Earning money as a game tester can be a fun and rewarding way to work in the gaming industry. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
1. Understand the Role of a Game Tester:
Game testers, or quality assurance (QA) testers, play a crucial role in finding bugs, issues, and glitches in games before they are released. They test gameplay, user experience, and sometimes even write reports on what needs improvement.
2. Skills You Need:
- Attention to Detail: Catching small bugs and glitches requires strong focus.
- Patience: Testing can involve repetitive tasks.
- Good Communication: You’ll need to explain problems clearly to developers.
- Knowledge of Game Development: Understanding game design and mechanics can be helpful.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with different gaming platforms, coding (optional), or bug-tracking software like JIRA or Bugzilla is a plus.
3. Get the Right Equipment:
- A good PC or gaming console to play and test games on.
- High-speed internet for testing online games.
- A comfortable setup, since you might spend hours testing.
4. Where to Find Game Testing Jobs:
- Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr sometimes have game testing gigs.
- Gaming Companies: Major companies like Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft, Blizzard, and smaller indie developers often hire testers. Check their websites for open positions.
- Game Testing Websites: There are dedicated websites like:
- PlaytestCloud: For testing mobile games.
- BetaTesting: Offers opportunities to test apps and games.
- VMC Global Beta Test Network: Connects testers with beta opportunities.
- Lionbridge: Offers remote game testing jobs.
- Crowdsourced Testing: Platforms like UserTesting and uTest let you test games and apps.
5. Start as a Beta Tester:
- Join Open Betas: Many companies release open betas where you can test games before they launch.
- Offer Feedback: Even if it’s unpaid, beta testing can give you experience and help build a portfolio of feedback.
6. Build Experience:
- Start Small: Offer to test indie games or join game development communities where developers might need help testing.
- Build a Portfolio: Keep a record of the games you’ve tested and the feedback you’ve provided. This will help in applying for paid roles.
7. Game Testing Certifications (Optional):
Some people opt to get certified in software testing. Courses or certifications in QA testing, such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), can help you stand out.
8. Salary Expectations:
- Entry-Level: Game testers usually start with hourly pay ranging from $10 to $20 an hour.
- Experienced Testers: With experience, the rate can go up to $25+ per hour or more, depending on the complexity of the testing and the company.
- Freelance: Rates vary depending on the project.
9. Networking:
- Join Gaming Communities: Websites like Reddit (r/GameTesting, r/gamedev), Discord servers, and forums have game testing communities.
- Attend Events: Online gaming conventions or forums like GDC (Game Developers Conference) can be great places to meet developers and find opportunities.
10. Keep Improving:
- Stay updated on the latest gaming trends and platforms.
- Learn about new gaming engines like Unity, Unreal, and others.
By building experience and developing your skills, you can start earning money as a game tester and possibly move into other gaming industry roles over time.
