Video Game Tester Job - The 5 Truths That Will Help You Achieve This Dream
The modern phenomenon of playing video games all day might not seem like a career to many, but maybe it's closer to the truth than you think.
Can you really earn money doing something you love? Well the plain truth is that these jobs really do exist, but the definition of dream job might have been stretched somewhat by unscrupulous online retailers trying to make a fast buck.
If you're serious about making a living from video games you can achieve your goal, but let's get things straight from the off, it won't be easy and you won't make millions overnight.
The five areas below will explain how you can succeed, but you still need to work hard to put these measures in place.
1.
There are plenty of scams out there which will gladly take your cash in return for some quickly rehashed e-book that promises to make you a guru in the video game testing community.
Take these offers with a pinch of salt and use your intuition to discern the wheat from the chaff.
We don't want to rule out the e-book route into video game testing, as some of these products do work, but they're in a small minority and can usually be spotted by the more down to earth earning figures.
When you start out in the video game industry you don't have the experience to demand top dollar from companies in a freelancing role.
They won't pay you anything above $7-$10 per hour.
It's like any other role in the world, you must have experience to earn more money.
At the start you simply have to work hard to progress further.
2.
Develop real world skills for a real world job.
Video games companies make vast multi-million dollar products and as such employ real employees in office roles.
You need to be able to communicate with these staff members, even if you get a rare chance to work from home.
You'll need to be articulate and have a firm grasp of English, both spoken and written.
During conferences and meetings you'll need these communication skills to adequately make your point.
It doesn't matter how good you are at finding bugs if you can't communicate this to others.
3.
You must show determination and follow this up with perseverance in all areas of this career.
This phrase applies to pretty much every career and video game testing is no different.
If you lack these facets to your character you must acquire them to avoid failure.
Nobody will hand you a games tester job on a plate, plus you'll receive countless knock-backs and put-downs and it's how you face these and get back up which will determine whether or not you succeed.
If you want to consider a traditional way into quality assurance testing you might need to enroll in evening or night classes at a local college.
Your levels of perseverance will determine whether or not you complete the learning.
4.
Professionalism is an absolute must in this industry.
Forget the archetypal bloke sitting on a bed eating snacks and playing games while his bank balance soars, this isn't the case.
If you work from home, which is unlikely at first, you'll still be expected to work standard hours, submit timed reports and as above, communicate this in a professional and timely manner.
More over the likelihood is that you'll be going to a workplace, in which case you'll need to adhere to possible dress codes and behavioural standards.
Your resume will play a key role in getting your foot in the door in the first place.
Make sure this is current, detailed and lists all relevant qualifications.
Quality assurance is the role you'll be applying for so don't put video game tester anywhere on the page! 5.
Be realistic about this new career path and keep the other points in check.
Video gaming is extremely popular and so are roles within the industry.
Many factors will come into play, including experience, how you present yourself and even luck.
It might take much longer than you expected to secure that first illusive video game role, so be patient and grab any chance that arises firmly with both hands.
E-books are not the devil, some of these products will make you money, but go in with your eyes open and be prepared to make small amounts at first.
Most importantly be realistic about the actual role.
Playing video games for money won't necessarily involve hitting COD for 6 hours every day.
It's more likely you'll be playing certain parts of a game over and over again, type testing, looking for a bug to repeat itself.
If you approach the whole idea of playing games for money as a job, not a hobby with rewards, you'll keep your expectations grounded and your morale high.
Can you really earn money doing something you love? Well the plain truth is that these jobs really do exist, but the definition of dream job might have been stretched somewhat by unscrupulous online retailers trying to make a fast buck.
If you're serious about making a living from video games you can achieve your goal, but let's get things straight from the off, it won't be easy and you won't make millions overnight.
The five areas below will explain how you can succeed, but you still need to work hard to put these measures in place.
1.
There are plenty of scams out there which will gladly take your cash in return for some quickly rehashed e-book that promises to make you a guru in the video game testing community.
Take these offers with a pinch of salt and use your intuition to discern the wheat from the chaff.
We don't want to rule out the e-book route into video game testing, as some of these products do work, but they're in a small minority and can usually be spotted by the more down to earth earning figures.
When you start out in the video game industry you don't have the experience to demand top dollar from companies in a freelancing role.
They won't pay you anything above $7-$10 per hour.
It's like any other role in the world, you must have experience to earn more money.
At the start you simply have to work hard to progress further.
2.
Develop real world skills for a real world job.
Video games companies make vast multi-million dollar products and as such employ real employees in office roles.
You need to be able to communicate with these staff members, even if you get a rare chance to work from home.
You'll need to be articulate and have a firm grasp of English, both spoken and written.
During conferences and meetings you'll need these communication skills to adequately make your point.
It doesn't matter how good you are at finding bugs if you can't communicate this to others.
3.
You must show determination and follow this up with perseverance in all areas of this career.
This phrase applies to pretty much every career and video game testing is no different.
If you lack these facets to your character you must acquire them to avoid failure.
Nobody will hand you a games tester job on a plate, plus you'll receive countless knock-backs and put-downs and it's how you face these and get back up which will determine whether or not you succeed.
If you want to consider a traditional way into quality assurance testing you might need to enroll in evening or night classes at a local college.
Your levels of perseverance will determine whether or not you complete the learning.
4.
Professionalism is an absolute must in this industry.
Forget the archetypal bloke sitting on a bed eating snacks and playing games while his bank balance soars, this isn't the case.
If you work from home, which is unlikely at first, you'll still be expected to work standard hours, submit timed reports and as above, communicate this in a professional and timely manner.
More over the likelihood is that you'll be going to a workplace, in which case you'll need to adhere to possible dress codes and behavioural standards.
Your resume will play a key role in getting your foot in the door in the first place.
Make sure this is current, detailed and lists all relevant qualifications.
Quality assurance is the role you'll be applying for so don't put video game tester anywhere on the page! 5.
Be realistic about this new career path and keep the other points in check.
Video gaming is extremely popular and so are roles within the industry.
Many factors will come into play, including experience, how you present yourself and even luck.
It might take much longer than you expected to secure that first illusive video game role, so be patient and grab any chance that arises firmly with both hands.
E-books are not the devil, some of these products will make you money, but go in with your eyes open and be prepared to make small amounts at first.
Most importantly be realistic about the actual role.
Playing video games for money won't necessarily involve hitting COD for 6 hours every day.
It's more likely you'll be playing certain parts of a game over and over again, type testing, looking for a bug to repeat itself.
If you approach the whole idea of playing games for money as a job, not a hobby with rewards, you'll keep your expectations grounded and your morale high.