You may have seen different advertisements on the Internet saying you can make $300 or more an hour as a beta tester for video games. Is this true? Not usually. Typically, when you see an advertisement like this, it is giving you a “fantasy scenario,” as most game testers don’t make anywhere near that. In this article, I will give you a realistic approach on how much money you can get paid to play video games.
First of all, you can earn as much — or as little — as you want. The fact of the matter is, if you want to earn more, you just have to work more and build up a reputation as a high-quality video game tester. If you can do that, you will not be limited to the amount of games you can test. In reality, you’ll only be limited to the amount of jobs you can handle, as well as by the time you can devote to this.
Many people test video games in their spare time, as a way to earn some extra cash on the side. Those part-timers usually feel that it ruins the gaming experience if they test too many hours a week. Other people, however, are more motivated and work up to 60 to 80 hours a week doing this for money. For them, the paychecks will be significantly larger and much more pleasing to the eye.
In addition, your reputation matters as well. If you can provide high-quality feedback and become known as a game tester who works hard and always completes every assignment handed to him, then naturally you will qualify for more jobs and command a higher testing fee.
At the same time, your skill level will also help determine how much money you earn per hour. If you’re able to go through a game very quickly and beat it without much effort, then you can devote drastically lower amounts of time to your game testing. In layman’s terms: the better you are at playing video games, the more money you can make every hour as a paid game tester.
So even though most gamers will never make $300 an hour, it is very possible to make at least $40-$80 an hour testing games for companies. Anyway you slice it, that’s not a bad fee for testing and playing video games all day long.
By: Sean Saunders
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Filed under Business by on Sep 2nd, 2010. 
Valuable And True Information About Video Game Tester Jobs
All gamers know that when a new video game is presented they can expect to find some errors in the game. This is pretty common and there is a logical explanation for that. Game developers are not automatically gamers. They create the video game and test it the best way they can, but they don’t fill all the gaps. Their thoughts are fixed on creating a successful product that has to satisfy the customer.
This doesn’t make them ideal video game testers.
Gamers have their own way of thinking and so they see the game in their own, non-economical way, except for the purchasing price of course. This creates the need for game developers to find and fix errors where their own personnel can’t. Gamers find the most glitches in a game, that is just a hard proven fact.
Why Are Video Game Testers So Important?
When you visit a regular gaming forum you can find a lot of posts of gamers reporting flaws. Other gamers post in the same topic until the place becomes a hot spot with the hope the game developers will do something about it. Sometimes it gets really ugly in those forums and because of that the game developers lose reputation and with that some profits too.
Paint yourself a picture here. When gamers find an error in a game, they get irritated. Not only do they get irritated, they talk about it to other gamers, friends and acquaintances. If these people were considering to buy the game, guess what?
Most of them don’t want to buy the game until the problem is fixed.
Game developers know about these things and of course they would like to increase the satisfaction level of their customers and the profits of their company so they actually hire gamers to test games before the games get published. We call these games ‘beta games’.
How Do They Work?
When video game testers test games and find errors, they report it to the game developers, the developers process and fix the problem, create a patch, and upgrade the game.
Just like that.
These new job opportunities are received with open arms. Of course the idea to get paid to test games is very welcome to a lot of people, but the results of the concept are even better.
With the help of video game testers a video game starts its path with much more success. The forums are calmer and the overall customer is more satisfied with off course the everlasting exception of a few people, but that is nothing new.
Where Do I Apply?
So, where can you go to become such a video game tester? There are some sources to check out, but beware, there are many people out there that will try to fool you and rob you of some money and your trust in other sources that might just be what you were looking for. I have created a website and did some research for you, so that you only deal with the sources that have been checked. At the same time you can learn about the advantages and the disadvantages of being a game tester.
Check out the enclosed link of this article to find out more about video game tester jobs. You can also sign up on the site if you wish to be contacted as soon as new information about the concept is available, or even if you want to learn how to make money online.
Thank you and have fun!
Visit Video Game Tester Jobs
To your success,
Ramesh Klinkert
By: Ramesh Klinkert
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Filed under Business by on Sep 2nd, 2010.
If you’ve spent any time looking for a video game testing job, you’ve probably been offered a membership to a site that promises to get you hired as a video game tester for a fee. On one hand, you really want to be a game tester. On the other, it could be a scam. So you ask yourself, “Do I have to pay to become a video game tester?”
