Video Game Tester Job Description, Career as a Video Game Tester, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
testers games shifts hours
Education and Training:— No specific academic qualification required.
Salary: Median— $49,000 annually
Employment Outlook:— Good
Video game testers are responsible for finding and reporting bugs in games during the different stages of development of a video game. They need to have keen observational abilities, along with good logical and analytical reasoning abilities. Experienced video game testers work closely with programmers and designers, to make sure critical bugs present in games are fixed before the gold disc is created. Their work is stressful and often involves erratic shifts, but the emotional rewards in the end more than make up for it.
Education and Training Requirements
Video game testing requires almost no qualification. The ability to play games continuously for long hours and a passion for playing games is usually enough for getting a job as a game tester. However, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or fine arts certainly gives aspiring candidates an edge when it comes to finding employment in this field.
Getting the Job
Video game testers are often hired off the street. Even casual gamers can get temporary jobs as game testers. However, in order to get permanent employment as video game tester, it helps to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and good knowledge of programming principles and techniques.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Advancement in this career stream depends on the candidate’s skills as a tester, and his/her instinct to spot errors. The level of technical knowledge that a candidate has may also prove to be an asset, since such a tester would be able to explain the bugs better to the developers and programmers.
Skilled game testers are often promoted to positions of senior testers or lead testers who are responsible for guiding and supervising a group of inexperienced testers. As testers gain somewhere around 3 years of professional experience, they may be promoted to managerial positions as well, provided they have the necessary qualifications. However, newcomers to the game testing field can face stiff competition since many people seek jobs of this kind.
Employment outlook for video game testers is looking good for the coming years. With the sales of video games nearly tripling in the period from 1996 to 2006, the demand for skilled testers has increased manifold.
Working Conditions
Video game testers employed in permanent positions work in spacious, well-lit offices. During the early developmental stages of a game, testers often enjoy regular work shifts and 40-hour work weeks. However, as the games near completion, duration of the shifts increases considerably. It is not uncommon for testers to spend more than 70 hours in office per week during final stages of game development. Freelance testers, on the other hand, enjoy flexible work hours.
Where to Go for More Information
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701,
NY 10121-0701
http://www.acm.org
Entertainment Software Association
575 7th Street, NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20004
http://www.theesa.com/
National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies
3000 Landerholm Circle S.E.,
Bellevue, WA 98007
http://www.nwcet.org
Salary, Earnings and Benefits
Video game testers earn very little during the early years. The yearly average salary of experienced video game testers ranges between $18,000 and $80,000. Those working on a contractual basis can earn between $350 and $2,000 per week, while monthly average salaries are in the range of $1000 to $8500.
Permanent testers employed in large organizations enjoy benefits offered to most regular employees, including paid leaves, vacations, and regular work shifts. On the other hand, freelancers or part-time game testers receive little to no benefits, and are often forced to work in cramped surroundings for long hours.
User Comments
over 5 years ago
peaches
I love how almost all the commenters are by 13 year olds -_-
almost 5 years ago
Potato
Potato
over 5 years ago
Devon Milstead
$49,000 annually in pay?! No way.
over 4 years ago
SlenderMan19607
I found this article to be completely filled with video gaming knowledge. I'm 14 and being a video game tester is extremely harder than some of you seem to think. my mother and I have been beta testers for multiple games, including star wars: the old republic and Minecraft. It's very tiring and hard to handle, going around and walking on every bit of ground you can find, trying to find a glitch or world error.But if you guys are patient, and if you find the right company to take you as a pro game tester, be my guest.
over 5 years ago
Mano96
Here's a tip for people looking for a video game tester job. Have good spelling because it won't look good on your resume when it looks like you couldn't make it through a 3rd grade spelling bee and that goes for any job actually. Plus get the idea of fun out of your mind. It's only fun 1% of the time and why? Because it's rarely a fun task you get and even if you do get a fun one, the fun wears off after the first five times then you have to keep doing the same thing for five hours.
about 6 years ago
I am 13, and I would love to get a job in game testing.
almost 5 years ago
Potato
Potato
almost 5 years ago
Vika Gguasee
I am in the 9th grade, and I have been interested in video games ever since I was 5. I played Sega Genesis with my sister. We played Toejam and Earl, and together we discovered level zero, and the present island without the Internet. I love playing video games, and would remain content, even if I had to play a level over and over and over again. I wish I could be done with school, not because im lazy, but because I want to do this job.
