Xbox One X was released in November 2017 with a 1 TB base model and a limited edition “Project Scorpio Edition” variant that features a unique green "Project Scorpio" inscription on the console and bundled controller.

Key features of the Xbox One X include:

  • True 4K Ultra HD Gaming

  • Spatial Sound

  • HDR - High Dynamic Range

  • 4K Game DVR

My work as QA Team Lead on the Xbox One X

  • Upheld established test and validation strategy for completing milestone goals and key deliverables related to quality-focused success metrics targeted at shipping the Xbox One X home game console.

  • Directly responsible for delegating tasks and test cases to small teams of between 5-10 test associates and reviewing completed test work from those teams for submittal to partner triage and development teams, collectively providing coverage of thousands of unique titles as verified playable on the Xbox One X.

  • Oversaw implementation of numerous updates and changes to small team workflows, as well as quarterly updates to the team’s physical test lab environment.

  • Assisted with confidential special projects within Microsoft’s Xbox division when necessary.

  • Trained new team members on end-to-end QA testing methodologies, processes, and in-house tool suite.

Challenges & Learnings: Working on the Xbox One X

While I initially started under contract in a lower QA role on the Xbox One X project, I was quickly moved into the position of QA Team Lead in order to meet the high-volume demand for QA personnel required to complete the defined statement of work (SoW) for the project. Having been moved into a small team lead role quickly, I had to rapidly adapt to the role of leading my own small team while also supporting my original team lead in parallel. Over the course of my time working on the Xbox One X, I learned to become capable in contending with a series of novel program updates coming down from leadership at a rapid pace, while also managing to clearly translate those same directives to my teams in an effective manner that resulted in our collective ability to achieve higher than expected output for the project that routinely surpassed leadership expectations for established deliverables and milestones.

Where to get Xbox One X

The Xbox One X was originally released to all major online and physical retailers in November 2017 (current availability may vary).

Xbox One X - Links & Media