How to Become a Game Tester

It is often a misconception that all that a video game tester does is play games. Well, in a way it's true; you are paid to play video games. But it is not as smooth sailing as it sounds. Game testers have to put in long hours and hard work. Sometimes you need to play computer games which are not 'cool' or 'awesome'. You always need to be on top of your game at all times, or there are many waiting to grab your spot. Your job just doesn't involve playing games, but finding errors, glitches, bugs, checking the minutest mistakes in spellings and designs. Game testers not only have to check for mistakes and errors but they also have to recommend ways to improve the games.

Game testers should have good information about the various software used to design the game. They are also required to have some programming background. If you don't understand the program language of the programmers and game producers, how will you know what they are talking about?

It is also necessary to have a good command in English, both oral and written. A game tester should be familiar with the hardware and software of desktop computers. He should have working knowledge of spreadsheets, programs, word document etc. He should be aware of the recent happenings in the game market. He should have information about all the previously released games and also regarding the ones to be released. He should be well-aware how the programmers, game developers, artists, composers, etc. do their job. New game testers should have the know-how of all the things related to the gaming industry.

In order to get a job, you will need to have a lot of interest and patience. The 'entry-level job' requires hard work, computer and gaming knowledge. Many times a tester needs to put in 8-10 hours to check every feature of the game and find bugs and errors. The game testing job is mainly outsourced by many companies. The jobs offered are on part-time or per-game basis. Large companies hire permanent game testers. The smaller companies are always on a look-out for freelancers. If you wish to use game testing as a step to expand your career in the gaming industry, you should take up a job with developer or publisher.

The other option available for becoming a game tester, is by participating in the public beta tests for popular games. This will make you aware about what a game tester does daily. You need to find the bugs and errors as a beta tester. You should have in-dept knowledge about gaming consoles and operating systems, game companies hire people who know their job well. A detailed report has to be prepared daily reproducing the bugs you found. If you can't reproduce the bugs encountered, you are out of the gaming industry. Thus, strong oral and written English skills are a must for communication in this job. One should keep in mind, beta testers are mainly volunteers and not paid for the job. At the most, one can be offered a free copy of the game when released.

This was all about how to become a video game tester. Game testing is not 'all play' and 'no work'. It is a real job with deadlines. There are detailed reports that has to be made on time, failing to do so, companies may lose millions of dollars. Game testing pays big bucks. Thus, game testing can be called a dream job, where one gets paid to play video games!