FEATURE STORY: Could YOU Be A Video Game Tester?
By Hitoshi • Mar 14th, 2009 • Category: Video Game Tester JobsFrom The Desk Of: Hitoshi Jones
Location: Tokyo, Japan
RE: Your FREE Video Game Tester Guide
Dear Fellow Gaming Enthusiast,
If you ever wished there was a way to spend even more time gaming without being hassled by your friends or family to “go find a job”, this is going to be the coolest thing you read this week…
You see, with the release of the latest next generation gaming consoles such as the PS3 and the xBox 360, the demand for new video games and PC games is exploding! Because of this, game design companies are creating and releasing new and advanced titles every day.
BUT – before these games can be released, they need to go through a testing phase to make sure they play well and that all the bugs are caught and fixed before the games are released publicly.
To do this, many game design companies send out free BETA versions of their games to be tested by avid gamers. The best part is, many will even pay you to test and write reports about the playability of these games!
How would YOU like to have a “job” like that?
The thing is though, not everyone is qualified to be a video game tester. Furthermore, because there are so many unqualified people who want to “get paid to play games”, it is very hard to get good information on becoming a game tester.
That’s because the game design companies don’t want a bunch of “freebie seekers” contacting them for free games. Instead, they want serious, motivated, hard-core gamers who can provide quality game testing services for them.
Fortunately, if you’re serious about becoming a video game tester, I’ve put together a very informative FREE REPORT about being a game tester. Inside this report you’ll learn:
- How to know if YOU are really “game tester” material…
- Where to find REAL game testing jobs – both freelance and full-time…
- How to successfully apply for game testing opportunities…
- What is expected of you as a tester…
- How to get a continual stream of new assignments…
- How to go full time…
- And More!
So, if you’re serious and really want to learn the secrets of being a video game tester, I invite you to grab a copy of my report for potential video game testers. I’m looking for a few more hardcore gamers to introduce this material to, so for a very limited time, this report is FREE – but only if you act fast!
After you submit your information in the box below, just check your email and you’ll be on your way.
Here’s to your first game testing assignment.
Sincerely,
Hitoshi Jones
Your Data Is Secure
man i wanted to be a game tester but dunno where to start not only game testing but as a game designer
If you’ve already read my free guide, you know that I also highly recommend this resource as a way to get contacts in the video game industry. Game testing allows you to get started and meet and network with people who work in all aspects of the industry, including game designers. Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Hitoshi Jones
Thanks Hitoshi,
I’ve been giving much thought into becoming a game tester, and I have yet to buy your guide yet, but as far as the jobs go, how quick can I expect to get one? and how long would it take me to become a full-time tester for a company?.
Hi Ben,
How fast you get a job will depend on how qualified you are and how well you network with the contacts provided in the guide. If you haven’t done any testing before, don’t expect a full time position right away – build up your resume and follow the information provided!
Good luck!
Hitoshi Jones
Ive been a little sceptical about this whole paid to play thing , but im only 16 years old and I dont have the funds to start and my parents cant help right now.What should I do?
Hitoshi Replies: It’s always good to be skeptical! If you’re 16, you can’t expect the full time in-house jobs because of labor laws. That shouldn’t stop you from exploring these free ways to make a bit of cash from gaming though! Hope this helps!
Nice Stuff man! How sweet is it to play game and make money for it. Love it!
I love to play games i play about 15 to 20 hours a week i beat most games in about a day or two. Where do i get started in applying to become a game tester?
Hitoshi Replies: You’ll want to start by hooking up with people already in the industry who have contact lists and are willing to help you get started. This is the by far the fastest and easiest route to take. This database and service will get you going.
Thanks alot for the help
What kind of stuff should I put on my resume?
Hitoshi Replies: Make sure you take a look at some good resume templates on the internet and follow those. They’ll want to see educational experience and of course any previous experience you have writing and communicating about video games.
Hi Hitoshi,
I’am happy to say that I just bought your guide, and it’s quite nice, filled with lots of information and such, I also subscribed so when jobs come up I’ll be notified, and well thats about it. I look forward to hearing anything and just getting my first job.
Thanks,
Ben Matlock
p.s. I’ll keep you updated on what’s going on.
Hitoshi Replies: Awesome Ben! After reading my free guide (available on the right of this page) people decide whether or not video game testing is for them. I’m glad to see you were serious and took the next step! Keep us updated.
