Becoming a Video Game Tester

Avid video game players have all askedminor glitches that need improving before the
themselves if it's possible to make a living withofficial 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 containsthat a software company will hire you to
different levels of quality. Game testers are theinvestigate sections of the program where you
final say-so on the fodder for this community, sowill actually have to go into the coding to
if you were curious about making money playingdetermine the specifics of the problems you may
video games, this is the avenue to investigate. Asencounter. Also known as "quality assurance" in
usual, the internet is the best place to start yourthe industry, these are the people who make
search for employers in this field or for technicalsure 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 thePassion for gaming is not the only quality you will
amount of time it takes to decide if this is indeedneed 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 yourof your job will entail the writing of reports about
calling, it's important to know the differenceany 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 toYou will also need to understand the technical
jobs as a beta tester offering up to $100 an hourjargon 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. Betaare qualities you possess, this could just be your
testing involves playing a nearly-finished version ofdream job!
the game while searching for terminal errors or