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.