How to become a video game tester

Become a Game Tester – Review

The 25 Best PC Games

Here is a list of 25 highly acclaimed PC games that are widely regarded as some of the best to play right now:

  1. "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"
  2. "Grand Theft Auto V"
  3. "Aviator bet"
  4. "Divinity: Original Sin II"
  5. "DOOM (2016)"
  6. "Fallout 4"
  7. "Minecraft"
  8. "Overwatch"
  9. "Portal 2"
  10. "Rainbow Six Siege"
  11. "Red Dead Redemption 2"
  12. "Stardew Valley"
  13. "Subnautica"
  14. "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim"
  15. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" (through emulation)
  16. "The Outer Worlds"
  17. "Titanfall 2"
  18. "Undertale"
  19. "Disco Elysium"
  20. "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice"
  21. "Rocket League"
  22. "Factorio"
  23. "Cuphead"
  24. "Celeste"
  25. "Hades"

Please note that this list is subjective and based on general consensus, and preferences may vary. Additionally, newer games may have been released since my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, so it's always a good idea to stay updated with the latest releases and reviews.

If you believed that Only4Gamers was the only avaliable guide on how to become a fighting games tester, then I’m sorry to let you down: it isn’t. There are many others and we’ve been buying, analysing and checking every one of those and reviewing and posing on this very top 100 casino sites the one we truly believe to be the best there are in order for you to accomplish your goal.

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If you ever thought about these guides, you wonder what exactly they bring to the table in terms of what you truly need to become a game tester.

Become a Game Tester is a guide that’ll teach you step by step an exact formula to get to testing the newest Crickex Mobile App in the market. What this does is not only give you the regular resourses, but also tip you on how to get it easier for you to be accepted as a game tester. And believe me, it’s harder than you may think.

One of the biggest advantages of this guide, when compared to the others, is that you’ll actual get contacts and inside information from within the companies, getting you the edge when compared to all the other testers. This is why you can easily expect to get your first job within just a couple of days.

Excited? You should be. If you’ve tried to get a video game testing job before and failed, do not worry. It’s perfectly normal and many have gone through that path, but don’t give up. Instead, focus your energy on reading this and learning exactly what failed. Oh, and try again.

Rememeber, it’s a dream job to be at home playing 2-pound deposit casino and making money off of it. If you’re really serious about it, serious enough that you don’t quit it, then you’re the right tester for most companies and sooner or later (a lot sooner with this guide, that’s for sure) you’ll be able to land your first job. And the next. And so on.

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Game Tester Interview

1. As you entered the area of ​​testing games?

In the third semester of college of Digital Games (Unisinos – São Leopoldo), started looking more about career opportunities in the games area. After a while, you realize that there are two major ports of entry: QA (quality assurance – tester) and programming. Despite the emphasis on my college schedule, I always had more interest in design and I opted to enter the same as QA, to understand more about the games and the process of certification (approval) of these games. What I did then was to evaluate Brazilian companies that would fit more with my profile and sent resumes (I was very selective and sent it to a 4 companies only). Having a good portfolio and ability to relate well and treat other people makes a big difference in time to get a job. I’ve just been to Sao Paulo, where there were more businesses in the area and offers better structured and I was chosen to work as a tester in GLU Mobile. The company was calling me to be a programmer, but really there was no interest on my part.

2. What is the difference between a software and test a game?

The first step here is to differentiate a common software of a game. The first difference is that subjectivity is present in the games. You do not have a well defined goal of storing and manipulating data (either a database or an art program like photoshop). The goal varies with the game that should involve the user psychologically to promote a challenge, usually tied to a story and game mechanics (usability and interactivity) that vary greatly from game to game. So the first difference is that a test game not only need to go through patterns that are applicable to any software, but also by subjective tests that are unique to each game to see how fun, challenging and accessible is the game.
Another big difference is that games are software programs that cover a number of different areas of knowledge. While most software are specialized in certain tasks, games aimed at a mass audience and a balanced range of knowledge in one application: art, programming, design, music, script, direction, marketing, hardware … This means that the tester needs to be more versatile and evaluate the product from various perspectives. Roughly, a music software musicians need to please. A game needs to please musicians, teachers, scientists, children, old people … Anyway, the goal is to promote recreation for those interested.

