subject: How to Become a Game Tester [print this page] How to Become a Game Tester How to Become a Game Tester
Becoming a game tester isn't a matter of experience, knowledge, or having a huge resume. All you need is a love for gaming and a keen eye for detail. Here's how to become a game tester no matter what your qualifications are.
Step 1 - Get to know the right people
The gaming industry especially is heavily dependent on having the right connections when you want to get a job. This isn't so much because they're going to recommend you to their employers; it's more because they can tell you the exact steps they took to becoming a game tester.
This way you can replicate their success and follow in their footsteps.
Step 2 - Network with those people online
You may not have access to gaming companies where you live, so it's hard to go volunteer there or hang out to get to know the employees. That's fine - in fact, some of your best networking can be done online. There are private membership boards where you can get in touch with other gamers and game testers and find out where they're working and what advice they have for you.
Step 3 - Take action
You won't become a game tester by sitting at home and wishing you could get paid to play games all day. You have to take specific steps to get there - which means networking, putting together a cover letter, and then sending it out to multiple companies.
Eventually one WILL take you on, if you just keep blasting out your cover letter and letting them know you want to test.
Final notes
The biggest key that separates the people who do become successful video game testers from those who don't is perseverance. The first company you investigate probably won't hire you.
You just have to keep sending out your cover letters and contacting individual companies to ask if they have openings. The only way to succeed is to keep trying. Do it long enough and you will ultimately get your foot in the door to becoming a successful home video game tester.