Maaaaan wait till i show my wife this haha this will teach her that all my game playing is not a waste of my time. Ive always wanted to be a games tester and before this guide did not have a clue how to get started thanks man you rock
Hitsho Replies: Thank you for the kind words Stuart! I’m always happy to hear that my free guide has helped someone take the next step towards getting started in the video game industry.
this is soooooo gonna sound stupid, and i think i know the answer, but do you have to be 16 to be a tester?
Hitoshi Replies: Alyssa, for most of the paid company jobs you have to be at least 18 years old. But if you take a look at this article, I list some creative ways even a younger person can make some money from their gaming passion. Also, if you want to practice testing beta games for free and get some experience – check out this post. Hope you find that useful!
Sir,
I have been a hardcore gamer since the days of Pong! I would love a job testing games, which I would take as seriously as I do when I play games in my spare time. Please send me your FREE newsletter. Thank you.
Andrew
Greeting’s Hitoshi,
Although game testing is not my career choice by any means, it would be a great stepping stone and resume builder. I’m currently in the process of saving up the massive tution fee required to attend one of North America’s leading media schools and the 48 weeks of intense schooling won’t allow me the ability for a part-time job. Well as an avid gamer who already picks games apart and writes on a regular basis (Game and Movie Scripts) why no get paid for it?
Dear Hitoshi,
I have been wanting to be a paid videogame tester for a few months now. I have been practically obsessed, frequently researching the topic. I do feel that i have somewhat of a general knowledge of the whole videogame testing field. It is quite a bit of an unknown among the common populace, but i have researched numerous websites concerning the matter. I have even found a few companies that offer videogame testing jobs like Enzyme, Volt, Electronic Arts, Aerotek Commercial Staffing, etc. Still, I would very much like to know all of the ins and outs of the whole career. I am considering this job so much more seriously than I’ve considered any other career. Videogames are my passion. Videogames make me so unimaginably happy, and receiving money for testing them would be like a dream come true. I would love to spend my life that way, happy. This is why I am going to apply to receive your guide free. Thank you for your time! I appreciate it.
Looks great! I play video games a good 20-25 hours a week. When I’m not playing, I am looking up montages, tips, newsletters, and reviews!
Thank you sir being a game tester has been my dream job since I was 7 thanks to you Im on my way this is the first step
Hi, I play computer games 20-25 hours a week. Bieng a computer game tester would be a dream job.
Thanks Angus
man im sure game testing is hard to be but its sure easy to find all problems i make films and when i watch real movies i catch all the mistakes this book looks good of yours
that would so be the best job for me
Hey how are you Hitoshi, im 16 and have been dreaming of becoming a video game tester for a very long time. Whenever im not at school or work im at home playing video games, its one of my lifetime dreams to become a video game tester and im pretty sure that i have to be 18 to become one. I hope you will remember me. I will be purchasing the guide and will be trying to get in contact with you, I would be thrilled when I finally become a video game tester, thank you.
thanks
I have always been interested in becoming a video game tester. You see, I have had many consoles in the past. I’ve owned an Atari, the NES, the Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, and the Playstation 2. They’re all great consoles, and they’ve all had their fair share of great gaming titles. I still have my Playstation 2. It’s been with me for four years, and I can’t get enough of it. I have always enjoyed the WWE Smackdown games that have been available for the PS2 the last seven years now. I’m also a big fan of games from the GTA line up, and nostalgic compilations, like Midway Arcade Tresures and Namco Museum 50th Anniversery Edition. Bottom line, video games are great, and in my spare time, I love to flick on the PS2, and jam out to whatever game I have in front of me. Being a video game tester intrigues me a lot, and knowing how to get started would be very helpful to me.
Dear Hitoshi,
I too have been wanting to be a paid video game tester for a good few years. I do feel that i have a great knowledge of the whole video game industry. I have been at college working with computers and have a intermediate knowledge of IT skills but im now wanting to venture out into video games. Im please to say i play online and offline for 40+ hours a week which is alot of time but its more than a hobby for me. Ive been running my own computer game websites for the last year along with clans. I attend all computer game shows here in the UK (not many i know) and ive been taking part in beta test for a while also, including PS3 titles MGO beta and upcoming HOME beta. Any ideas would be appreciated as i feel i need to take a step up in achieving my dream job. Thank you for reading this.
