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[V85]Video Game Testers Jobs

by Sean Saunders, Sea

When it comes to video game tester jobs, they can be split up into two basic categories -- paid testing jobs and unpaid testing jobs. Why would anybody want to take an unpaid job? Well, there are actually several reasons. First, it is an excellent way for a gamer to get his hands on a free copy of an upcoming video game. Second, it is a great way for a gamer to prove himself as a video game tester, which can lead to actual paying gigs in the future. Third, it helps to develop valuable connections in the gaming industry.

The video game tester job that is most appealing, obviously, is the one that results in a fat paycheck. Traditionally, these jobs allow you to work from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. Testers are sent video games through the mail, and attached to each game is a "bug/glitch report" form which is used by the game tester to detail the glitches he has found. The overall goal is to basically explore all the levels in the game while looking for different glitches and bugs that are causing problems; whether they be big or small. In addition to that, video game testers are required to give general feedback on the game itself. This is to help the video game developers improve upon the beta version and get the video game up to the standard "playability level" accepted by most gamers.

As a video game tester, you can either work full-time or part-time; it really just depends on how many jobs you're up for. Whether this is something you want to do on the side to supplement your income or something you wish to make a career out of, there are various "testing options" to choose from. These options include different gaming platforms and encompass all different genres of the video game industry. In layman's terms; you can choose what system you want to test on and what types of games you primary want to get paid to test (usually).

No matter what type of video game tester job you decide upon, you must be willing to devote most of your time to the completion of testing assignments. This doesn't mean just playing a video game and telling the developer "yeah, I saw a few bugs here and there"; it means you have to explain, in detail, how you came across a bug and what it effects it has on the player or the environment. To put it in perspective for you: you're being paid to professional test video games, not to simply play them and have a good time.

Video Game tester jobs are highly sought after by those of us who love playing video games. What gamer wouldn't love to play and test games for a living? But if you have never worked in the video game industry, landing your first game testing job can seem a bit intimidating. What skills are needed? Where does one apply? What should be put on one's resume? What about interview preparation? Don't fret – we all have to start somewhere, and if you are determined to start a video game tester career, there is a simple, yet highly successful process that anyone can use to make it happen.

By following this 7 step process, you will land your first game testing job. This process is what we have discovered to be the most bullet-proof method of landing your first game tester job, as well as for starting a career as a video game tester.

First, you simply must enjoy playing games. Many people think being a games tester would just be an easy job, but without a sincere passion for gaming, just showing up for a paycheck simply doesn't work. If you don't sincerely love playing video games, then when the time to ship the game draws close, and everyone is putting in long hours to find all those remaining bugs in the game being tested, you won't be enjoying yourself.

Second, learn that video games are software, and should be tested as such. Learn how to test the game as software, not simply a game. Discovered bugs aren't simply a problem with the game play; they are most likely code bugs in the software. Learn the fundamentals of software testing, and you will find a lot more bugs, and soon become the leading bug finder on your team. This will make you a rockstar game tester, and the jobs will come to you as your reputation as a video game tester grows.

Third, don't limit yourself to testing only one gaming platform or company. Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo are the big three, but if you limit yourself to only one of those, you limit the game tester jobs and opportunities that are available to you. Learn to use the PC as a gaming platform if you don't already, and you will rapidly increase your video game tester job opportunities.

Fourth, acquire some game testing experience before building your resume. There are numerous video game beta tester opportunities that are free to apply for, and although they are unpaid, you will gain valuable experience.

Fifth, learn a few things about the video game industry. Having a basic understanding of what it takes to design, market and ship a game will impress potential employers to no end, and put you way ahead of the pack of ordinary game testers.

Sixth, determine which company or companies you would like to work for. Many jobs are on-site, meaning you will have to live or work where the actual company is, but many companies will hire people to test their games at home, on their own systems, so your geographic location doesn't have to be an obstacle.

Seventh, after following the first 6 steps, it will be time to build your resume and cover letter. You will now be able to really showcase your passion for video games, as well as show your potential employer you know something about game testing. This will give you a significant advantage against other entry-level game testers, and insures you will be hired for your first video game tester job!

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Both Sean Saunders & Jonathon Halston 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.

Sean Saunders has sinced written about articles on various topics from SEO linking, Facelift Before and After and Wrinkles. Sean Saunders Spends Most of His Time Playing Video Games And He Now Has A Very Successful Career In Professional . If You Would Like To Learn M. Sean Saunders's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.

Jonathon Halston has sinced written about articles on various topics from Video Games, Education and Video Games. Jonathon Halston has tested video games for over 11 years. He started out as a contract video game tester, and soon became a Software Design Engineer in Test at a World Class Software Company – and you can too. To learn more about how to get hired f. Jonathon Halston's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.