How does one get to be a computer video game beta tester? Can you really make a living at this? Yes, you can - and a good one at that. I speak with 11 years of experience and knowledge on what it takes to be a game tester, and so hopefully can answer this question for you. I landed my first job testing video games in early 1998, as a contractor, and went on to become a full-time employee, first as a test engineer for all kinds of software (including LOTS of games), then, as my programming skills progressed, as an SDET (software dev engineer/test). If you are hardworking and ambitious, and really wish to learn how to be a computer video game beta tester, you will find all kinds of doors opening for you, especially if you demonstrate a desire to learn more about your new field.
How to Be a Computer Video Game Beta Tester - Basic Requirements
Entry Level Manual Video Game Beta Tester -
Required:
1. Must like to play video games 2. Must be able to identify a bug when one sees one 3. Must be able to compose a decent bug report to hand off to the devs 4. Must be willing to work long hours when the crunch is on to get the thing shipped 5. Decent communication skills, both written and oral, in order to solve complex problems in a collaborative fashion with other team members.
Nice to have: 1. Basic knowledge of PC Hardware, especially video related 2. Ability to install and configure an Operating system 3. Ability to use "ghosting" software to create images of a system. This way, one can create multiple images on a box of different OS configurations, for testing backwards compatibility with older operating systems. 4. Good troubleshooting skills 5. Some scripting ability (even dos batch file skills go a long way here).
If you have the first 5 skills, you can get on as a level 1 STE (software test engineer) or as a Test Associate. If you have the 2nd 5 skills, you'll probably come on as a level II STE. The more technical skills you have, the higher the starting level, and the higher the pay.
How to Be a Computer Video Game Beta Tester - Helpful Resources Unfortunately, there is a lot of junk out their by copycat marketers who have never tested a game in their life and are simply trying to make a fast buck exploiting the bad economy and scam people looking for a new career. Do NOT buy or join any games tester job guide or membership site that wasn't written or created by someone with actual industry experience. Fortunately there are two legitimate resources that I can and do recommend to people who are seriously interested in the industry and desire to break into games testing as a career. These guys are the real thing, and WILL help you learn how to be a computer video game beta tester , and most importantly, land your first video game testing job. They are both a fantastic investment for anyone wanting to get into this exciting field.
1. The Become A Game Tester eCourse will teach you everything you need to know to land a video game tester job. Written by a brilliant games designer and developer, this is a do-it-yourself home study course that will give you the knowledge and resources needed to land your first game tester job in less than 60 days.
2. The Gamer Testing Ground Membership Site, created and ran by a really, really good games tester, is perfect if you hope to be a game tester for a new career. Here you will find a ton of resources created by guys with years of hands-on industry experience. You will receive the tools and resources needed not only to land your first testing gig, but to improve your skills and testing knowledge so you can grow in your new career path.
So avoid the junk, hype, lies and the "you can make $100.00 an hour!" bull-pucky; these guys actually know what they are talking about, tell it like it is for real, won't try to scam you with pie-in-the-sky nonsense, and will definitely help you land your first game tester job. But ultimately it is up to you - so get cracking!
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