3. Do you follow any methodology for conducting the tests in the games?

Yes, I can not go much into details because there are protection rules within the company where I work about it, but basically, the game goes through an intense subjective assessment and, when approved in this regard, undergoes evaluation software standards. All procedures are structured testing spreadsheets that are constantly updated using information that is collected throughout the project. There are several tools that are used as well, with very different goals: distribution of test tool, tool storage information, software emulation tool, hardware tool that analyzes (remembering that my company works with mobile games and we need understand each device – different hardware – screen size, memory, processing, media player, etc.).

4. What kind of tests are performed in a game? Example: Check colors, collisions, etc.

First, the subjective analysis looks at fun, degree of challenge and accessibility. Each game has its own methodology, as each game is unique.
Second, an analysis is made more basic software: installation, usability / interactivity, appearance, sound, interrupt (when someone receives a call in the middle of the game, for example), specific tests related to the specifications of the equipment.

While all this occurs, the marketing team is always aware in relation to niche market opportunities and sales ability. Though not a test itself, if it is determined that the game will not sell, it will likely be canceled or will sometimes be left “on hold” (standby), depending on which stage of the process is.

5. Which gaming platform do you prefer to perform the tests? (Mobile, Web, Console, etc.).

I personally do not have much choice at the time of testing (if the subject were not development and testing, my opinion would be different). Each has its specifics, but basically, everyone ends up being interesting and fun. Anything that changes greatly from one platform to another is required amount of testers. A game console generally need lots and lots of testers and yet, some companies make so-called “open beta” where users interested in games can experience them from giving feedback and report bugs to the company. Mobiles are generally simpler games using 2-5 tester by play. Web … well, we have companies that do not have testers and it is up to the developers themselves.
Another difference is that, as console games are longer and larger in terms of environmental and mechanical, each tester is usually focused on a specific aspect or a particular moment of the game. Have the Web and mobile, testers usually go through the whole game. It is worth mentioning that the differences between Consoles and Mobiles has been decreasing, with releases like the iPhone and Android. Mobile games are becoming more accessible, earning lots of money and having opportunities to become big hits due to improvements in mobile technology. Not long ago, we played snake (the snake that game you have to pick up points or fruit on the screen). Today, we have 3D games and physically.

6. What is the defect that you find when conducting more tests in a game?

Certainly it is interrupted. The GLU makes games for over 400 devices. Make a game for each cell would be impossible, then generally grouped similar devices that use a “build” in common. Build is a special version of the game designed to operate in a specific group of devices. Each cell has its way of handling events on the device (such as receiving a call in the middle of the execution of an application), then despite this strategy groups get along right about memory, screen size, sound, etc., just falling short on the interruption.

7. What are the requirements for those who want to begin working in the area?
This is the good part of history! You just need to have good personal characteristics: Will, determination, good communication, proactivity, willingness, among others. And of course there are some things that are bonus: play a lot, have a training area, programming knowledge, experience with testing … It happens a lot of company is looking for new talent and to call people in the universities themselves, and to measure the potential candidates, we use some techniques and group dynamics. Many people are afraid of group dynamics, but as a tester, you need at least report bugs to developers. Learn to talk, talk, show their opinions and accept opinions of others is absolutely necessary in a team, period.

What does a game tester do

Becoming a game tester can be a challenging process, but it is achievable with the right skills and qualifications. The specific requirements and difficulty of becoming a game tester can vary depending on the company and the type of game being tested. To become a game tester, you will need to have a passion for video games and a strong attention to detail. You will also need to have excellent communication and teamwork skills, as you will be working closely with developers and other stakeholders. There are several paths to becoming a game tester, including:
  • Education: Many game testers have a degree in computer science, game design, or a related field. A degree can help you develop the technical skills needed to be a game tester and make you stand out in a competitive job market.
  • Experience: Experience in the gaming industry, such as working as a game designer, can be helpful when looking for a game testing job. Experience in software testing or quality assurance can also be beneficial.
  • Networking: Networking can help you build connections in the gaming industry and learn about job opportunities. Attend industry events, join online gaming communities, and participate in game development forums to meet other professionals and learn more about the industry.
  • Applying for Jobs: Look for job openings for game testers and apply to those that match your skills and experience. Be prepared to submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of your work to demonstrate your qualifications.
The competition for game testing jobs can be fierce, and the job itself can be demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines. However, for those who are passionate about gaming and enjoy finding and reporting issues, becoming a game tester can be a fulfilling career.