If I wanted to get in to the gaming career by testing, how would I start and with who? Where do I look for the good jobs? My future plan is to become someone who comes up with ideas for future games ( if theres such a job ). Thank you.
Hitoshi Replies: Cody, first sign up for and read my free game tester guide offered on this page. Then, if you still think game testing is for you, I suggest signing up for one of the recommended paid game tester guides and job databases as they provide the insider contact information that cannot be given away for free. (If you read my guide you’ll know why.)
hey i was just wondering how hard is it for a kid to get a job testing?
Hitoshi Replies: If you are under 18, you’ll have a tough time getting testing gigs. That said, there are other ways you can cash-in on video games and build up your resume, so you’ll have a better chance of getting the good jobs once you are 18. Click here for some ideas.
The best way to get started? Sign up on the right for my FREE Guide for potential video game testers. After reading that, you’ll know if game testing is right for you or not.
Enjoy!
Hey Hitoshi. Where would be a good spot for game testing? I cant find any spots where i am. Thank you
Hitoshi Replies: Howdy Noah, see my reply above
Well for now i am currently studying for gaming. Is okay but programming is pretty hard and testing might be a good start ey~
Hi, My names Mike and i play games all day almost everyday, i love the idea of getting paid to play games and discover problems etc. I’m currently considering buying into one of these sites. I understand that i might not get a full time job straight away but that does not bother me. The thing that bothers me is : Am I good enough to be a game tester. To put it straight i have a real passion for gaming, and if there is one career i would like to spend my life doing it would be gaming. I have a GNVQ in IT and obviously have my own Pc. I also have access to all the latest consoles. (Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PS3). Im computer/game literate and feel i need to do something with it. I’m 19 now and have plenty of life to use playing games.
You may be wondering why am i writing this when i should be applying for a job or signing up already, but i need to know if ive got what it takes. Im good at any type of computer game (Believe Me). I might not be the best but no-one can be the best at everything. All i want to do is be in a job i enjoy and that my friend sums up what i want my life story to be.
Please get back to me with some advice.
Mike.
just wanting to know were and how to get started as a game tester
Nice, I always wanted to be a video games tester because it allows me to get a greater understanding of how video games are created. And it always sounds fun.
Hey Hitoshi,
I’m Eddie and I want to say that I read your guide and I am interested in becoming a game tester. But I don’t know where to go to start. Can you help me find where I need to go and hopfully I’ll be able to work as a tester. Thank you again for your guide and for your help.
Seems like a great opportunity for any hardcore gamer. Than you for the information.
I have to try it out. I be a great expirence for any one who hopes to get into game design.
Would I need to have a degree in certain areas or something. I mean, I’m an intelligent guy, and a hardcore gamer.
Check me out in the CoD4 leaderboards for score
I’m really interested in being a game tester, any idea how I get to become one?
Thanks,
Alex (crookedlung)
Aloha Hitoshi,
I am 21and want to be a game or beta testser but the thing is I live in hawaii. will they even send games to hawaii for me to test? How do i get my name out there…
Hi Hitoshi,
So,I’m very interested in this job.I’m 18 and live in USA but not a US citizen.Can I still get any jobs???I spend about 5-8 hours a day playing games and I need some cash..So,is there any chance for me??
hey what about working not at home and in a building?
Hey Hitoshi,
I’ve been giving thought to becoming a game tester for a long time now. Even before I found this wonderful site. I’d really like to get my feet wet soon, and do some freelance work. But the thing is, when I see http://gametesterguide.net/?hop=validlink , all it spells for me is “this could be another scam”. I’d have no problem paying 50 bucks to get a head start in the world of game testing. But I’d still want to ask you for confirmation on this. I’m a 20 year old Multimedia Design and Communication student from Denmark, in my final year of study. And throughout the work I’ve been doing regarding websites, the one I mentioned above only spells bad website design. And that just doesn’t make me feel trust.
Maybe they would like a redesign :p
Anyway, a quick comment, giving me the OK that this is no scam and that it’s worth my money, would be really nice
Thanks in advance;)
Alex from Denmark
Wondering in order to get jobs/gigs for testing do you need to take courses on software development
Wondering in order to get jobs/gigs for testing do you need to take courses on software development.
i can do this, (I’ve been playing 15 years ago ).
