Video Game Testing - How To Become A Video Game Tester

[Jason Reeves]

Before you go out and start looking for video game tester jobs there
are a few things you need to know. The work that a game tester does is
far and away from being easy. However, if you do have a true passion
for video games (you should if you are reading this) then it could be
an rewarding career for you. Becoming a game tester will also allow
you to get your foot in the door at a game company. This is important
as it may open up other possibilities for you in the game industry.
Other jobs such as game designer or game programmer are even better
careers. You should still plan on going to school to learn these
things. But you do not have to wait until you finish school to start
testing games.
One of the first things you can do is participate in public beta tests
for popular video games. This will allow you to become familiar with
what a game tester actually may do on a daily basis. The great thing
about beta testing is that it can be done from home in your spare
time. As a bonus, often you will be able to get the final version of
the game for free or at a reduced price. You may also be able to work
at home for some game tester jobs but it's not extremely common for
this to happen, certainly not for a full time employment. It is
possible to find some part-time work at home testing games.
As a video game tester you must have in depth knowledge of the
operating systems or consoles that you will be testing on. Game
companies really only want to deal with people that know what they are
doing. Your main role as a beta tester is to find and report bugs and
game defects. You will have to provide a detailed report on how to
reproduce each problem you find. If you can not make a bug
reproducible then you are wasting everyones time. Strong written and
verbal communication is a must. As a game tester it is very important
to be able to communicate effectively.
Remember that in life there is no easy way through whatever path you
choose to take. This does not mean that being a video game tester
won't be fun. It is just hard work. If video games are really your
thing then get out there and go for it. Just remember that it's not a
walk in the park like some would have you think.