Complete Guide ToBecoming a Game Tester and Making Money as a video Game Tester
Every month at least 15,000 people apply to enter the Game Testing industry with the aim of becoming a Video Game Tester
Even though there are enough games to go round not everyone knows how to start a career as a video game tester.
Look no further this Guide is here to inform you and guide you by giving you the essential information you need on Game Testing and how to get a Game Testers job.
Here are some common phrases you have probably typed into Search Engines:
* Apply To Become a Video Game Tester
* Make Money Playing Games
*Video game tester jobs
* How Can I Become A Video Game Tester?
* Become A Video Game Tester
* Everything you need to know about Game Testing
* How to Be a Video Game Tester?
* Find Game Tester Jobs Online
* Games Jobs
* Game tester in
* Games Development Games Jobs
* Game Companies
* Game Industry Jobs
* Video Games Jobs
* Game Testing Jobs
* Game Test
* Game Animator Jobs (People type this when looking for Game Testing openings)
* Game designer Jobs (People type this when looking for Game Testing openings)
*Video Game Beta Tester
*Become a Video Game Tester
All in all you and these potential Game Testers simply want to know how to become a video game tester.
We humans don't like unnecessary jargon, so I have focused only on the essential/necessary areas needed to become a Video-Game Tester. With each section in chronological order and clearly defined for easy reading
1. Intro
2. Job Description
3. The Benefits
4. Hot Tips To Impress
5. Summary
6. Other Ways to Become A Video Game Tester
7. F.A.Q's(Frequently Asked Questions)
8. The Money
9. The Negatives
10. The End
11. Jump start to become a Game Tester and Start Game Testing
This is a Fox news Report on Game Testing in the Wake of the Games rising popularity when it was still evolving
Note there are two ways of doing this job;
1.On Location as in the Video above or
2.Outsourced playing the games from Home
Intro:
Millions of people play console and computer games every day this explains why the game industry is a $40 billion industry and still growing.Video game testing is very popular because it is a fun, lucrative way of earning money part time; therefore and a popular field of work for people wanting flexibility, such as students.
Companies such as Sony (Playstation), EA, Rockstar, THQ, Blizzard, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are constantly looking for people to develop their testing teams. Unlike many other competitive industries, you don’t need to rely on that big break from an aunt or uncle working at the company to become a game tester.
Companies such as Sony (Playstation), EA, Rockstar, THQ, Blizzard, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are constantly looking for people to develop their testing teams. Unlike many other competitive industries, you don’t need to rely on that big break from an aunt or uncle working at the company to become a game tester.
Despite all the FUN, FUN, FUN, remember Video Game Testing a competitive role, that allows you to take advantage of real money making opportunities.
A lot of reputable video game designers, programmers & software developers etc, started out in video game testing as game testers.
Therefore it is an excellent way for people to get their foot in the door. Working at a company like Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox will provide you with invaluable networking opportunities. So you can build on you industry contacts!
Job Description:
Video Game Companies such as EA, Rockstar, THQ, Blizzard, Nintendo,Sony, and Microsoft want the games they have on the market to be enjoyable for game players, hence they need video game testers to scrutinize each game by playing it first.
This helps to make each game as perfect/faultless as possible.
Therefore, a game tester analyses video games, documenting any software defects as part of the quality control process in video game development.
Besides testing game play, testers may be asked to test the functionality and ergonomics of controllers. For instance, testing the accessories like video cards and head sets are all part of the job.
The majority of people in this lucrative business do tend to be very happy with their jobs. This is easily understandable when video games are something you are passionate about not just love and your job is to play the hottest games on the market and experience the future of the gaming industry - sometimes days, months or even years before your friends.
The Benefits:
This guide will enable you to enjoy great benefits of becoming a video game tester. You get to work from home and earn a great income without the hassle of unsociable hours and job dissatisfaction.
* The most popular benefits of this job are the savings on transportation, whether that is you own car or public transport. Your new office is now strategically located in your home on your sofa or on your bed.
* For older video game testers, spending time with their family ``whilst working'' is a major plus of this job. Something as fun as playing video games with your child is now your ''work'', that is something your kids will never forget.
* In terms of health, video games relieve stress and do wonders for your imagination. Overall you a more exciting things to say in a conversation.
* College students as a way of auditing the industry and determining if it is the type of environment in which they would like/could to work professionally.
* Being a video game tester can be used as the stepping stone to an even higher paid job, such as game programming or game designing. Whatever you future goals may be, this will lead you there.
* And of course FREE GAMES, everyone's favourite.
Yes it is true that sometimes you not only get to test the Latest games, you may also receive the full version days before it is released; especially if you are performing well for the company. Tricks, cheat codes and the like are also perks of this job that you could soon be enjoying.
