We have witnessed rapid growth in the video game industry over the past decade, with the market revenue closing to $300 billion in 2024. Advanced technology allows developing more immersive, complex, and graphically stunning games. Game companies have expanded the demand for game tester jobs to ensure the games run smoothly and avoid bugs while engaging the players.
If you are a passionate gamer, there has never been a better time to make your hobby or lifestyle a source of income. With enough determination, you could start an entire career in the industry!
Let’s explore what it takes to become a game tester and where you can sign up to start playing games for money just now.
What Does a Game Tester Actually Do?
Testing video games may seem like a dream job. But that is a job and should not be confused with casual gaming. Game testers are responsible for finding and reporting bugs, glitches, and other issues that could affect the overall gameplay experience.
As a game tester, one can run different types of tests:
- Combinatorial testing: in video games, where multiple elements such as player actions, game mechanics, hardware configurations, and in-game features interact, you must test all the combinations to ensure these facets function correctly.
- Compatibility testing: helps ensure the game runs smoothly across various devices, consoles, or platforms.
- Functionality testing: testing the main features and mechanics that result in the general experiences so that it would meet the expectations of players is the first line of defense against unwanted bugs or technical issues.
- Tree testing: this one has less to do with gameplay and concerns the navigation throughout the game, finding the necessary info and options in the informational architecture of the game menu
- Repetitive testing: playing the same level or part of the game again and again to check for consistency in performance, game flow, and usability.
- Regression testing: this is more like a re-test of those parts of the game that have been modified since the last tests took place to ensure the continuation of the user’s experience and smooth integration of the changes.
- Ad hoc or beta testing: this type of testing usually becomes handy at the later stages of game development to ensure the stability and performance necessary for all-around gameplay.
How Much Can You Earn as a Game Tester?
While game tester jobs may sound like perpetual fun, the reward depends on multiple factors. You can find varying numbers on how much game testers earn, but realistically, after gaining some experience, you can expect to earn between $10 and $30 per hour.
Let’s take a look at impactful factors on which your earnings might depend.
Experience level:
- Entry-level testers, especially if they are working freelance or part-time, typically have earnings on the lower end.
- Experienced testers with specialized skills or a deep understanding of particular game genres can end up with higher pay.
- Senior testers who work on contracts for large studios may earn upwards of $50,000 to $70,000 annually.
Company size and location:
- Game testing positions at well-known studios such as Rockstar Games, Activision, or EA typically offer more competitive salaries with additional benefits.
- Smaller indie companies or startups may offer lower salaries but could provide better game testing opportunities to grow your career within the company.
- Testers in high-cost living areas or regions where significant game companies are located, such as California or the state of Washington, tend to earn more.
Game complexity and duration:
- Grander, more complex games, such as MMORPGs or open-world games, may require extensive testing, which will result in a more lasting contract and higher pay.
- Shorter, casual mobile games may lead to lower pay due to the reduced testing complexity and time required.
Although salaries will vary considerably, taking a hang of achievable game testing opportunities will help you get the experience needed for game tester jobs, which will develop your skills to make a living within the industry.
How Do You Become a Video Game Tester?
To become fit for game tester jobs you need gaming knowledge, technical skills, and methodical thoroughness. The following steps will help you become a game tester:
1. Improve gaming skills:
You must have a solid understanding of gaming genres and platforms from a player’s perspective. At the same time, you need to know the trends in the industry itself.
You can gather knowledge about distinct game mechanics and principles by playing a lot of different types of games, not only the ones that you like the most. Learning about the gaming industry and doing some research on the market will also get you prepared for the job.
2. Learn about game development:
Try getting knowledge about game development, coding languages, and software testing. A general understanding of programming (especially in Java, C++, or Python) will give you an advantage.
3. Gain relevant education:
Knowledge is more important than degrees. Online courses on game development or software testing will let you get what it takes to pass the qualification test for game tester jobs.
However, our society puts enormous value on formal education, especially when applying for technical jobs.
You can get the necessary knowledge while doing practical work, but having a degree in computer science, software testing or other relevant fields will give you an edge.
4. Perfect analytical skills:
To be demanded in the market for game tester jobs, you must be capable of analyzing gameplay, documenting all the issues, and noticing things that don’t work even if they appear to have a minor effect on the game.
Working on these skills will perfect your marketability as a game tester.
5. Consider certifications:
You need an eye-catching résumé to get attention when you will finally apply for game tester jobs. Obtaining certifications in software testing, such as the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Certification, will help you along the way.
Some courses for game testers, such as Game QA Bootcamp, can be a great starting point.
6. Build a portfolio:
Create a portfolio that shows your experience with game testing.
You can participate in beta tests or unpaid internships, which can help you improve your skills and give you the necessary experience to showcase when you will be applying for game tester jobs in the future.
7. Apply for testing jobs:
Sign up on game testing websites or platforms to take advantage of game testing opportunities, or if you have already accumulated enough credentials and experience, try applying directly to game companies with openings for game tester jobs.
Best Websites to Earn Money Testing Games
You can sign up and get paid for testing games on many websites. Below are some of the best among them:
This easy-to-use platform is focused mostly on mobile games. You can discover game testing opportunities there and get paid for each test completed, usually via PayPal.
Developers might find you there and get a notice of your testing skills. The platform is popular among beginners because of its user-friendly interface and many options for testing.
On Pawns.app, users can play games and provide feedback for money. It offers a lot of different gaming tasks, so you will never run out of action.
Users can receive their earnings using multiple payment methods, including PayPal. This website can become a good measure to evaluate yourself if you wish to do this on a more regular basis in your life.
This website will allow you to test and review games on different platforms, including consoles and mobile. Users will earn points that they can later convert into real money.
Game Tester has a variety of games to test, making it a good option for those who can give more effort and time to game testing.
Beta Family will offer you to test video games and mobile apps. There are multiple tests to choose from to fit your interests best. This website is more appreciated by those who want to have more freedom when choosing which tasks they want to do.
On this platform, users can play games, complete various tasks, and provide feedback. You will be rewarded with points for each task. You can exchange the latter for gift cards, in-game items, or cash.
This one will attract mostly those users who want to earn extra bucks while enjoying their favorite games.
Conclusion
Diving into the market of game tester jobs might be an exciting venture that could end up as a career that can grant you a steady income for doing what you actually love. You have a chance to stop settling for a boring lifestyle. Just get the necessary qualifications, and instead of playing after hard work, play for work.
