How to Become a Video Game Tester: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you dream of turning your passion for video games into a career? Becoming a video game tester is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door of the gaming industry. It’s not all fun and games, though; it requires dedication, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of the development process. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to become a successful video game tester.
The Path to Becoming a Game Tester
Becoming a game tester isn’t as simple as just being good at playing games. It requires a multifaceted approach that combines passion, technical understanding, and professional development. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
1. Upgrade Your Gaming Practice: Become an Intentional Gamer
The first step is to transform your casual gaming into a more intentional and conscientious activity. Don’t just play; analyze. Pay attention to the game’s design, mechanics, and overall experience. Ask yourself questions like:
- What makes this game engaging?
- Are there any frustrating glitches or design flaws?
- How user-friendly is the interface?
- Are the game’s mechanics consistent?
By becoming a critical gamer, you’ll start to develop the mindset required for testing.
2. Develop Technical Knowledge and Skills
While you don’t need to be a programmer, some technical understanding is crucial. This includes:
- Understanding Game Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with various game genres and the mechanics within them (e.g., movement, combat, inventory).
- Familiarity with Hardware and Software: Understand different gaming platforms (consoles, PC, mobile), operating systems, and basic software functionality.
- Basic Troubleshooting Skills: Knowing how to identify common technical issues and describe them effectively is crucial. This can include everything from graphics glitches to gameplay errors.
3. Participate in Public Beta Testing
A great way to gain experience is to participate in public beta testing programs. Many game developers release unfinished versions of their games to gather feedback from players. By becoming a beta tester, you get hands-on experience in identifying bugs and providing feedback, which is essentially what a game tester does. Look for opportunities on gaming forums, developer websites, and social media groups.
4. Build a Game Tester Resume
Craft a compelling resume that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. This should include:
- Gaming Experience: Detail your experience with different game genres and platforms.
- Beta Testing Experience: List any beta testing projects you’ve participated in, and what role you played.
- Technical Skills: Outline your knowledge of different gaming hardware and software.
- Communication Skills: Emphasize your ability to clearly articulate technical issues in written form (reports are a key part of game testing).
- Any Relevant Education: Mention any degrees or certifications related to game design, software development or related fields.
- Software skills: Include skills that could be relevant such as using bug tracking software.
5. Apply for Game Tester Jobs
Finally, begin applying for game tester positions. Many game studios post openings on job boards, their websites, and social media. Be prepared for a competitive job market, and use your detailed resume to stand out. It’s often the case that you may start with a Junior or Entry-Level role. Networking can also be beneficial. Don’t be afraid to reach out to contacts in the industry and let them know you’re looking for opportunities.
6. Consider ISTQB Game Testing Certification
While not always required, a certification like the ISTQB Game Testing certification from ASTQB can boost your credibility and improve your chances of landing a job. This certification demonstrates a formal understanding of game testing principles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a video game tester, along with detailed answers:
1. Do Video Game Testers Make Money?
Yes, video game testers do get paid. As of recent data, the average hourly pay for a Video Game Tester in the United States is around $16.53 an hour. However, pay can vary widely based on experience, location, and the specific company you’re working for.
2. Is Being a Video Game Tester Hard?
The job is challenging but rewarding. It requires flexibility as plans can change, a basic understanding of game controls, and a high level of concentration. While you don’t need to be a skilled gamer, you do need to be able to meticulously test all basic functions of a game which can be repetitive.
3. How Much Experience Do I Need to Become a Video Game Tester?
You need extensive experience with video games, familiarity with various genres and understanding of what makes a game great, and basic troubleshooting skills. Experience as a beta tester is also very valuable.
4. What Certification Do I Need to Be a Game Tester?
The ISTQB Game Testing certification from ASTQB is highly recommended for aspiring game testers or for those looking to move up to the next level in game testing.
5. How Do I Become a Video Game Tester with No Experience?
Start by improving your gaming practices, building technical knowledge, participating in beta testing, and creating a game tester resume that highlights your relevant skills. Focus on developing those skills that are important in the industry and networking with people who work in the industry.
6. Are Game Testers in Demand?
Yes, there is a high demand for quality game testers. The popularity of video game consoles and games in general, coupled with their increasing complexity, makes testing a vital part of the game development process. It can also be a good way to get your foot in the door of the video game industry.
7. Is Game Testing a Stressful Job?
Game testing can be stressful and exhausting, especially when facing tight deadlines, repetitive tasks, complex systems, and bug reports. However, it is also a rewarding career that requires passion and creativity.
8. What are the Basic Requirements to Become a Video Game Tester?
You need a high school diploma. A degree in software development or game design is helpful but not mandatory. Most importantly, you need relevant skills and experience.
9. Do You Have to Be Good at Video Games to be a Tester?
Not necessarily. While experience with video games is vital, you do not have to be an expert gamer. You should be able to carefully evaluate a game, identify glitches, and effectively communicate issues to developers.
10. What are the Cons of Being a Game Tester?
Freelance game testers often face uncertainty, instability, and strong competition, and may not have long-term contracts. Also, game testing jobs can be repetitive and tiring.
11. What is the Difference Between a QA Tester and a Game Tester?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a slight distinction. Game testers ensure a game is user-friendly and bug-free overall. QA testers focus more on technical issues, while playtesters focus more on user experience and playability. Many roles require you to wear many hats.
12. How Much Do Xbox Game Testers Make?
The estimated total pay for a Game Tester at Microsoft is around $49 per hour, with a base pay of around $43 per hour.
13. How Much Do Nvidia Game Testers Make?
QA Tester salaries at NVIDIA can range from $51,000 to $170,000 per year. The amount you make can vary significantly based on experience and location.
14. Do You Need Math to Be a Game Tester?
While advanced math isn’t typically required, a good general understanding is useful. Strong English skills are more important, as is a good understanding of basic computer software.
15. What Makes a Good Game Tester?
A good game tester needs keen observation skills, the ability to detect problems, and be able to clearly communicate issues to the developers. Other important traits include patience, stamina, persistence, and a passion for games. They need to be willing to understand games from a design perspective.
Conclusion
Becoming a video game tester is a great way to turn your passion for games into a career. While it requires hard work and dedication, the rewards can be immense. By following the steps outlined in this guide and addressing the common questions, you will be well on your way to entering this exciting industry. Good luck, and may your testing skills be as sharp as your gaming ones!