Is becoming a game tester hard?

A good game tester typically possesses the following qualities and skills:

Attention to Detail: The ability to spot even the smallest bugs and glitches in the game.

Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and evaluate the game's mechanics and features to identify potential issues.

Communication: The ability to provide clear and concise feedback to the development team, including describing the issue and how to reproduce it.

Persistence: The ability to keep testing until all bugs and issues have been identified and resolved.

Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with other testers and developers to ensure the game is of the highest quality.

Technical Knowledge: An understanding of the technical aspects of the game and the tools used for testing.

Creativity: The ability to approach testing from different angles and think outside the box to find bugs and issues that may not be immediately apparent.

Time Management: The ability to manage time effectively to meet deadlines and complete testing tasks within a given timeframe.

Passion for Gaming: A genuine love for playing and experiencing different types of games is also essential, as it can help a tester understand how the game should function and how players may interact with it.

Games tester in the games industry

The gaming industry has experienced rapid growth over the years, with the increasing demand for high-quality games. As a result, the industry has become more competitive, and game development companies must ensure that their games meet the required quality standards to remain relevant in the market. One of the critical roles in the gaming industry is that of a game tester. In this article, we will discuss the importance of game testers in the gaming industry, their roles, responsibilities, and skills required to excel in this profession. Importance of Game Testers in the Gaming Industry: Game testers are essential in the gaming industry for several reasons. First, they ensure that games meet the required quality standards. A game with bugs, glitches, or other issues will not only affect the user's experience but also tarnish the game developer's reputation. A game tester ensures that all bugs and glitches are identified and reported to the development team for resolution before the game is released to the market. Secondly, game testers provide valuable feedback to the development team. They identify areas where the game can be improved to make it more engaging, enjoyable, and user-friendly. The feedback provided by game testers is crucial in ensuring that the game meets the target audience's expectations. Lastly, game testers help to reduce development costs. Fixing bugs, glitches, and other issues during the development process is less costly than fixing them after the game is released to the market. Game testers identify these issues early, making it easier and less costly for the development team to resolve them.

The Role of a Computer Games Tester

Introduction:

Computer games are an integral part of the modern world. They are played by people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The increasing demand for computer games has led to a rise in the number of game development companies. With this rise, there is a need for individuals who can test games for bugs, glitches, and other issues that may affect the game's performance. In this article, we will discuss the role of a computer games tester, their responsibilities, and the skills required to excel in this profession.

Role of a Computer Games Tester:

A computer games tester is responsible for testing games to ensure they meet the required quality standards. The tester's primary objective is to identify and report any bugs, glitches, or issues that may affect the game's performance. The tester must also ensure that the game is user-friendly, engaging, and enjoyable.

Responsibilities of a Computer Games Tester:

The responsibilities of a computer games tester include:

  1. Conducting tests: The tester is responsible for conducting various tests on the game to identify any bugs or glitches. These tests include functionality testing, compatibility testing, performance testing, and usability testing.

  2. Reporting defects: The tester must report all defects found during testing. They must provide detailed information on the bug or glitch, including steps to reproduce the issue, expected behavior, and actual behavior.

  3. Collaborating with development teams: The tester must collaborate with the development team to ensure that all issues are resolved. They must provide feedback to the development team to improve the game's quality.

  4. Providing feedback: The tester must provide feedback on the game's user interface, gameplay, and overall experience. They must ensure that the game is user-friendly, engaging, and enjoyable.

  5. Creating test cases: The tester must create test cases to ensure that all aspects of the game are tested. They must ensure that all test cases are executed correctly, and all issues are identified.

