How to Get a Video Game Testing Job
Unless you have connections in high places, it will be difficult
for a major game company to come directly to you and offer you a video game testing job.
Many of these game studios have staff testers, however any game
that hit’s the shelves will have been played at home by a game tester because the publishes will want to have first heard the voice that
really matters; yours.
This article will show you the best method of living the dream of
any gamer; getting paid to test video games.
All you need to start is a games console such as a Playstation 2
or 3, an Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Computer or pretty much any other one you can think of no mater how small or big.
Secondly, if a computer isn’t already what you have chosen to
test games on you’re going to need one anyway.
The Internet is the best place to start your search. Do a few
internet searches for “game testing jobs” and “game testers
wanted”, and you will have hundreds of sites popping up offering you chances to make $100 dollars an hour playing video
games.
You will have to weed through these until you start to see
genuine sites. Many online forums can also direct you to trustworthy sites.
Most of these web sites have a small subscription charge which
will pay for itself once you get off the ground.
The majority will send you newsletters and updates of companies
who are looking for game testers.
If and when you choose to apply for these jobs, simply e-mail
them with a quick cover letter telling them of your gaming experience, if you have ever been a gaming tester before and your rate per hour
(its best to keep this low when you’re starting off; around $20/hr).
Be casual yet polite and professional about what you do; only
giving relevant information and pitching them your service as best you can.
In terms of getting a response it will be the same as applying
for any other job, it may take some time. However persistence will prevail and after a couple of weeks you should hear back from one or two of
these game companies.
During the time while your waiting you can build a portfolio by
writing small articles about games you have already played, giving the good along with the bad, or even make your own pod cast if you have the
time.
These little reviews show future potential clients that you can
test video games and analyze them in detail. It also looks good on a cover letter to throw in a link to your blog or website.
When the big day finally comes and you receive an email asking
you to test a game the world has yet to lay eyes on, you’ve gotten you first ever video game testing
job. All that’s left now is to get down to work. Or should I say play?
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