2 answers
Eli
Student
Sheffield, Massachusetts
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How easy is it to get a job as a game tester
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2 answers
Spencer Smith
Security Architect
3
Answers
McKinney, Texas
Updated
Spencer’s Answer
Not super easy because of the fact that a decent number of people want to try to get into the game industry.
My suggestions would be to poke around some major companies websites and look around for a way to join their beta testing program. This is where they have normal people come in, sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, and than test through the game and ask for your opinions and ideas. This is a good starting point as it allows you to meet people in the gaming industry, and get your name out their which is great so that way when you go to actually apply you can have references for that company.
Another thing is too go and take some basic coding and designing classes so that way when you apply for tester roles you can at least have some technical background and would give you more depth in what is happening below the surface during the development and test phase.
My suggestions would be to poke around some major companies websites and look around for a way to join their beta testing program. This is where they have normal people come in, sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, and than test through the game and ask for your opinions and ideas. This is a good starting point as it allows you to meet people in the gaming industry, and get your name out their which is great so that way when you go to actually apply you can have references for that company.
Another thing is too go and take some basic coding and designing classes so that way when you apply for tester roles you can at least have some technical background and would give you more depth in what is happening below the surface during the development and test phase.
Terence Cheung
Business Operations
78
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Terence’s Answer
Jobs like "game tester" are generally not short of applicants. As a result, the gaming companies have all the leverage. What does this mean?
- There are a lot more people wanting to be game testers than positions they have, so supply is A LOT higher than demand
- Therefore, gaming companies can pay minimally and turnover employees as they would be confident that they can backfill any game testers at any time
- From a game tester or employee perspective, that means you're much more of a commodity for the company. Don't expect high pay or a ton of benefits. There may be side benefits, but the gaming companies definitely decide on that and wouldn't be obligated to provide any.
I would add that there are a lot of different roles at gaming companies that you could explore. Development, testing, product, marketing, sales, design, graphics, service/support... anything really. I would recommend looking through various gaming companies job postings, internships, and get a feel for what they have. You may see roles that better fit with your interests and talents.
- There are a lot more people wanting to be game testers than positions they have, so supply is A LOT higher than demand
- Therefore, gaming companies can pay minimally and turnover employees as they would be confident that they can backfill any game testers at any time
- From a game tester or employee perspective, that means you're much more of a commodity for the company. Don't expect high pay or a ton of benefits. There may be side benefits, but the gaming companies definitely decide on that and wouldn't be obligated to provide any.
I would add that there are a lot of different roles at gaming companies that you could explore. Development, testing, product, marketing, sales, design, graphics, service/support... anything really. I would recommend looking through various gaming companies job postings, internships, and get a feel for what they have. You may see roles that better fit with your interests and talents.