  6. Communicating with stakeholders: The tester must communicate with stakeholders, including the development team, project managers, and clients, to ensure that all issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Skills required to be a Computer Games Tester:

  1. Attention to detail: The tester must pay attention to detail to identify all bugs, glitches, and issues.

  2. Technical skills: The tester must have technical skills, including knowledge of testing tools, bug tracking tools, and programming languages.

  3. Communication skills: The tester must have excellent communication skills to communicate effectively with the development team, project managers, and clients.

  4. Analytical skills: The tester must have strong analytical skills to analyze game data and identify issues.

  5. Passion for gaming: The tester must have a passion for gaming to ensure that the game is engaging and enjoyable for the user.

  6. Problem-solving skills: The tester must have excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the role of a computer games tester is critical to ensuring the quality of computer games. The tester is responsible for identifying bugs, glitches, and other issues that may affect the game's performance. They must also ensure that the game is user-friendly, engaging, and enjoyable. To excel in this profession, one must have the required skills, including attention to detail, technical skills, communication skills, analytical skills, passion for gaming, and problem-solving skills.

How to Become a Video Game Tester

The purpose of playing video games in life often begins every game tester if you end up being a programmer producer, designer or manager would. This is the best way to get your foot in the door and show that they not only play, but has a knack for attention to detail.

This is exactly the opinion of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 QA Project Lead Jeff Roper. “The basic characteristics of managers would seek a fundamental love and passion for video games,” he said. “Other important features would be an eye for detail, critical thinking and ability to keep focus fully upright. Course is a team player and get along with colleagues is also important.”

The problem with this entry level position is that it is difficult to track over-looked by the word “video game tester.” Instead of “quality assurance tester” or check “QA tester . ” Go directly to businesses to network as much as possible and, as is the persistent demand for each job. Apply the knowledge that there is more than just a video game tester than sitting in a chair ottoman playing all your favorite game franchises before they are released. Games will not always be a part of your top ten list, you will test for hours and usually you are limited to a single game until the end of its production.

“Testing is a difficult and often can be tedious,” says Roper. “Someone just waiting to play video games all day, you will be disappointed. Someone that the test is a difficult task, is made with high expectations will be far more successful. ”

Capable of defects is important to meet with communication errors. Fluency in written and spoken is needed later, then you can not get his joystick skills alone. In addition, said in a letter to their ability to meet deadlines, with his passion for playing the latest games. Finally, a word of warning: Not for the dozens of scams out there that you pay to learn how to fall will be a video game tester.

These sites take advantage of the young and naive, who claim to know the secret hundreds of dollars a day for what you do not deserve to have money. A QA tester true sounds too good to be true, as it is, but you should be able to say, job, true and false positives, affiliation is not it? Only improve perceptual skills you need, finally a game tester.

Matt Swider wrote about video games for 12 years and received his degree in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. Now in Los Angeles, he is active and free GamingTarget.com his chances.

Have you set your browser to G4 during the week we bring you G4 university to continue, and at the end of the week we will have a guide for you, that completes all information and gives you the perfect place to start searching and some helpful links.

How to become a game tester

This article is dedicated to providing information about becoming a game tester. Conversely, the details provisioned serve as a guide to help those who aspire to enroll in this field or those who are just eager to acquire knowledge.

Firstly, let’s review the four main tasks executed by a game tester:

  1. As a game tester, you will be required to play the game, in order to identify the glitches that were not discovered by the game developer. It is critical that you test all specifics such as animals, weapons, cars, etc to point out all the problematic circumstances.  The relatives vary depending on the type of game being tested.

 

  1. Test the limitations of the game, by completing all the stages/phases and evaluate if you are able to accomplish the targets instigated by the developer. Try the unexpected.

 

  1. Examine the game carefully to assess its functionality; it is vital that you provide the developer with unbiased reviews, because he/she relies on your opinion to make improvements and identify the circumstances of the game.

 

  1. Test the game in different gaming systems to ensure that it is compatible with its related component.

This list is not completed, but it specifies the four key areas of functionality for a game tester.

There are only three simple steps that you need to follow to become a game tester. These are:

Step 1: Make contacts

Browsing the job classifieds will not get you the game testing job you require for the most recent games developed. The right approach is by going straight to correlating companies that develop the most appealing games, because it is rather nonsensical to play games that you will not enjoy. Introduce yourself to the company, your gaming skills and sell yourself, let them know what you have to offer, so that they can understand why you would be the excellent candidate for the job.

