video game tester?

Mp4

Mp4

Mp4

Soldato
Joined
21 Apr 2006
Posts
8,460
Location
Eastbourne
Hi all,

How does one become a legit video game tester as a job?

I typed in video game tester in google and there are quite a few sites that offer this but i don’t trust them.

Does or has anyone done this?
What experience do you need?
 
Get a list of UK developers and keep an eye on the jobs sections of their websites.

Beats me why anyone would want to work in the games industry though, seems like a right sweatshop.
 
Sleepery said:
Get a list of UK developers and keep an eye on the jobs sections of their websites.

Beats me why anyone would want to work in the games industry though, seems like a right sweatshop.
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lol. what does it mean it sounds like a right sweatshop? Never heard of that one before :)
 
It depends...You don't always need a lot of knowledge, you just need to have a thorough eye so to speak normally...But there is no doubt 'higher' positions which require you to know a bit more about engines.

Apparently, it can be a decent foot in the door to the games industry, but naturally, it can seem repetitive constantly trying to find bugs following a check sheet of what you need to try in the games etc.

There are a few on job sites every now and then, but I don't think the pay will be 'that' amazing, especially if your just an entry level tester and what not.

But as said, look on company websites as well :) Or even email them, see what kind of information they can give you.
 
Sleepery said:
Get a list of UK developers and keep an eye on the jobs sections of their websites.

Beats me why anyone would want to work in the games industry though, seems like a right sweatshop.
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Because they wish to? Same reason anyone wants to work in any industry.

Or is it just because its an entertainment industry?
 
Its not as glamorous as people might think, you get a list of things to check ... over and over and over again. You dont just play the game through, you gotta check everything you can see and do every option etc.
 
Anim said:
Its not as glamorous as people might think, you get a list of things to check ... over and over and over again. You dont just play the game through, you gotta check everything you can see and do every option etc.
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Quoted as it's true.
 
I do think people go after these positions a bit blind sometimes (not necessarily you OP). I see it all the time where I Lecture, students wanting to be computer games programmers because they love games but have absolutely no idea of what's required.
 
EgonSpengler said:
I do think people go after these positions a bit blind sometimes (not necessarily you OP). I see it all the time where I Lecture, students wanting to be computer games programmers because they love games but have absolutely no idea of what's required.
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Well.. a programmer is a bit different though isn't it.

That involves writing in C++ or .net or something random.
 
Yeah, as well as a logical mind and pretty impressive maths skills - but my point is still the same. Video games testing is more than just playing games.

It was really in reply to Metalface Marks post about it ruining games for him.
 
EgonSpengler said:
Yeah, as well as a logical mind and pretty impressive maths skills - but my point is still the same. Video games testing is more than just playing games.

It was really in reply to Metalface Marks post about it ruining games for him.
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Sorry I wasn't having a go :p

But it's true, I've looked at getting into the games industry, but more the design route via modelling etc...

best bet to do though is try and get some research, email a few company's, see if they can give you a bit more insight :)
 
u need gamer development or programing softwere degree to get that job it is not easy as it sounds. u have to know coding and etc...
 
If you want to work in the games industry as a tester you will probably find that it is poorly paid, dull work. On the other hand if you want to get into the creative side of it then you would do well to teach yourself to program C++ and get some games development kits to see what you can come up with on your own. Make something decent and take it to the games companies and ask to be considered for level building roles or something like that.

How are your maths skills? Programming games nowadays can be heavily maths intensive. Remember Pythagoras's theorem? Wolfenstein relied heavily on it. Who'd have thought that boring stuff from school would actually be of use?!!?!?
 
TNA said:
lol. what does it mean it sounds like a right sweatshop? Never heard of that one before :)
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Well I can't speak for games testing, but I know games developers are treated like **** in general. You're expected to work very long hours, overtime is non-existent, and it's possibly the most unsecure industry you could work in - no job security at all when for all but the biggest companies surviving depends on the next game being a hit.

Games testers being on a lower rung of the ladder so to speak, I can't imagine them being treated any better.

Edit - to OP - you should look at a few issues of Games TM. They have an industry section at the back with job postings and articles on the industry. They also make a habit of highlighting a lot of the problems that go on.
 
Shaye87 said:
i think you need to be have some programming knowledge so you will be able to QA the game etc, not just play it.
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The jobs that involve just playing it and providing feedback pay £6 p/h and are given largely to students. You do not need programming experience in order to do it.
 
I've worked in QA before and its not all that bad, sure its repetitive and the pay isn't amazing. But it is a good laugh, generally the people you work with are all on the same wavelength and you can't beat free beers and an early finish on a friday afternoon :) plus you get to play/test all the newest games before anyone else does. It can also be quite rewarding when you manage to break the game.

Not sure about other company's but where is worked you were only really working contract and could only work for a limited amount of time. Unless you get promoted to a senior tester then you can only really expect to work during the summer up till christmas.
 
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