Game testing is an essential part of getting new games on the market that function correctly for users. Testers who are usually experienced gamers themselves play the games to detect bugs and glitches at all levels of the game and report their experience to the company.
Getting paid for testing games is a dream job for many people who love playing video games. Companies hire game testers who test games and provide feedback on the overall experience, including identifying bugs, glitches, and other issues.
Game testers are usually paid an hourly wage, which can vary based on the company and the project parameters.
Although competition for game testing jobs is fierce, with many people interested in the position and limited opportunities available, it can be a great way to earn extra money, gain experience and build a career in the gaming industry.
Table of Contents
Can I Get Paid For Testing Games?
Yes, you can make money testing games. Companies hire game testers to play games and provide feedback on the overall experience, including identifying bugs, glitches, and other issues. This helps them improve the game before it is released to the public.
Is Paid Game Testing A Legit Job?
Being a video game tester is a legitimate job, not just a fun way to earn money. Game development companies need to test their games before they are released to the public, and they hire individuals to play the game and provide feedback. This is an important step in the game development process, as it helps identify and fix any issues with the game.
Those who get paid for testing games are typically paid an hourly wage, and the job may include benefits such as flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home on something they are passionate about.
What Are The Qualifications And Requirements To Be A Paid Game Tester?
The qualifications and requirements for being a paid game tester can vary from company to company, but some common conditions include the following:
- You must be at least 18 years old to be a game tester.
- It would help if you had a passion for playing video games and a good understanding of game mechanics. Consider starting a YouTube channel showcasing your gaming experiences.
- You should be familiar with different platforms, such as consoles and computers, and be able to use various software programs. Experience with other apps, mobile games, and stages of testing, e.g., beta-testing, is also useful.
- You should be able to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues in the game.
- You should be able to communicate effectively with the development team, both verbally and in writing.
- Testing video games can be repetitive and time-consuming, so you need to be patient and persistent.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum education requirement for game testing. However, college degrees can help advance you in the industry.
Some companies may look for previous experience in game testing or a related field, such as software testing. It’s also helpful to have a good understanding of the game development process and be able to provide constructive feedback.
How Do I Become A Paid Game Tester?
Here are the steps to becoming a paid game tester:
- Play as many video games as possible and become familiar with different platforms and genres.
- Start documenting your gaming experiences by writing reviews and creating videos or screenshots of your gameplay.
- Connect with people in the gaming industry by attending gaming events, joining online forums, and following gaming companies on social media.
- Look for game testing opportunities on job boards, company websites, and your network. Tailor your resume and cover letter to accentuate your relevant skills and experience.
- Be prepared to discuss your gaming experience and provide examples of bugs or issues you have identified in the past.
- Once you’ve secured a game testing job, follow the company guidelines and provide detailed, constructive feedback.
- Familiarize yourself with all aspects and types of gaming and apps. For example, some mobile apps are only available on Android or iOS (Apple’s mobile operating system). Nintendo games may not be available on other game consoles, such as Sony or Microsoft. Certain titles are online games only, like Fortnite.
- You may be asked to take your testing further than just playtesting and provide basic quality assurance.
It’s important to note that the demand for game testers can vary depending on the time of year and the number of game releases, so be prepared for a competitive job market. However, you can become a successful and paid game tester with hard work, dedication, and a passion for gaming.
How Much Does It Pay To Test Games?
The pay for game testing can vary based on several factors, including the company, the size of the project, and the tester’s years of experience and skills. On average, American video game companies pay user-testers anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour. Sometimes, people in video game tester jobs may receive benefits such as paid time off or health insurance. Payment is often made through PayPal.
It’s important to note that game testing is often a part-time position, with testers working anywhere from 10 to 40 hours per week. Full-time jobs are rare. The pay can also be project-based, with testers receiving a lump sum for their work on a specific game. The payment for game testing can also vary depending on the tester’s location, with testers in major cities typically earning more than those in smaller towns.
Overall, the pay for video game testing jobs is typically low compared to other jobs in the technology industry. Still, it can be a great way to gain experience and build a career in the game design industry.
Why Is Competition Fierce For Game Testing Jobs?
Competition for game testing jobs is often fierce because so many people are interested in the job. User testing is often seen as a dream job for people who love playing video games.
Many are willing to work for low pay or part-time to break into video game development and achieve their dream of becoming an animator or programmer.
Additionally, game development companies typically have a large pool of applicants, making it difficult for individuals to stand out. To increase their chances of getting hired, many individuals will take steps to build their gaming skills and create a strong portfolio, but this also means that the competition is often highly skilled and motivated.
Overall, the competition for game testing jobs is intense because the job is in high demand, and only limited opportunities are available. Individuals interested in becoming game testers must be prepared to put in the time and effort to develop their skills and build a strong portfolio to stand out from the crowd.
