2013-10-31

Is There a Need For Game Testers?

Nearly everyone loves video games. Video games are no longer limited to clunky consoles that you can't bring with you on a plane trip. When someone wants to play games, they turn to portable gaming devices like PSP Vita, or even their android smartphones/tablets.

The boundaries of personal entertainment and gaming have definitely evolved. This is really good news, because this means that jobs like computer game testing will very much be viable in the next 5-10 years. If the upward trend in personal gaming doesn't change in the next few years, getting a job as a game tester won't be so challenging at all.

Individuals who are looking for a way to enter the gaming industry often think of game testing as an easy way in. It can be easy to get in, especially now that we are seeing a lot of independent game studios being funded by VC, or venture capitalists.

This applies most especially to startups, who are focusing solely on mobile gaming. The world of PC gaming has evolved, and is now using subscription-based and freemium business models. However, if you want to get in on the action more quickly, independent startups are more accessible than large, corporate-type gaming studios.

If you want to become a game tester, you have to keep the following in mind:

1. Game testing is not goofing around! According to top QA analysts and lead managers, new employees who think that they are playing video games for easy money will not last long in the industry.

Game studios might be producing titles that people will find fun and enjoyable, but if you are inside the industry itself, it's all business. So, when you do get a position as a game tester, learn the company culture and treat your job seriously. You are not there to earn easy money you are there for quality assurance.

2. Game testing requires solid skills. You can't just waltz into a gaming studious and expect people's jaws to drop just because you can play Modern Warfare 3 like a pro. There are literally thousands of players just like you who have the same gaming skills.

The skills that a game tester needs to possess are centered on analysis and observation. You also need to develop the will of a tiger, because you will be doing things repeatedly over the period of months.

Don't expect to get exciting game titles to beat the boredom. The gaming studio isn't interested in keeping you entertained. It will only be interested in the bug reports that you will be sending in as work progresses steadily in your current project.

3. When you finally get the position of a game tester, get the experience and learn from the environment; But don't set yourself up to be just a good game tester forever.

If it's tenure and more money that you want (who doesn't want these things?) you have to start investing in certifications so that management will have a concrete reason to promote you. If you cannot get the career advancement that you want in your current company, the certifications and classes that you will be investing in will serve you well in other companies.

Check out the link here to find out more: http://gametesterjobsonline.com