Ensure that you promote yourself professionally. This doesn’t meant that you should limit your options to just being modest, let the company understand that you are diverse in your ofference. Educate them about the number of consoles and games you own and your daily gaming playing experience.

Step 2: Be serious

Once you are the owner of a PC or console that you can use to test various games, the chances are you will end up getting your first game testing assignment. It is vital that you examine the instructions provided very carefully. Ensure that you are briefed on that fact that you must provide the precise feedback and specifics that the company requested. Make documentations as you progress and ensure that your writing is clearly visible.

Review what you have written to ensure that you write content that is without flaws related to spelling and grammatical errors. Consequently, the data must be delivered to the company in a timely manner. Though this is a fun experience, it is vital that you stay on track and focused.

Step 3: Be passionate in acquiring new projects

After finishing your first project, you may be overwhelmed about receiving the first salary, you spend the entire time rejoicing; thus becoming unfocused and distracted from the relatives of your job. It is significant that you produce high quality feedbacks and reviews on time for the company (s). In the end you can create an impressive resume, which promotes your ability to progress.

Three Steps to Become a Game Tester

Many young men dream of growing up to become a game tester, a profession in which they are able to play their favorite video games and get paid to do so. Becoming a game tester is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but you will find that you can become a game tester with a good deal of hard work, persistence, and research that will pay off in the end and enable you to work from the comfort of your couch.

How to Become a Game Tester

There are three steps that you will need to take in order to start your career as a game tester:

Step 1: Break into the World of Gaming

The first step that you will need to take towards becoming a game tester is to make contacts in the world of video gaming and game designers. You can find job opportunities in local newspapers and classified ads sections, but you will need to start out by getting in touch with that first person who will give you your first job. You can try visiting the companies that develop the games you love to play, but there are many people that do so. If you do go in person, be certain to present yourself professionally as a person who knows what they are doing. Make sure to present the information that will establish you as a gaming expert, such as how many consoles you have or how many hours you spend playing every day.

Step 2: Work Hard

There is going to be a lot of work that you will need to do it be a professional game tester, not the least of which is playing the game. You will need to play the game thoroughly until it is complete, and you will need to write up a detailed review. Writing the review will be hard, and it will take a lot of practice until you get good at writing reviews for the various games you play. Always turn in your projects on time.

Step 3: Be Consistent

The most important thing to remember is that you can’t just sit back and coast with a couple of jobs. You will need to get out there and work hard to find new jobs. You may find that a company will let you go after a while, or there will be new reviewers who can do the job just as well as you. Only by keeping yourself competitive and providing gaming companies with the best reviews will you be able to remain on the top of your profession.

Don’t forget

Becoming a game tester requires actual skill at gaming. You will need to work hard at gaming, and you will need to spend hours at your console. Your parents may not appreciate the time you spend on your game console or PC, but it will be a worthwhile investment of time that will get you into the career of your choice.

Game Testing

“Gaming” is a concept that needs no introduction. Every single individual of our upcoming generation experiences it in one way or another. Be it PC gaming, console gaming, or even online gaming, the youth of our times are always hungry for more. In the simplest words possible, “They simply love gaming”. Every child or adult these days has frolicked just about every console game/PC his mind could think of! There are those who have gone through an extensive assortment of computer games and trampled them all, they eat, sleep and live gaming. With their individual lives gyrating around gaming, most of them long to find a profession that might permit them to use their love and understanding of gaming to make a living. For such people there is a good news that there are hundreds of miscellaneous jobs out there in the arena of console and computer gaming engineering, but one that is on a steep rise these days is the field of game testing.

Game testing, a subdivision of game engineering, is primarily a software analysis procedure for quality and excellence regulation of video games. The principal purpose of game testing is the detection and certification of software “imperfections”, more commonly known as bugs. Collaborative entertainment software analysis is an exceedingly nominal arena necessitating exceptional computing knowledge, analytic aptitude, critical assessment abilities and endurance.