First, let’s think a little about the job. It’s in very high demand, because many people underestimate the requirements of it. Although game testing doesn’t require any special training or education, it’s much more than just “getting paid to play games”. Video game testing jobs do require effort, and they should be taken as seriously as any other career.
With that said, it should be noted that most people will have to pay to become a video game tester. Because so many people expect it to be a very “easy” job, gaming companies struggle to find serious testers. It is rare to be directly hired by the developer unless you already have connections in the video gaming industry.
Instead, game developing companies turn to video game testing membership sites. Because you have to pay to join, it shows that you are prepared to take the job seriously. Serious game testers are just what the companies need to make sure that they get the most for their money. Many legitimate game testing membership websites exist and come with money back guarantees, for the rare chance that you don’t get hired.
By: Serenity Carson
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Filed under Business by on Sep 1st, 2010.
Thinking About Getting A Video Game Tester Job?
There are some important things you need to know about video game tester jobs before you consider having one. A game tester works hard and the work isn’t easy, but you didn’t click the link of this article to get discouraged, but because you love games and want to make it your job, right?
If you’re answer to this question is yes, then this line of work could be for you.
If you want to get ahead at game companies then becoming a game tester is a great way to do that. This job can give you the opportunity to get another job in the industry, like a game programmer or designer.
Testing games doesn’t require you to go through a long education, but if you consider to upgrade that job you should study.
What is video game testing about?
I am sure you have heard of testing beta games or maybe you have even participated at one already. If you haven’t done it yet, I would really recommend that you do, because this will give you the opportunity to create a little understanding of what a game tester does every day.
The difference with beta testing and having an actual testing job for a game developer is that with beta testing games you do this from home in your own time where you often receive the full version of the game for free or reduced price, while a tester job often requires you to go to work every day.
Sometimes game tester jobs can be done at home, but usually only part-time.
Becoming a video game tester is not for everybody. For game developers it is more likely they will choose the ones with affinity for multiple consoles and operating systems, but this doesn’t automatically mean they will choose people with less experience.
Sometimes it can be just about how good you are at finding errors. In the end, this is what beta testing is all about; find and report bugs in the game so they can be fixed.
What more do I need?
Make sure you are able to control your emotions, because sometimes the job can drain you of your patience. Imagine having to reboot the system over and over again, because a defect in the game is requiring the system to reboot.
If you don’t love gaming, you won’t last that long. Only your passion for games will make it absolutely worth your time.
Some advice before you start out: Make sure you are able to write with quality and a lot of detail. I can imagine that a lot of young people are very interested in this job, but if you cannot deliver a good report and explain your findings, this job isn’t for you.
I have done a lot of research concerning video game tester jobs. Learn how to become a video game tester. Make sure you are prepared before applying for one.
Greetings,
Ramesh Klinkert
By: Ramesh Klinkert
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Read more on Video Game Testing – How to Get a Video Game Tester Job…
Filed under Business by on Sep 1st, 2010.
When you think of a video game tester what comes to mind? Video game testers are stereotyped as lazy nerds who sit around all day and plays games for a living. While the lazy nerd part is true in some cases, video game testing is actually very complex and there are many different elements that go into it.
Now don’t get me wrong, about 85% of a tester’s time is usually spent playing a video game. But it isn’t really “playing” as you would think of it, it’s more like searching the entire game for any areas of improvement.
Filed under Business by on Jul 28th, 2010.
Do video game tester jobs really pay that well is a burning question on many job searcher’s minds. If you have spent any length of time looking for jobs, full or part-time on the Internet, most likely you have seen or read about game testers earning hundreds of dollars per day, at home, simply game testing. Can this really be true or is it just a bunch of half-truths and advertising hype?
If you are in the process of searching for a new job, or looking for a way of earning additional income, at some point you want to know just how much money video game tester jobs pay. To put it another way “show me the money”!
Sadly, few if any game testing jobs pay you hundreds of dollars per day to sit at home and play. In reality, most surveys taken concerning video game testers jobs report that the average earning is in the range of $8 to $15 per hour (in the United States). Obviously this wage will vary if you live elsewhere in the world; most likely you will earn even less depending on your local minimum wage regulations.
Still the concept of making $8 to $15 per hour (more or less depending on your location) may still be appealing if you can work from home. Once again, this is idea of being a game tester at home, is generally wishful thinking and happens only rarely. (Unless your dad or mom owns the company!) Most paid games testing jobs require you to work on-site at the game developers’ testing facility. This is not surprising given the high security that surrounds the testing of new gaming products in a very competitive, multimillion dollar marketplace. As a games tester you will most likely have to sign a legal document stating that you will not discuss or publish any information about the game you are involved in testing or face the prospect of instant firing and possible criminal charges.
