How to Fill Those Video Game Tester Job Openings

When a game developer announces a few video game tester job openings, your best chance of getting one of those jobs is to be a relative or close personal friend of someone who already works there. Cynical? Yes. True. Again, yes. For those of you who don't have that advantage, the plan is a little less straightforward, but known to work. Following the three steps given below is your best chance at securing one of those video game tester job openings; the job of your dreams.

Step 1: Make a Connection

Write a letter to several video game developers to let them know about your interest in one of their video game tester job openings. List the games that you have played and your level of expertise. Tell them how much you enjoy playing these games and how serious you are about wanting to help make these games better by testing them. If you found out about a possible opening on a company website, be sure to mention that in the letter. With luck, you may get some games to test, and launch your career.

Step 2: Learn About and Test the Games

If you are selected to fill one of the video game tester job openings, games will be delivered to your home by mail or UPS. Before you begin playing any of the games, study any manuals that come with them. Make sure that you understand the game's theme and playing goals. Test the games methodically. Repeat testing until you have exhausted every possible approach to the game, trying all possible strategies to try to break it. Document any problems that you notice, including any strange unexpected game behavior. If you're not experienced in the various schemes and tactics used by game testers, take one of the online e-courses that are available to become more familiar with all the useful techniques offered. Remember, concentration and attention to detail are the keys to game testing success.

Step 3: Submit Your Findings

When you have completed testing a game thoroughly, submit all of the documentation that you created during testing. You can also add a summary of your general impression of the game and its ease of use. Time is crucial to game developers. Make sure that they acknowledge receipt of your documentation, otherwise your may have trouble with payment. Once your testing documentation has been reviewed and approved, you should be receiving a check for services. If you did an acceptable job, you can expect more testing jobs to follow.

Once you become adept at finding software bugs, you'll find game testing to be an interesting and rewarding job. You really don't want the games that you test to be flawed, but it is exciting to be the technical sleuth that finds errors where they exist. Better you than a future buyer. Pay can fall within the $20 to $150 per day range, depending upon your experience and work history. Some companies offer extra benefits or bonuses to those who find the most bugs. One great benefit for avid players is you'll learn some of the secret cheat codes. You may also be lucky enough to be able to keep the beta game versions that you've tested. It's an all around great deal! Follow the above steps to ensure that you have the best possible chance to fill one of those video game tester job openings that pop up now and then.