-Vika Gguasee, Pegasister.
/)
almost 6 years ago
jojo
Hello thankyou sooo much for these tips. i do understand it doesnt pay much but this would be a great career. if anyone is a VG tester and wouldnt mind i would like to get an interview. thankyou
over 5 years ago
Devon Milstead
Hey, thanks for the tips. Can I get more? I am almost 13, and would love a job in video game testing.
about 6 years ago
austin muse
a game tester sounds like a fun job but its really hard to tell how much you would get paid
over 6 years ago
hey thanks for the tips i am in 8th grand and reaslly want this carrer as my future job. send me tips and things so plz help me. thank you
about 5 years ago
JOSHI MANAL
I want job in game players so i hope that you can help me
almost 6 years ago
Hey I am trying to land a good game testing job and was just wondering if anyone had any tips on doing that. I have found a glitches in Call Of Duty but I also play other games for a long period of time. If their any information on getting a job I would appreciate it. Thanks
over 2 years ago
This seems exiting, i'm 14 in freshman year and iv'e been playing games all my life, so why not?
about 3 years ago
ehs
i think its funny that the first comment of the day is potato that redundant. and im doing a career project and im not 13 im in high school
about 7 years ago
david mitchum
Video Game Tester Job Description, Career as a Video Game Tester, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
almost 6 years ago
hi im in 8th grade I love xbox I have found meny glitches in halo reach that need patching I know how to redo them and I also will show you how I just do not know how to get assouated with bungie or 343 i play meny games runescape,skyrim,halo,navel assin and ect...
i play all tipes of games and meny (big) game like runescape so please message back im 14 about to go to highschool and i will do what ever digree that will halp me on my comet to bieng a computer game disigner i read that i need to start as a game tester thanks
over 6 years ago
hey thanks for the tips i am in 8th grand and reaslly want this carrer as my future job. send me tips and things so plz help me. thank you
almost 5 years ago
ryan likes my balls
about 5 years ago
hey i always wanted to be a game tester. Please help me to find a good job in this field!
over 4 years ago
Kati
Thanks this is great! I'm a thirteen year old girl in 8th grade,I want to be a game tester,I know it's rare to see a girl fame tester. I would love to apply,how old do you have to actually have to be?
almost 5 years ago
Potato
Potato
almost 5 years ago
Vika Gguasee
I am in the 9th grade, and I have been interested in video games ever since I was 5. I played Sega Genesis with my sister. We played Toejam and Earl, and together we discovered level zero, and the present island without the Internet. I love playing video games, and would remain content, even if I had to play a level over and over and over again. I wish I could be done with school, not because im lazy, but because I want to do this job.
-Vika Gguasee, Pegasister.
/)
about 5 years ago
WonderingFellow
This really gets my confidence up thanks a lot. If you could help me out I would so apperciate it!
almost 6 years ago
jojo
Hello thankyou sooo much for these tips. i do understand it doesnt pay much but this would be a great career. if anyone is a VG tester and wouldnt mind i would like to get an interview. thankyou
about 6 years ago
hi my name is scott and im a poor orphan who lives on the streets i would like to become a game tester
ps im using a school computer
almost 5 years ago
Vika Gguasee
I am in the 9th grade, and I have been interested in video games ever since I was 5. I played Sega Genesis with my sister. We played Toejam and Earl, and together we discovered level zero, and the present island without the Internet. I love playing video games, and would remain content, even if I had to play a level over and over and over again. I wish I could be done with school, not because im lazy, but because I want to do this job.
-Vika Gguasee, Pegasister.
/)
about 4 years ago
would it be to much for a 14 year old to ask for a interveiw i just have a few questions i would like answered or a grade 10 assiment and whos better to ask about my dream job then someone who has a job in it?
please get back to me when ever you get the chance thank you
almost 6 years ago
coolcalvin24
this is a epic 4 a gamer because thay do it all day like me
almost 5 years ago
hakuna matata
almost 6 years ago
coolcalvin24
this is a epic 4 a gamer because thay do it all day like me
about 5 years ago
this career is very helpful for me i have a a project that i'm doing in my 7th grade writing class so this helped a lot. i want this as my career in the future.
over 5 years ago
SUck it all fricking daty
over 6 years ago
jj riggs
hay when i grow up i would love to be a game tester i know my freind josiah and cody caleb and my brother joel
about 6 years ago
hi
true
about 3 years ago
I am 17 and want a job in this im in high school but got plenty of free time I am a hardcore gamer!