Yet another consideration if you are really serious about a job where you get paid to play video games is the length of steady employment. The fact about most entry level game testing jobs is that they are limited duration. This means that once the testing phase is over for the game you are working on; it is sent to market or scrapped due to too many problems, your employment is over. Think of it like being a fruit picker. Once the fruit season ends, so does your job. If you are lucky and have been a good worker, you may be put on another game testing project, however gaming companies often hire lots of extra testers at the last minute, just to get the product finished in time to meet their marketing deadline.
A final consideration are job benefits. Like most other careers, if you are not a full-time, permanent employee of the company or business, job benefits such as medical and health coverage are not provided until you are hired on full-time.
So to conclude, are video game tester jobs really that great? Probably not for someone who is looking to make a career as a games tester simply due to the low pay, lack of job security, and few company benefits. If however you are just looking to earn some extra spending money for doing something that you enjoy, such as playing video games, then a video game tester job may be a reasonable job to pursue.
At the risk of contradicting myself, it must be noted that there most certainly are people who start as entry level game testers and will over time work themselves into better paying positions that come with experience and quality job performance. So, yes, some people may use their video game tester jobs as a stepping stone into the gaming industry and in the end start to earn a good salary and benefits that come with management positions within the gaming company.
By: Barry Kareful
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Filed under Business by on Jul 21st, 2010.
Many people make a living as a video game beta tester. What this means is that they get paid to find bugs in beta versions of upcoming video games. The reason for this is quite simple. For the game company, it is financially beneficial to pay professional game testers to thoroughly test a game and all of it’s features so that it meets consumer expectations, and so that it is the best quality that can possibly be achieved.
Generally speaking, here’s how you get started: you contact a few game developers & game companies and you persuade them to hire you as a beta tester. In a nutshell, that’s basically what needs to be done. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately though, it is much easier said than done.
The best way to “persuade” these companies and developers is by showing them your overwhelming amount of expertise in the video game industry; things like your skill level as a gamer, your ability to accurately document glitches and bugs, your ability to follow instructions to the letter, and so on and so forth. Occasionally, it means making them an offer they can’t refuse, such as testing a few video games for free (GULP). Why test them for free? Well, to get your foot in the door and show them that your a dedicated tester that just loves to play video games. Remember, they are looking for true blue game testers that can be remarkably efficient when testing video games.
When you begin landing video game tester jobs, you are generally sent a free copy in the mail as well as a questionnaire and “report” to fill out. Typically, you’ll be given an assignment to complete that either involves beating the entire game from start to finish or playing one level over & over & again. It really just depends on the information the developer needs.
Once you get your assignment, it’s time to go to work. Complete the assignment, fill out the form or questionnaire, and then mail it back to the game developer. It’s important to be fast with your video game testing and, at the same time, you must be professional as well. With that being said, get the work done quickly but make sure it is done accurately and without mistakes. After they have received your report, you will be issued a check in the mail. Typically, the checks are paid every other week to the video game beta tester.
To be a good game tester, you have to have an eye for detail, as well as the ability to play certain parts of a game repeatedly. At the same time, you have to be able to properly document errors and glitches that you find, which will be done via the bug reporting form.
When it comes to getting started and finding your first video game tester job, there are two paths you can walk. Path 1: You go out on your own and do everything completely by yourself without any help from anyone or anything. Path 2: You research and read through the numerous resources & testing guides in order to find a “tried, tested, and proven” approach that others have achieved success with. Obviously, the path you choose is up to you, but personally, I’d go with option 2. Why? Because video game testing is an industry made up of teams, not solo gamers. Plus, why would you want to “reinvent the wheel” when you can just improve upon it?
There you have it; a quick & simple guide on how to get paid as a video game beta tester.
By: Sean Saunders
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Read more on Video Game Beta Testers – Can I Really Get Paid To Play Video Games?…
Filed under Business by on Jul 18th, 2010.
Video game testers are in great demand because of skyrocketing growth in the gaming industry. People are getting hundreds of dollars per assignment just simply playing and sharing their views on the latest video games to rock in gaming zones. You have bright chances to get great jobs as a video game tester.
One should find a video game tester job, which is a tough job unless you do not have any connection with any video game industry. You should catch a person who is related with graphic designing in video games or one who knows someone in video game industry. You got to know that if you are not being updated with your knowledge in the video game industry, you stand nowhere. There are plenty of games being launched everyday and you should be in touch with it.