When it emanates to “testers”, education is one thing and experience is another. Companies usually look for people with even minimal experience. So the real question becomes, how can you advance experience if you cannot get a job in the first place? Which leads to another question, how can you get a job if you have no experience? So it’s kind of feedback system which is no good for anyone. So the testers need to make sure they gain experience by doing little things like creating mini-games, mods and even writing reviews of famous games out there. If any of it catches an employer’s eye it can play a very positive role in tester’s future in this specific field.

How to Become a Video Game Tester

A video game tester plays an essential role throughout the video game development process.  While this may seem like a dream job for anyone who loves to sit and play games all day (and it may very well be) it is important to remember that this is a serious occupation that should be taken seriously.  The industry is one of the highest revenue generating industries, so while the job of a video game tester can be a fun, the tester is expected to do more than play games. Testers spend numerous hours checking for bugs during and after the development process, they test controllers and help to make decisions on other factors such as memory cards.  If you are sincerely interested in a career as a video game tester, there are a few things that you should know in regards to the qualifications, where to search and how to land one of these jobs.

 

Believe it or not, a game tester does not have to be a wiz at video games.  While being excellent at playing video games can definitely help the tester, it is not an absolute requirement.  It is, however, necessary for a potential video game tester to have exceptional hand-eye coordination skills, attention to detail, knowledge of computer software and hardware, outstanding communication abilities, lots of patience and a love of playing.  The job of a video game tester can be a tedious one that requires the tester to complete each level of a game multiple times in as many different ways as they can, including finding bugs as early as possible in order to help the developmental process move smoothly.  Therefore, great attention to detail is imperative.  Millions of dollars are spent in order to bring about new games, and one bug can cost them a substantial amount of money, so the game tester’s role is crucial.

 

Acquiring one of these jobs is honestly not as easy as one would hope, but it is possible.  Video gaming is a huge industry, and therefore video game testers are in demand.  However, the companies who develop these games do not particularly search for new testers in the traditional way. There are times when developers advertise for testers.  When this does happen, it is usually in a popular, metropolitan area. You might be fortunate enough to stumble upon an ad in the help wanted section of a paper under the “quality assurance” job description. Listing it this way helps to attract those who know the realities of game testing. Be diligent, apply immediately, follow up to confirm receipt of your, cover letter and resume and remain professional, games or not this is a job.

 

The above scenario isn’t impossible, but it is rare.  Most game development companies do not search for testers in order to avoid those who conceive it as simply playing video games all day, and because they just don’t need to search for new employees. It is wise to seek out game developers, instead of hoping an ad appears in your local paper, and send them your resume.  While you might not have to have mastered playing, companies are interested in hiring those who have a serious interest in video games, so on your resume, include: the types and quantity of consoles, games, and frequency in which you play.  Include a section informing them of how you hope to add to and improve the gaming industry.  Don’t forget to make sure the gaming developers know that you understand the importance, and responsibilities of a video game tester.

 

Another way to apply for this position is via the Internet.  There are numerous websites dedicated to game testing and new positions are continuously filled online. However, be careful and do your research; if it walks like a scam, talks like a scam and reads like a scam, it probably is.  Weeding out the scam artists who are trying to get deposit money from you, or representation funds upfront is the most challenging part of searching online. Use wisdom; although it falls in the “cool” job category, it is still a job. Investigate the industry.  Know what the starting salary is typically like and what you can expect it to grow to.

 

As aforementioned, confidently incorporate proper terminology such as “quality assurance,” this is of the utmost importance.  If you don’t get an immediate response, be persistent and don’t give-up; continuously research gaming companies that use testers, send your resume and keep your hopes up.

 

Now you know what is expected of a video game tester and how to go about getting a job as one.  It isn’t the type of job that can be handled by anyone, but there are many who absolutely love it. If you still feel like it’s the perfect job for you, then apply this knowledge and go for it!

The Gaming Evolution

A revolution in home entertainment began when computer genius’s designed and developed a  video game called ‘pong’.  The excitement was overwhelming as people far and wide got their eager hands on the Atari game console and would sit in the comfy confines of their own homes challenging their family and friends to a game of ‘pong’ tennis.  Although gaming was actually created in the 1950’s, it did not begin to hit the market until the 1970’s with the creation of the a home gaming console that would actually attach to the television allowing people to enjoy the game in their own living rooms.

