If you’re a video game enthusiast, you’ve probably dreamed of becoming a video game tester. Testing video games is a highly coveted position in the gaming industry, and it’s not as difficult to get started as you might think. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a video game tester.
What does a video game tester do?
A video game tester is responsible for thoroughly testing video games to ensure that they are free of bugs and glitches before they are released to the public. Testers play video games and provide feedback about their gameplay experience, often in the form of written reports or video recordings.
Additionally, video game testers may be responsible for testing specific features or gameplay mechanics to ensure that they are working correctly. For example, a tester might be tasked with testing a new enemy AI behavior to ensure that it is not too difficult or too easy for players.
How much do video game testers make?
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly rate for video game testers in the United States was $14.13 in November of 2019. However, pay rates can vary depending on the company you work for, your experience level, and the region you live in. It can also vary depending on whether you are working as a freelance tester or an employee of a video game development studio.
5 Steps to Becoming a Video Game Tester
Video game testing is a great way to break into the gaming industry. While there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a tester, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
- Get a high school diploma or equivalent
While not all video game testers have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire testers who have at least a high school diploma. In some cases, video game companies may require testers to have a certain level of education. It’s always a good idea to check with the companies you’re interested in working for to see what their specific requirements are.
- Be a video game enthusiast
To be a successful video game tester, you need to be passionate about playing video games. Not only will this help you better understand the games you’re testing, but it will also give you the drive to find as many bugs and glitches as possible. It’s important to remember that video game testing is not all fun and games—there will be times when you have to play the same section of a game over and over again in order to find a particular bug.
- Have strong attention to detail
As a video game tester, it’s your job to find bugs and glitches that others might not notice. This means that you need to have strong attention to detail and be able to pick up on even the smallest of issues. You should also be able to think like a developer, which will help you better understand how games are put together and how to find potential issues.
- Get a degree in video game design or related field
While not required, a degree in video game design or a related field can be helpful for becoming a video game tester. A degree will give you the technical knowledge and skills needed to understand how video games are made, which will come in handy when you’re trying to find bugs and glitches. Additionally, many video game companies prefer to hire testers with a degree in game design or a related field. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a degree is not a guarantee of a job in the gaming industry.
- Consider freelance testing
If you’re having trouble breaking into the video game industry, consider freelance testing. Freelance testing is a great way to get your foot in the door and start building your testing experience. There are a number of websites that allow you to find freelance testing jobs. While freelance testing doesn’t usually pay as much as full-time testing, it can be a great way to get your start in the industry.
Conclusion
Becoming a video game tester is a great way to break into the gaming industry. While there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a tester, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. Getting a high school diploma or equivalent, being a video game enthusiast, having strong attention to detail, and getting a degree in video game design or a related field can all help you become a successful video game tester.
It’s important that you remember that video game testing is not all fun and games—there will be times when you have to play the same section of a game over and over again to find a particular bug. However, if you’re up for the challenge, video game testing can be a fun and rewarding career.