| Avid video game players have all asked | | | | minor glitches that need improving before the |
| themselves if it's possible to make a living with | | | | official release of the software. |
| their hobby. For some it's more than a pastime, | | | | The position of "video game tester" is different in |
| it's a social culture, and as with any tribe contains | | | | that a software company will hire you to |
| different levels of quality. Game testers are the | | | | investigate sections of the program where you |
| final say-so on the fodder for this community, so | | | | will actually have to go into the coding to |
| if you were curious about making money playing | | | | determine the specifics of the problems you may |
| video games, this is the avenue to investigate. As | | | | encounter. Also known as "quality assurance" in |
| usual, the internet is the best place to start your | | | | the industry, these are the people who make |
| search for employers in this field or for technical | | | | sure that the foundations of the games we play |
| schools that offer programs you can study. | | | | are solid and secure. |
| Starting here will lessen the footwork and the | | | | Passion for gaming is not the only quality you will |
| amount of time it takes to decide if this is indeed | | | | need in this field. Communication skills are |
| the right path for you. | | | | important if you want to be a game tester. Most |
| If you believe that game testing is indeed your | | | | of your job will entail the writing of reports about |
| calling, it's important to know the difference | | | | any bugs you find. Grammar and diction are |
| between a "beta" tester and a "game" tester. | | | | necessary components of effective reporting. |
| You may see ads on the internet that link you to | | | | You will also need to understand the technical |
| jobs as a beta tester offering up to $100 an hour | | | | jargon used by the designers and engineers, which |
| "from home." This is not a bad gig for a gamer, | | | | will make your reports efficient as well. If these |
| but it's not a career as a game tester. Beta | | | | are qualities you possess, this could just be your |
| testing involves playing a nearly-finished version of | | | | dream job! |
| the game while searching for terminal errors or | | | | |