 

Fast forward to the new millennium.  Gaming has progressed light years from the 1970’s.  Not only can people enjoy a three dimensional  high definition experience with their Xbox 360 Pro’s,  Wii,  Nintendo’s and PS3’s, they are able to play interactively with other gamers across the globe via an internet connection.

 

Of course the gaming enthusiasts are entranced and basically ‘in love’ with their magnificent machines and have little time to think about the gestation and birth of their favorite savoury gaming delight.  They want what is newest and what will allow them to test their knowledge and skills anytime, anywhere and with anyone.  Going behind the scenes, there are myriad people responsible for the ingenious design, development and testing of all games released to the hungry gamers chomping at the bit to get their hands on the most up-to-date and the challenging games released.

 

After a game has been contemplated, designed, analytically created, evaluated, developed and come to fruition, it is far from ready to be released to the general public.  The end users are expecting quality sans ‘bugs’ and irritating glitches that would in essence ruin their day.   No gaming manufacturer can risk releasing a game that isn’t glowing with perfection.  Enter the gaming testers.  These people are in actuality the ‘quality control’ group for all games.  Their function is to play, seek out, discover any bugs that keep the gamer from actively doing what the game is designed to do.   The game tester is a very intense animal with the ability to not only interact with a machine but with people as well.  Communication is of the essence because once a glitch has been discovered, the game tester much be capable of expressing exactly what is going awry and how to potentially correct the bug.

 

Game testing can actually be considered a viable career as the industry is huge and shows no signs of slowing down.   All the large console and game manufacturers have in house game testing in action at all times, however, there is also the opportunity to be a game tester from home.  It is imperative that a game tester not only possess the communication skills mentioned before but have a strong propensity for understanding computers and computer language.  In order to impress the powers that be who might hire someone to be a game tester, it would be advantageous to show initiative by creating a game, writing reviews on other games on the market,  and doing some free beta testing for game developers.

 

Just as any other profession, game testing is difficult to break into.  Knowledge is power and the more an individual knows about the nuts and bolts of game creation, the more apt he will be to find a way to get paid for testing new game concepts.  Game testing requires ingenuity, attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, love of gaming and ability to spot potential problems.  Without game testing, the market would be overwhelmed with games that irritate and anger all avid gaming enthusiasts.  It almost appears that  game testing is as important as the game development itself.

Game Testing

Video games now rival motion pictures as a worldwide industry grossing more than $10 billion per year. Yet at the core of this vast industry is a trace of humble beginnings when a game developer sat for hours before a screen game testing his/her work, looking for errors- “bugs” that could spoil the game experience.

Today there are different names applied to the task: QA( quality assessment or Quality assurance), beta testing, even focus groups for marketing. It is a myth that game testing involves only an alpha ( early but complete) version or even a beta ( ready to go to market) version.  Game testing begins much earlier, when the first elements of the game code have been assembled, one can think of it as a skeleton then comes muscle and other flesh until finally the beautiful skin and hair- game testing is a vital part of assembling a video game program.

The skills needed for game testing probably have not changed greatly, endurance still high on the list, but many companies now have game testing departments, a core of testers. Game testing is meant to uncover major things that stop the game, lesser problems such as things that go not as planned- wrong result for right moves; and more minor things that affect only appearance

As the process goes forward from the simple codes to more finished product, game testing expands in size and focus. As the product nears completion, many more testers are used and game testing becomes more intense, focused on the corrections made, and adjustments the corrections require elsewhere in the program. In multiplayer games the risk of error increases greatly since there is the whole set of interactive codes to check out. Sometimes game testing goes further than the game itself but also to the design of the console and other equipment. Every aspect must be considered and included in the game testing checklist: connection speeds, compatibility of related equipment such as microphones and headsets.  The process continues to game testing of a beta version, but often goes beyond that, even into post production work.

As a career game testing has also become a favorite of people trying to sell something, many claim to train and place people in game testing jobs. There are jobs but most are short term and casual, although game testing is something that would enhance a resume, make someone better qualified for employment in the video game industry given other skills such as programming, research, marketing, or product development.  Game testing has a seasonal quality, the production schedules are often keyed to bringing a product to the market in time for Christmas, or summer vacation.

