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[J85]Jobs In Video Game

by Lou Garrett, Lou

So what kinds of jobs are out there for gamers? The list is fairly large and big game firms and always looking for a few good men (or woman) to join their team.

Below is a list of gaming positions that are normally available within any large or small game firm. I have also listed the typical requirements. Just remember that each company is different so this information may alter slightly from organization to organization:

Video Game Tester: (AKA: QA, Analyst, Quality Assurance)

There are some basic requirements for this position. Most firms require that you have a High School diploma or equivalent. You should be at least 18 to apply. The general technical requirements are that you have basic computer skills including knowledge in excel. You should also be extremely passionate about gaming in general. Good testers are good gamers. Exceptional communication skills are a must. You will need to be able to properly communicate any findings on a new game to your superiors. You can also move up into management once you get your foot in the door. Pay for this position ranges from $30K to $49K per year.

Video Game Programmer:

I have found that all programmer positions require experience with C/C++. A lot of firms also require a bachelor degree within the engineering or computer science field. These types of positions are extremely technical and should not be applied for by entry-level candidates unless of course you have the proper educational background. You would be dealing with configuring and implementing logic (among other technical duties). Average pay runs from about $53K to $93K per year.

Video Game Developer:

A game developer concentrates more in all aspects of creating a new game. Some companies do require a degree for this position, but I found that you can locate other companies that do not require a degree. To apply for this sort of position, you should have experience with various game technologies. Pay scale for this position ranges from $45k to $70k per year.

Video Game Animator:

This position primarily involves sketching, illustrating, and creating special effects. It is an extremely creative position and one that requires experience with general computer programming. Most of these available positions do require previous experience in the game industry as well. I have found that you can apply for these positions with just an associate's degree vs. requiring a bachelor's degree. Pay ranges from $42k to $66k per year.

So you see there is so much that you as a gamer can accomplish within the game business. You just need to get out there and start looking.

Many gamers are looking for jobs in video game industry. Unfortunately though, most video game jobs require some form of education, be it from a technical school or from college. This is a serious barrier for hardcore gamers, many of whom just want to play video games and get paid for it. Luckily, there is an option available to such gamers; one that requires little to no training. What is it? Professional video game testing.

Unlike with game designing or game programming, one does not need a degree or college education to succeed in game testing. All a person needs to obtain testing jobs in video game industry is the ability to play video games and the ability to spot game glitches (high attention to detail). If the gamer has both those traits, he/she is ready to be a gamer tester right now.

Two Types of Testers

Most people don't know this, but there are two types of video game testers; the at-home tester and the "testing center" game tester. The at-home tester, as you can no doubt guess, works primary from home; while the "testing center" game tester works in a public building with others.

How do the two differ? Well, for one, the at-home tester doesn't have to leave his house to go to work. The second difference is the at-home video game tester won't be working with a team. Aside from those two differences, there really isn't much else. Both types will need to create bug reports on the games they are testing, both will receive free video games, both will get insider information on new games, and both will get paid excellent salaries for their work.

Getting Testing Jobs In Video Game Industry

You won't get any video game tester jobs sitting on your hind-end waiting for game companies to come to you; it's not that easy. Instead, you have to get yourself out there and actively search for new positions that are opening up.

Gaming companies are constantly launching new games, which means they are CONSTANTLY looking for new game testers to test those games. This is where you come in. Get in contact with these companies & developers and tell them what you have to offer. Brag about your experience and how long you've been gaming. The more experience you have with video games, the more they will be impressed and the more likely they will be to hire you.

If you're up for it, tell game developers that you'll test the first few games free of charge. Free game testing may not come with pay, but it is an excellent way to build up your references and your list of contacts.

Article Source : Playstation 2 Video Game Cheats

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Both Lou Garrett & Sean Saunders are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Lou Garrett has sinced written about articles on various topics from Video Games. . Lou Garrett's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.

Sean Saunders has sinced written about articles on various topics from SEO linking, Facelift Before and After and Wrinkles. For more in-depth information about and what it takes to be a professional game tester, try visiting. Sean Saunders's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.