over 4 years ago
what does the fox say
you guys are so stupid.
almost 6 years ago
iLIKE
I LIKE BALL SACK
>:)
over 1 year ago
Shorty
Helped me on my school Project.
almost 6 years ago
iLIKE
I LIKE BALL SACK
>:)
over 5 years ago
WHO WANTS TO SUCK MY BALLS AND
almost 5 years ago
i like nipples
almost 6 years ago
i was talking to my old 58 yr old parents and they said it dosent have that much money into it then i found this and just for starting out i will get 1000 a week when my mom worked for 2 years to become a respectable position just to get aboght 340 a week working at a nursery at a gym thank you for helping me win a 1000 bet lol
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
almost 5 years ago
Vika Gguasee
I am in the 9th grade, and I have been interested in video games ever since I was 5. I played Sega Genesis with my sister. We played Toejam and Earl, and together we discovered level zero, and the present island without the Internet. I love playing video games, and would remain content, even if I had to play a level over and over and over again. I wish I could be done with school, not because im lazy, but because I want to do this job.
-Vika Gguasee, Pegasister.
/)
almost 5 years ago
i have a big dingdong;)
almost 3 years ago
Ernesto Ocampo
hi i was playing a game in my phone when the creators of the game wanted some beta tester and was choose to be one. Does this help me if i want to be a game tester.when testing the game i found a crash bug in the first level of the game.Other players also had this same bug.so i went to the games Facebook page and posted it.
almost 5 years ago
im with the kkk
over 3 years ago
gurjot tut
hey guys click here if you want to become a GAME TESTER and
get FREE GAMES...good luck.... http://bit.ly/1vBJAhX
over 4 years ago
SlenderMan19607
Now, most of you people are middle to high schoolers. I myself am only in 9th grade. Just because the job is called "video game tester", doesn't mean that that's all you do. You have to be able to work with software, spend much of your free time, and be extremely patient. The pay is good, the the work toll is terrible. Plus, getting a job as a video game tester is one of the hardest jobs you could get in the US. Also, working with video games and making sure every single place in the game doesn't glitch up can wreck havoc on your body. Sleep is almost non-existent, so video game testers "burn out" much faster than a regular worker in a cubicle. Now that all of you know this, think about what you want to do again, because a video game testing job is one of those jobs that are difficult to master.
over 4 years ago
=^0C=3 Look at it sideways
almost 5 years ago
Vika Gguasee
Lol why did my post post itself four times?
over 4 years ago
herp a derp motha fuka
over 5 years ago
SUCK IT
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
The power of Christ compels you! #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
over 4 years ago
My hands have holes in them 'nuff said. #potato
almost 5 years ago
hi peaches
almost 5 years ago
so horny
over 4 years ago
dakine
anime is the best!!!! if u have anime amino add mehhh xD lol soo out of the topic... Ai-Kun
over 3 years ago
Eric Colunga
Fat, Round, Square head, Big ears.
over 3 years ago
you like my balls
about 1 month ago
allhu akbar
fuk u
4 months ago
big slong
bich as web site
11 months ago
bob
f u peaches f u
11 months ago
bob
f u peaches f u
over 1 year ago
Mayo
Mayo
over 2 years ago
this was really useful information on my school assignment. i hope to be a video game tester.
almost 5 years ago
Nick
Please see attached
over 4 years ago
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almost 5 years ago
you want to ching chong my dingaling yolo smily face :) i like pancakes
almost 5 years ago
your body
almost 5 years ago
u want da D
19 days ago
CJer
I read peaches's comment as a joke. Then I read some of the other reviews and not only were people acting like 13 year olds, some of them even just said their age! Props to you peaches, you're the only intelligent person here (clearly I'm not because all of those 13 year olds are currently the same age or older than me haha)
6 months ago
slob on my knob
slob on my knob, like corn on the cob, check in with me, and do your job, lay in the bed, and give me head, don't have to ask, don't have to beg, juicy is the name, sex is the game, suck my nuts, and lick my butt
11 months ago
Sadiq
I want become a game tester, how is it possible?
about 1 year ago
hihhihihhihfdjfjjfkdjdskafjdaiejfajl
i have seen it.
about 1 year ago
hihhihihhihfdjfjjfkdjdskafjdaiejfajl
watch asdf movies 1-9. it teaches you all the info. (funny style)
over 1 year ago
j.w.t
it helped alot for my school project. thx