Hot Tips To Impress:
Remember that game companies offer you added benefits based on the
number of bugs you detect.
First impressions are most important, so presenting yourself as a professional game player is the key to becoming a video GamePlayer.
You can do this by detailing your experience of playing games, the types of games you own and the ones you've played before.
Each person is unique so mention anything from your personal experiences that will increase your chances, and don't hesitate to make the company aware of anything else which could prove helpful in your application.
If the game has a series trend, try playing the previous version and note one or two points of improvement. Take it from me, this will make you stand out from the rest, especially if it's an improvement that no one else has already thought off. Sports games like Fifa, Pro Evo, NBA or adventure games like Halo, Ninja Gaiden, are good examples of games with previous series but ultiamtely it depends on you and what games you like adventure, first person shooter, third person shooter, role playing or beat em' up e.t.c
You must be able to evaluate both the pros and cons of the game as well as noting the difficulties you had whilst playing.
Be helpful by suggesting simple solutions. If you are at a loss as to ideas that could improve the game thats not a problem don't feel pressured to have to say something enjoy yourself and the experience don't kill it with nerves.
If the game incorporates stages based on real events, try and confirm the authenticity of those events.
Let the company know your credentials, the consoles you have and your internet game rankings where applicable.
Video game testers are in high demand, for it is becoming more and more expensive to make video games. With this in mind, video game companies want to make sure that the products they put on the market work flawlessly and are enjoyable to play. Therefore, more profits for the companies.
This is why they hire game testers to test games and faciliatate this perfection!
It will be beneficial to mention to these companies the number of years you've been playing game, the names of the games you've played in the past and the length of time you spend playing each game. For instance die hard fans who play metal gear solid especially metal gear solid 4 have been noted to spend over 4hours hence the in game prompted short breaks.
More tips to impress:
1. Create your own "mini" games.
This is a lot easier than it sounds, even for those who are not familiar with computers and languages.
There are many sites online that teach how to create your own games and play them.
This way you can show potential employers that you know what it takes to make and test a game.
2. Write reviews.
This is a simple one that anyone can do no matter how good your writing skills are.
Start with the sites on the web that will allow anyone to post reviews about games.
Start by writing short reviews first, this will give you the necessary experience.
Afterwards, move on to longer reviews and other web sites. The ability to know what makes a good game and what does not, is a great way of demonstrating to employers that you can be a competent game tester testing games for them.
3. Create Mods.
For example, write a game mod for one of the MMO or MMORPG games available online.
First find out how to write these simple programmes on a number of online websites and then post them on different gaming sites to download.
Although you probably won’t make any money with Mods, it will gain you a wealth of experience to show gaming companies and impress them with.
4. Organize local events.
This can work in many different ways; make sure that you are an active part of the video or computer gaming community and then start getting involved in different areas.
Let people know that you have the ability to organize gaming events. They can be held online or in your own home, this has the added benefit of showing potential employers that you can be a great game tester lead, organize and work with other people.(TEAMWORK)
5. Beta test new video games.
Beta testing games is the closest thing to gaining real game testing experience without working as one officially. You can easily find different games online that are in the Beta testing phases. However, most of the vacancies will fill up fast,so SPEED is of the essence.
Summary
You should be consistent when you become a game tester for one of the Video Game Companies.
Check your Post daily to see when you have samples of games to test.
Follow the instructions carefully and make sure you know what is you are expected to detect whilst playing the games, and be sure not to leave any bugs behind.
After playing the game, write down what you discovered according to the writing instructions. Record any suggestions on a separate piece of paper and deliver the feedback on time.
Then sit back and wait for your cheque, more often than not you will also get the new game before it is released on the market.
Other Ways to Become A Video Game Tester:
Checking the websites of game designers like Electronic Arts, Code Master, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft Xbox; sometimes you might be lucky to come across a game testing opening.
You can make direct contact through email or via phone to enquire about an opening. I recommend phone contact as it may take time before you receive an email reply.
If you have a friend that works in a game designing company, you could ask them to connect you to a game testing job.
Checking classified sections of newspapers, game magazines and so on.
Check websites online that post video game testing opportunities like craigslist or kijiji, and other websites you may have come across that focus on game related issues.
The problem with these methods is that if you don't have a clear understanding of how to approach, you may fall flat on your face. This is where this handy guide comes in!
F.A.Q's(Frequently Asked Questions):
Here are some example questions you will get from your company:
* What is your favourite part of the solo campaign?
* What did you like about the game menu?
* What was your favourite part of the Multi-Player Function?
