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How to Make Money as a Game Tester
A Complete Guide
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How to Make Money as a Game Tester
Are you passionate about gaming and want to turn your hobby into a source of income? Becoming a game tester might be the perfect opportunity for you. Game testing is an essential part of the game development process, ensuring that games are free of bugs and glitches before they hit the market.
You ever bought a game littered with bugs, with this side hustle you can contribute to the betterment of games. I love game tester, as a gamer myself, I despise gaming company that make you pay $60 for a game that is not even complete. You can make that difference in the gaming industry and get paid for it.
What is Game Testing?
Game testing, also known as quality assurance testing, involves playing video games to identify and document bugs, glitches, and other issues that may impact the gaming experience.
I’ve done QA before in the past, and it’s boring work, gaming however is a little more fun, because I simply like gaming.
Game testers work with developers to ensure games meet quality standards before release. Unlike casual gaming, game testing requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to follow specific testing protocols.
How To Start Making Money as a Game Tester
Understand the Role of a Game Tester
To succeed as a game tester, it’s crucial to understand the responsibilities of the job. It’s not just playing but you’re now added the responsibility of finding faults within a game. Easy work if the game is trash.
Test game mechanics and features for functionality.
Identify bugs, glitches, and performance issues.
Provide detailed reports on your findings.
Work under tight deadlines to meet production schedules.
This isn’t just about playing games; it’s about playing with purpose and pay =D.
Develop Essential Skills
While formal education isn’t always necessary, having certain skills can make you a more attractive candidate. It’s sad but gaming industry is still old school, they prefer people with a educational background, you just can’t escape it, GED will suffice for the most part.
Attention to Detail: Spotting subtle bugs requires sharp observation.
Communication Skills: You’ll need to write clear, concise bug reports, don’t be toxic or overly passionate about finding some bugs, you may have passion, the engineers might not.
Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC is essential. Know the functions the devs intended and the functions that are not.
Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying the root causes of issues is key to providing valuable feedback.
You mostly just have to be a gamer to know what problems to look out for. If you’re new to gaming, you may have to take it extra slow.
Build a Gaming Background
Showcasing your gaming experience and technical knowledge can help you stand out, so game companies will look for you to test, instead of applying to work for game testing.
In better cases, they may send you a game for free to play and show off to your followers.
Record gameplay videos highlighting your ability to analyze games critically.
Write sample bug reports for popular games.
If possible, participate in open beta testing for upcoming games and document your contributions.
Youtube is your friend, you don’t have to aim high, just do what you love.
A strong portfolio demonstrates your commitment and gives employers the confidence you care about your work, not some guy spamming his resume in all these gaming companies.
Searching for Game Testing Jobs
Where to Begin?
Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr often have game testing gigs. I would stress where, just pick three and see which fish is taking the bait.
Game Studios: Check the career pages of studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Blizzard for QA positions. Your chances are pretty low here, but if you have a built portfolio, you may have a higher chance to work with these guys.
Job Boards: Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to search for “game tester” or “QA tester” jobs. It’s weird to go to these professional settings looking for game related work, but LinkedIn has job offers for game testers.
Networking in gaming communities can also help you find hidden opportunities. Best is if they come looking for you.
Game Testing Full-Time or Freelance?
Game testers can work in-house at game studios or as freelancers. Both options have pros and cons:
Offers job security, benefits, and consistent pay. Ideal for those seeking a stable career. However the pay usually low, I would treat this as a side hustle personally.
Decide which path aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
How Much Can You Earn as a Game Tester?
The earning potential for game testers varies based on experience, location, and the type of work. Here’s a general breakdown if money is your motivator:
Entry-Level Testers: Earn $10–$20 per hour.
Experienced Testers: Make $30,000–$60,000 annually.
Specialized Testers: With skills in coding or game design, you can earn upwards of $70,000 per year.
You can obviously make more as a full-time worker, but game testing career are ideal for people looking to make additional income. Sporadic game project usually pays more for testers than they would to employers on a per hourly basis.
Challenges of Being a Game Tester
While game testing can be rewarding, you got competition:
Repetitive Tasks: Testing the same levels repeatedly can be monotonous, I know a guy that was a pretty famous retired gamer, he lost his interest for gaming after being a game tester for half a year.
High Competition: Breaking into the industry requires persistence. Everyone young gamer wants to be a game tester. It is not until they realize the work involved they quit. You just gotta outlast these dorks.
Just think about the money when time gets tough.
Final Thoughts
making money from gaming seems fun, but the work can make it feel mundane. Look at the bright side, I know addicted gamers that quit gaming for good after working as a game tester. Only good can come out of this.
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Share this with your family if you want them to find methods to make money on their free time.
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