If you have a passion for video games, being a game tester might be the ideal profession for you. In this role, you’ll be responsible for trying out games before they’re launched to the public. The game you’ll be testing will be a nearly identical version to the one that will be available to the public. Your main task will be to play the game repeatedly and identify any bugs or issues that may impact the game’s performance. Along with playing the game, you’ll need to thoroughly test all of its features, including menus and settings, to ensure they are working correctly. Essentially, you’ll need to simulate all possible actions a player might take while playing the game.
As a game tester, it’s your responsibility to report any glitches, bugs, or other issues that you encounter during gameplay. When you come across a problem, be sure to take note of where it is in the game, what it’s doing, and provide a detailed description of the issue so that the game developers can address it. Even if you’re unsure whether something is a genuine issue, it’s better to make a note of it and inform the developers. By doing so, you’re helping to ensure that the game is as polished as possible before its release. As a game tester, you’re essentially the gatekeeper of the game’s fate, and your thorough testing helps to prevent the release of a game that’s unplayable due to glitches, bugs, or other issues.
By doing your job well, you’re also helping to protect the reputation of the game company. Keep in mind that as a game tester, you may need to test the game on various platforms, including Wii, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, and more.
How Much Does a Game Tester Get Paid?
Game testers can earn between $8.00 to $10.00 per hour when starting out, while those with more experience may earn around $14.00 per hour. Annual salaries for entry-level game testers average around $16,000, but can reach as high as $60,000 depending on their experience, the company they work for, and their education background. It’s worth noting that the duration of the job can vary widely, ranging from a one-time assignment to a few months or even a permanent position lasting several years.
How Can I Get Started As a Game Tester?
1. If you’re considering becoming a game tester, it’s important to obtain permission from your parents first. This is because some games may contain violent content, adult themes, or language that may not be suitable for younger players. It’s essential to have an open and honest conversation with your parents about the games you’ll be testing and ensure they are comfortable with your involvement.
2. Before pursuing a career as a game tester, it’s crucial to evaluate your proficiency in video games and troubleshooting. Ask yourself whether you have experience playing video games, if you know how to navigate through them, and if you can identify glitches and bugs within them. These are essential skills that you’ll need as a game tester. If you’re not confident in your abilities in these areas, it’s a good idea to do some research and practice before pursuing this profession. Companies will likely seek out individuals with strong gaming skills and knowledge of what to look for in a game to ensure it’s functioning optimally.
3. To become a game tester, you’ll need access to gaming platforms for testing. If you have multiple consoles, this will be advantageous, as you’ll be able to test games on a variety of platforms. However, if you only own one console, you’ll be limited to testing games specific to that console. In case you don’t have a console, we recommend purchasing one to expand your testing capabilities. For instance, if you’re interested in Xbox, you can purchase one here, or if you prefer PlayStation, you can buy one here. Additionally, if you prefer other platforms like PC or Nintendo DS, Amazon carries all of those as well. It’s important to choose the platform that you enjoy gaming on the most.
4. Once you have the necessary equipment and skills, the next step is to find a company that requires game testers. To find these companies, you can conduct research online and reach out to them via email. We recommend trying out websites like this one or this one for freelance opportunities. Alternatively, if you or someone in your family develops games for platforms such as the App Store or Google Play, you could inquire about testing their games before they launch. While it may take some time to find a company with open positions, once you do, you’ll be in a good position to start your career as a game tester.
When you find an open position, you can apply and if you get hired, you’re ready to start working as a game tester. However, if you don’t get hired right away, don’t be discouraged, and keep applying. Game testing jobs are frequently available, and with persistence, you can eventually secure a position. Once you find the right company, you’ll have the opportunity to gain experience testing games, which can lead to a long-term career in the field.
Helpful Resources
Indeed.com: This is a website you can go to in order to find jobs to be a game tester at established gaming companies.
Upwork.com: This is a website you can go to that offers a lot of freelance game testing jobs, typically for a mobile device.
Amazon.com: If you don’t have a Playstation of Xbox, you can buy them here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a video game tester?
There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a video game tester, but having a high school diploma or equivalent is usually necessary. Familiarity with video games and experience with different types of gaming systems is also helpful.
What skills do I need to become a video game tester?
To become a video game tester, you’ll need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Attention to detail is also important, as testers need to be able to identify and document even the smallest issues in a game.
How do I find job opportunities as a video game tester?
There are various ways to find job opportunities as a video game tester, including checking online job boards, reaching out to game development companies directly, or through specialized staffing agencies.
What kind of work schedule do video game testers have?
Video game testers often work on a project basis, with work schedules varying depending on the needs of the development team. Testers may work standard business hours or have to work evening, weekend, or holiday hours to meet project deadlines.
What is the career path for a video game tester?
The career path for a video game tester may vary depending on the individual and the company they work for. Some testers may go on to become QA (Quality Assurance) leads or work in other positions related to game development, while others may choose to specialize in testing specific types of games or gaming systems.
Conclusion
Video game testers play an important role in the video game industry, as they help ensure that games are functional and enjoyable for players. The job of a video game tester involves identifying bugs, glitches, and other issues in video games, as well as providing feedback on game mechanics and user experience.
While there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a video game tester, it’s helpful to have experience playing different types of games and familiarity with gaming systems. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as attention to detail, are also important for success in this field.
Video game testers may find job opportunities through online job boards, staffing agencies, or by reaching out directly to game development companies. Work schedules can vary depending on the needs of the development team, and may include evening, weekend, or holiday hours to meet project deadlines.
The career path for a video game tester can vary depending on the individual and the company they work for. Some testers may advance to become QA leads or work in other positions related to game development, while others may choose to specialize in testing specific types of games or gaming systems.