Video game assessment is a complex field, requiring computer programming and development skills, involving sounds, graphics, even script writing. But underneath it all, is a person in front of a screen, for hour after hour, game testing today what many millions may purchase and use tomorrow.

What not to do when trying to become a video game tester

Many people think that becoming a video game tester is not really a job but a recreational way to make money. This is certainly not true. A video game tester is an actual position that exists in order to weed out games that may be dull, boring, or make no sense when playing. They eliminate the waste in money so you can buy games that are great to play.

 

If you are considering a career as a video game tester, here are a few things that you want to avoid when applying.

 

Don’t become annoying

 

It’s not easy to find a video game tester job by simply browsing through the help wanted ads; everyone would be applying if this was the case. You will need to contact the companies that develop games. Don’t call them expressing your interest in the job. You need to create a resume listing all your gaming experiences, include an actual report of a game that you tested as a demonstration of your abilities, and email, mail, or personally deliver your resume.

 

Don’t forget to brag about yourself a little bit on your resume. You can brag about the number of games you have, how often you play, and what additional gaming skills you possess. However it is important that you present this information in a professional manner.

 

Don’t take this job lightly

 

If you are chosen as a video game tester, the last thing you want to do is to take this position lightly. It is fun and it is a dream job for the gamer however it is even more important that you consider this as a job instead of fun. They are hiring you as a professional so they expect only professional results.

 

Understand what they want from their testers and know exactly how you can provide that information for them. As you are playing the game, pause it long enough to write notes that you want to add to your report. This will help you to remember everything about the game and increase your chances of keeping your job.

 

Don’t ever relax

 

Again this position is in demand and there is someone else who is waiting to become a real life game tester so if you don’t deliver professional and actual results you may be replaced so always maintain a certain level of professionalism that everyone will appreciate. Keep your resume updated with a list of all the games you reviewed to improve your chances of more gaming positions as they become available.

Become a Game Tester

Perhaps, you’ve heard that the best way to getting started in the games biz is to become a game tester. Essentially, this is true especially for folks who don’t have programming degree, business degree and art degree among others, but can get the testing job with developers or game publishers.  There generally is a common misconception that game testing is a ‘low level entry job’ and testers are often considered to be at the bottom of the totem pole. Nonetheless, game testers play a significant role and the test phase is vital in polishing a game into a fun experience for the end user.

Testing involves analyzing the in-development of games to locate any faults or bugs.  Game testers thus conduct quality assurance to find defects and errors that could turn off or annoy the gaming community. Although the phrase “game testing” may conjure up a mental image of some folks having fun playing games all day, it is far from it and can be as tedious and frustrating like any other job. Game testing requires not only finding new ways to ‘beat the game’ but also an organized and disciplined approach to product testing

If you’ve ever wondered or opted to become a game tester and don’t have a clue of the first step, then this next section is of extreme importance to you. You must first recognize that certain qualities must be inherent in you. Game testers, for example, ought to be methodological in their approach, have lots of patience and a keen eye for details. They must also be computer literate and good communicators. Good communication is extremely important for the purposes of testing and reporting. You can be an awesome bug-finder but cannot properly communicate in English. And of course, it will be helpful to possess controller skills and the hand eye coordination needed in navigating through the various challenges that may arise.

Having put the above qualities into consideration, the next step to becoming a video game tester is to get out the hobby mindset. As a professional game tester, you’ll have to take the job seriously, complete assignments assigned to you, ensure that you meet the deadlines as set by the developer and most importantly, do the “actual work”. The sooner you recognize that video testing job, although insanely awesome, is similar to other paid jobs, the better off you will be.

The final step is to get out and find a suitable placement with the right game developer. For you to find a placement as a video game tester for any gaming company, you must have a good reason as to why they should hire you. This means portraying your colossal and indispensable gaming expertise. You should also recognize that they don’t need you nearly as much as you want them. Learning these important requirements is only part of the battle. Once you know these crucial steps, you’ll need to stop sitting around and actually work on them.

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