I dream of being a game tester and exploring what is to come in the gaming field. I have been playing games since I was 3 with a nintindo… I don’t want my dreams crushed by my family constantly saying that gaming is not a real job. I have some experience with every game console and the knowledge on how games are made.
Hitoshi… I hope this works.
Greeting Hitoshi,
I’m having problems. I signed up for you free guide, but something’s wrong with my computer and I can’t properly open up your guide. Is there any other way to read it?
i wanna be a gametester
Hey Hitoshi!
This looks pretty interesting. At the moment I am very interested in becoming an actual game designer. While I was researching where to start, I came across this article. It looks very interesting. Thanks for the tips!
I am really looking into becoming part of the video game industry. I love video games and the work and imagination it takes to bring one to fruition. Thanks for this guide.
So many years iv been a hardcore gamer but i always had to work hard as well. I don’t know why playing the game bring that drive out of me but it always have, so my off days and weekends that’s what being done. Now how damn cool would it be to know that ever body who say i play the game to much was wrong! This is the job i must have. I just don’t want this to be another scam for money!!!
Hi Darryal and other recent commenters – thanks so much for your feedback.
Again, here’s what to do if you want to find out about game testing and other jobs and opportunities in the industry:
If you haven’t already, grab my free guide for potential video game testers here on the site. This will show you how to approach companies about positions. Then you have a couple of options:
a. Research the various gaming companies online and contact them as I describe in your free guide.
b. If you have the money to invest and want to save a lot of time, you can purchase access to the game tester job database I recommend and review here, or other available resources.
I sometimes get emails and comments from some people complaining that because there is a small charge for access to this database, it must be some sort of “scam”.
I just don’t get it – these people are very strange to me. Seems they want a job where they can make money doing what they love, yet they are NOT willing to do the research to uncover these positions themselves.
Then, on top of that, they have the nerve to claim that this valuable information should be researched, uncovered and given away to them for free – go figure!
These people who are too lazy to make any effort themselves and even expect others to do research for them for free are certainly NOT the kind of motivated individuals desired by any company – let alone the video game industry!
Again, if you don’t want to pay, or don’t have the money to pay to access the updated job database I recommend, that’s not a problem.
In that case, you can just spend the time doing the research for available positions yourself. Use my FREE GUIDE to learn how to approach these companies and find out what opportunities are available.
Totally straightforward.
If you don’t have the time or don’t know where to look to find continually updated game tester positions, then you can choose to hand over some cash to the people who have already made the effort and done the work for you.
Easy as that.
Note: I’ve mentioned this before, but if you are under 18 years old, you probably aren’t eligible for most game testing positions, but I have some other free options for the under 18 crowd here.
You can also read the other articles on this site that will help you prepare for your post high-school education if you are interested in breaking into the industry.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Hitoshi Jones
What would the lowest age, one could be a video game designer?
i would love a game tester but i have knno idea how do it
I got my first job in the summer of 2007 at six flags great adventure. I left around August and began working at Shop Rite in June of 2009 and remained there for nearly one year. Since neither of those jobs really worked out too well I decided that it may be best if I try to get an online job as a game tester. I am currently just getting into the whole video game thing, but I’ve been playing a lot of online games for at least half of every day, which is why I believe that this job will be great for me.
I would absolutely love to become a videogame tester, because it is already my favorite hobby of all time and it would be a dream come true to get paid for it. I already spend over 40 hours a week playing so I feel I am a great candidate.
I really want to become a game tester but I have no idea how and I really love gaming and I am really serious about this
If you really want to get into game testing then you need to do three things:
1. Read everything you can about the industry, major players, training guides, etc.
2. Apply as an intern, freelancers, or even part time for anything related to the business so you can get some experience.
3. Do a great job with anything you get and get letters of recommendation and use the knowledge you gained to move up to a better earning and long term employment.
I know many people that have followed this plan and it does work if you stick to it.
Good Luck,
Hitoshi
I always wanted to do this and is very interested
Why not? Ha Ha, that would be a dream comes true!
Greeting Hitoshi
Playing video games has always been a favourite activity to me. My gaming days started with Call of Duty 2 and since then I have expanded my views to not only First Person Shooters, but also
1. Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games such as world of warcraft (though i am not addicted to it as some people strongly are, even though they have a good reason to be)
2. Third Person Shooters such as Mass Effect
3. Strategy Games such as Starcraft II and Command & Conquer series.
I would very much appreciate if you would send me the guide since I am very interested in looking for a job as a game tester. Thanks and congratulations on such a detailed article of what is needed in this job.