* Were there any noticeable game bugs?
* What age category/categories would this game be best suited to?
* How did the game perform overall? (Graphics, Playability, etc.)
* From 1 to 10 how would you rank the game?
Simple, isn’t it? And the best part is you can do this all from the comfort of you own home, in your living room or on your couch!
The Money:
:Yes the most asked question is how much will I earn as a video game tester testing games. Well,the video gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, making it more successful than the ever growing film industry.
Earning $40 to $150 or £15 to £60 per hour, multiplied by the total number of hours you spend testing a particular game, means you could be earning a lot of money.
On estimate,
Beginner video game tester can earn up to £10,000($25,000) per annum.
More Experienced video game testers can earn up to £31,000+ ($70,000+) annually.
The Negatives:
Like other jobs there will be times when playing will become very repetitive, for example having to play the same levels many times over just to identify all the different bugs in the game.
But on the flipside the more Bugs you find and the more hours you play(I mean ''work''), the more money you get so at the end of the day it has elements performance related pay i.e how well you perform.
The only way you can know if Game-Testing is for you is to answer YES to the following:
1. Do you like playing video games?
2. Would you like to make money playing them?
We all love video games so if you would like a chance to play video games from the comfort of your own home, then this is where to start video game testing & earning real money
Enjoy your new life as you start making money from a fun and rewarding job.
Thank you for reading I hope you found this guide as helpful as I did and good luck in your new career.
''Remember to tell a friend to tell a friend about this page''
Now for some Useful Game related information
Useful Xbox links and info on Easily Fixing and Repairing yourXbox 360
If you or anyone in your family has ever been attacked by the Red rings of death aka ‘’RROD’’ fear not I have found two good solutions to this problem. The first is how to fix Xbox ring of death problem within an hour and the second is Xbox 360 fix kit . They are both good and informative only thing is the minor difference in price otherwise they are both good.
Please DO NOT use the towel trick it will only mess up your Xbox 360 more and even worse it voids your warranty.
Here are a few tips that work with keeping my Xbox 360 healthy and RROD free
* Do not stand it up on its side but lay if flat.
* Don’t pile your games on top of your Xbox but you can stack them up beside it.
* When vacuuming round the Xbox DO NOT vacuum the Xbox.
* DO NOT put drinks or food on your Xbox PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not do this all it takes is for one particle to get into the fan or into the Xbox lens.
Sometimes your Xbox might act funny because of the game inside not the Xbox itself for instance I got one of the first batches of Fifa 09 when it came out and in '‘be a pro mode’’ the game started freezing halfway through the season or it wouldn’t load before the match. I thought it was the Xbox but it was just the game.
So don't slap your Xbox straight away(infact please don't hit it at all) just try another game first and see if it works.
Most importantly please remember to keep your RECIEPT. What I do is place my Xbox flat on a shoe box so all receipts manuals games are inside that box trust me it works.
Oh and yes here again is the solution to the RROD problem
I know some of us still have our old Xbox even though we got the 360 I myself am guilty of keeping my old Xbox.
Only because on Fifa 07 I had reached the very last season of manager mode (15 seasons lol) and I intended to complete it to see what happened but alas never got round to doing it. Well on this website you can still get some really cool stuff for the original Xbox as well as Xbox 360.
Similarly on this website for the Xbox 360 you can find almost everything downloadable for the Xbox 360 and it comes with a game back up service which can be useful some people who for some strange reason do not have at least a 20 GB memory hard drive for their Xbox 360.
Useful Links for The PlayStation 3
For those of you savvy eBayers out there I have come across a trusted wholesale list to help create your own buisness. I am yet to try it out however I thought I’d just throw it in because I looked at some of the stuff they sell and was pretty impressed. As soon as I have I’ll be sure to write a full review here on it. However, if anyone has tried it or does before I do please let me know so I can put your comments down if you don’t mind of course.
Now back to Playstation 3, even though I am a firm believer in the xbox 360 I still have some useful stuff for those of you Playstation 3 people. One of them is this site which gives you unlimited ps3 media downloads especially if you are a film fanatic.
Fixing Your Playstation 2
For those of you still keeping your play station 2 for novelty reasons or because you need to fix it to sell it here is a way to fixing your ps2 in minutes make sure you email the company first and let them know what the problem is and make sure it’s something they can fix and they’ll let you know if it’s covered in their guide.
Useful links for the Psp
I’m sure a lot of the handheld console readers thought I was going to leave them out. No, No, No, you are important and for you I have a sick website for PSP downloads games movies and a lot more. This site shows you how to downgrade your Psp, play homebrew Psp Games And applications & how to get free games for your Psp & much much more read more.