It is true! Although many people believe that video game tester jobs are bogus, that is not the case as not only can you get a job making decent money playing games all day long, but you can also make a pretty successful career out of it. The question is: Where do you find a job testing games in the video game industry? Well, it is easier than you may think, but first need to make sure this is something you really want to do. I know, you think I am crazy. Why wouldn't you want to play video games and get paid for it? A lot of reasons. First, if you are not extremely passionate about gaming, then it is probably not for you because when you are a video game tester you are playing games literally all day long and sometimes at really weird hours of the night depending on the company. Still sounds interesting? If you said yes then, lets continue. Secondly, you will probably end up playing games you don't like or you are not even interested in on occasion. Remember now, I am not trying to make you not want to be a game tester, I am just stating the facts here, only the truly passionate gamers with an interest in making a career in the video game industry will want to do this. Lastly, your pay won't be very good in the beginning, perfect for a student, but it can turn into a struggle for others. All and all though, if you are truly dedicated to getting your foot in the door for one of the big time companies like Nintendo or Rockstar, then this is a perfect way to get on your way to an awesome video game career.
Seems a lot of people these days are interested in becoming paid video game testers. With all the excitement surrounding the release of the latest gaming consoles like the PS3 and Nintendo Wii, this is no surprise. So let's take a look at the different types of video game tester jobs that are available for gamers.
Job 1: Self-Employed Video Game Tester
Everyday people are searching online for information and reviews about the latest game releases. Some very smart gamers are filling that demand by putting up their own websites and blogs and writing reviews of games as they play them. They also include tips, screenshots and more that their visitors will find useful. By adding Google Adsense ads or other advertiser's ads to their websites, they've created their own video game testing business that makes money everyday - just for playing games and telling others about it!
Job 2: Freelance Video Game Tester
Some gamers with a bit more experience and motivation take things up a notch. These gamers actively seek out companies who produce games and offer to test their upcoming release for bugs, playability and other features. This type of work pays very well, but requires the video game tester to be able to communicate and write very clearly - and also to be very punctual. As a freelance video game tester, you'll be expected to play unreleased games from the comfort of your own home, provide written feedback as instructed by the developer and return this information within a specified time frame. Your reward for this? A big fat paycheck by mail!
Job 3: Full-time Corporate Game Tester
It is also possible to get hired by large game developers for a full time game testing position. These are the ultimate dream jobs for many gamers, but are very difficult to get. They require a high level of communication and writing skills plus plenty of experience. On the other hand, the reward is that much greater too - a high paying, secure, full-time job doing what you enjoy most - gaming! Many gamers build up the experience needed to get these types of positions by working as freelance video game testers until they've built up a solid resume of completed assignments.
As you can see, there are many ways to make money playing video games. A bit of time spent sharpening up your writing skills combined with your interest in gaming and a desire to share your knowledge with others can easily add up to a great job!
Both Katie George & James Allen 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.