Steve
Man i think i might be too young but im already thinking about my future and working for a living instead of my parents. I have every single sony console and ninteno DS’s
This sounds really interesting Hitoshi. I’m very interested in reading your guide. Thanks.
James
I am interested in learning more, It would be a dream job for me. Thanks
Shaun
can you send me this guide? cheers
Hello Hitoshi, I am very interested in become a game tester. I am good at role-playing games, first person shooters, action games, and strategy games. I don’t have a lot of money so I only have a computer. Is that good enough to build a reputation with? I am a dedicated gamer but I am also very good at keeping track of thing and writing notes and such… Could you send me your guide? I am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks
im interested in being a video game tester and look forward to reading your report
Being a games tester is the perfect job 4 me. I’m a hardcore gamer especially online and first person shooters. would love to read your guide. thanks
Dear Hitoshi,
I am very interested in reading your guide and starting a career in the video game industry. Learning everything I can about how to get ahead and start networking to find my first assignment is top priority for me. I have always been an strong gamer and currently have a computer, Playstation 3, and a Xbox360. I would love to begin a new career being a tester and knowing full well that this job is serious and quite tedious. Thank you for the chance to read of your knowledge of the industry. I will be very grateful to have the chance to read your guide.
Hello Hitoshi,
I am only 14 years of age but i’d like to start young. Im very skilled at most games (except puzzles) and I beat them at the least amount of time. I’ve always been interested in creating the characters and weapons they may use. Would you might have any tips for me that could help me with my dream job?
Hardcore gamer here! would love to learn more about video game testing. I have tested lots of PC games when they were in beta and submitted bug reports that i found.
Hi,
I’m 16 years old. I always wanted to be a game tester. I play video games for usually 3-4 hours a day & on the weekend almost the whole day unless i have to do something. I have both PS3 & xbox360, which means I can test both PS3 & xbox360 games.
Sincerely, Raymond
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been playing video games. It all started watching my brothers play Atarii and nitendo. As a young kid i would always try my best to play their games but its hard at 4 yrs. old. I remember when I kept pissing my sister off asking to hurry into the room and tell me what the screen says (specificly “Skate or Die 2″). My first system was sega, and I loved that system so much. Hrs. of gameplay. Well where im getting at is that I have been considering my-self a hardcore gamer my whole life. I learned alot from video games, and always put my own imput in each game on where the flaws where and where it could have been better, and on what parts and idea were really awsome. I knew from when i was younger that I wanted to be in the game industry, and there is nothing else i would rather do. Lets just say I never made a plan B in my life if my first plan doesn’t fall threw. this is what I love, and this is what I want to do. I have so many ideas for gamers and i would care if i didn’t make any money in this industry. I just want to be apart of it. This is my passion.
Thanks,
Drew
I want to be a game tester! tell me how i need to make money and this is the only way i would enjoy it.
All my life my dad has been yelling at me to stop playing video games til 6 am its just what i do. i wouldnt call myself a natural or the best but i think i have enough skill to be a game tester and player. if not i will work my way up to the top. i am determined to be the best at everything i do and nothing will stop me except death.
Hey, I’m very interested in becoming a video game designer and a site led me here saying this is a great way to start. I’d love to experience what it’s like being a tester and see how my opinions could help change future games for the better! I own an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and my own laptop as well. I hope I can be of some help!
This is great! Thank you! I have been playing games since i was three (older consoles) and grew with pc, playstation and Xbox games. I have difficulty not playing for the entire day and it would be great to earn a living off of something that is much like an addiction! I appreciate the information that you are sharing, I know it is not easy to amass all the necessary information.
Thank you!
I guess you can call me a seasoned vet when it comes to gaming – I still remember the first time I saw a space invaders arcade machine at my local corner shop and after being completely blown away by this unbeleivably futuristic experience that they called a “video game”, I had to be pryed away from this machine by my parents 10 hours later!!
The rest is history, I have been gaming ever since and recon I could give game testing a red hot crack!
Sign me up!
Cheers,
Sol.
i want to be a video game tester but im only 12.
Sounds great. Could I please receive a copy of your free Video Game Tester Guide