You should have knowledge about all the genres, not being capable to opine one particular genre. You love wrestling, but it should not happen that you get perplexed when you have arcade game in front of you to play and to review. People with ‘limited edition’ of knowledge have no vacancy in video game testing field.
Another thing one must keep in mind that one must be able to evaluate pros and cons both in the game. Be frank opining about the game and notice what kind of difficulties you had while playing the game. What all can be helpful overcoming all those difficulties and are those solutions easily traceable by a common person? When the video games are based on real events, check out the authenticity of the events that are being described in the game and mark those points that are praiseworthy.
You should be filled up with the knowledge of latest gadgets and even with those that are outdated. This will help you in comparing latest trend with old tradition making your opinion superior than others’. The manufacturers and players expect you to compare the previous version or edition of the game and to look forward for forthcoming editions too. This means, you should be capable enough to have memory for the past, presence of mind for the current demands and far-sight to suggest what all can be done to make the current edition better in future.
With those all qualities, video game testing can be turned into a ’sitting duck’ and it can make you busy playing, opining and making bunches of dollars at your accounts!
By: Steve DaSilva
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Filed under Business by on Jul 18th, 2010.
If you’re a gamer and wish to become a paid game tester, then you’re in luck, as the video game tester requirements are quite lax these days; hence, nearly anyone can get a job testing video games for pay.
Here are the most basic video game tester requirements….
Must be at least 18 years old. This requirement can be bent depending on the gaming company hiring you. Although they are typically few and far between, there are in fact companies out there hiring gamers whom are below the age of 18.
Must be an avid gamer with plenty of experience. In this day and age, who isn’t a gamer? A couple of weeks with Halo, Final Fantasy, Oblivion, and/or any other highly popular games and any person can call themselves an “avid” gamer.
Must be upgraded to next-gen. If you’re not playing next-gen video games nor own a next-gen system (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii), then you’re WAY behind when it comes to video game testing jobs. Since many developers have “at-home” testing opportunities, it is vital that you get up to speed and into the next-gen race. (If you don’t have a next-gen system, you need a high-end computer)
Must have high-end computer. If you’re more of PC gamer, then having a powerful computer is of crucial importance. A powerful PC means you will be able to put any of the developer’s games to the test without worrying about your own hardware problems. (If you don’t have a high-end computer, you need a next-gen system)
Must have a video game tester resume. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been testing (or trying to test) games, you simply must have a professional looking resume. Professional game testing is a job, so you can’t expect to get by with just a smile and a “can I test games for you?” mentality. Remember, your resume doesn’t have to be breath taking — it just has to be professional and well put together.
The above video game tester requirements are really all you need to get started. In fact, some of those requirements might be null & void when it comes to certain developers. That being said, don’t be afraid to submit your application/resume just because you don’t meet a certain requirement — you never know what exceptions a gaming company is willing to make!
By: Sean Saunders
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Read more on What Are the Standard Video Game Tester Requirements?…
Filed under Business by on Jul 18th, 2010.
Video game testing jobs are in high demand. Before a game is released, it has to go through a variety of designing and development. Testing is an important part of that development process. Because of this, gaming companies need to hire game testers to make sure that everything works as it should. Since it is so important, testers are paid a nice salary and usually get to keep a free copy of the game.
What are the requirements for a video game testing job? Testing for games is less complicated than designing them. For that reason, most video game testing jobs don’t require a college degree or special skills or knowledge. The majority of the companies will hire you with only a high school education.
Will you need your own consoles to become a video game tester? The answer to this question will vary depending on the specific job. Many companies will give you a console if you don’t already have it available. In fact, special consoles set up for testing are sometimes necessary and must be provided. In other cases, you’ll need your own console to get a video game testing job. Either way, having at least one console will be enough to get your first job.
How much does video game testing pay? This really depends on how much you work and your experience level. The average salary for a video game testing job was $39000 per year in 2008. As with any job, you will get paid more as your experience in the field increases. On top of money, game testers are often compensated with free games and other rewards.
Many people become game testers in order to make their way into a more professional career in the gaming industry like game design or development. Game reviewing is closely related to testing. You will receive advance copies of games and be paid to review them. In fact, testers and reviewers who perform exceptionally well can get invites to E3 and other gaming conferences.
By: Serenity Carson
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Read more on Video Game Testing Jobs – How Can You Become a Video Game Tester?…
Filed under Business by on Jul 16th, 2010.