Person playing a video game with joystick
Video game testing sounds like a dream job for anyone with a love for gaming. However, the job is less glamorous than it seems. Testing involves long hours of repetitive work for not very much pay. Still, there are many people who have the desire to become a game tester and use it as a way to get a foot in the door for other video game careers. Becoming a game tester takes more work than simply opening a newspaper to search for a position, however.
Types of Game Testing
Becoming a game tester means knowing what kind of testing you'd like to do. Companies hire different types of game testers for various reasons, according to CV Tips. The first is the blogging tester. In this testing type, the tester buys the game post-release, then writes a detailed review of the game and posts it on a personal website. Once the review is posted, it is the tester's responsibility to gain as many readers as possible. This type of testing is geared more toward advertising.
Game testers who test a game before it is released work either freelance or full-time for a company. The company in need of a tester will contact a freelancer or hand the game off to the full-time testers employed. In some cases, if a company is pleased enough with a freelance tester's work, that person may be brought on board full-time.
Networking
Although opening a newspaper and finding game testing jobs listed in the classified section would be ideal, in most cases, game testing requires you to seek out the position within a game company. This means that you should try to make as many industry contacts as possible. Sloperama.com recommends moving to a city that houses a gaming company. Many game companies only hire locally, and positions as an at-home game tester are relatively rare. Moving to where the jobs are can help get a foot in the door. Another place to meet gaming contacts is at a gaming convention. Places like the Electronic Entertainment Expo, known as E3, and the Penny Arcade Expo attract a number of industry insiders and can be a good place to introduce yourself and make connections.
Qualifications
Game testing requires more than just a knack for beating video games. Game testers must be willing and able to play a game repeatedly. A keen eye for detail and an enthusiasm for technology also help when looking to become a game tester. Careers Advice notes that a college degree is usually not necessary, but can be a boost on a resume. Majoring in a computer or design-related field can draw employers' attention. Sloperama.com also states that video game testers need to have strong written and verbal communication skills. Written communication skills are necessary in order to properly describe glitches and bugs found while testing.
Experience
To become a games tester, you may not necessarily need experience within the field. However, experience helps when companies consider you for a position. Careers Advice notes that having some experience in games retail looks good on a resume to potential employers. CV Tips adds that experience with multiple gaming platforms and game types also helps a resume look more appealing to potential employers.
Avoiding Scams
While many websites claim to help people find jobs within the video game industry, only a small amount really provide this help. Websites asking for a membership fee to look at listings tend to be scams designed to take your money. These websites do not offer anything that can't be found for free by knowing where to look. Avoid these websites when trying to land a job as a game tester, as they won't be of any help.
