January 04, 2008

Paid Video Game Testing- Why Should I Become a Video Game Tester?

It's a valid question...why should you, or anyone else for that matter, become a professional video game tester? To figure that out, we should probably go over the benefits of paid game testing. That way, you can decide if a career as a video game tester is something you really want to pursue.

The biggest thing that makes this profession so attractive is the fact that you're playing video games and making money. Whether you want to call it testing, evaluating, analyzing, or helping, you're still playing a video game when you get down to the facts.

If you were to ask any of your friends if they want to get paid to play video games, what would they say? You already know the answer, don't you? You know because you are saying the same thing right now, HELL YES! If you are a gamer at heart, the idea of playing video games for money probably makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. After all, you probably never would have guessed that you could test games from your home and then collect a nice fat paycheck at the end of the week. And when you think about it, that's what being a video game tester is all about, testing the newest and coolest video games from home and getting paid for it.

That actually brings up another good question. How much do game testers really get paid? Well, that's yet another great thing about video game testing...most video game testers are paid quite well. It's true. To be honest, when first starting out with paid game testing, things can be a bit rough; but that usually passes quickly with a bit of time and experience.

Okay, you're probably looking for an actual figure to work with, right? Alright then, heres something for you to mull over: As a professional video game tester, you can literally make up to $120 PER HOUR! I'm sure you've seen this claim on advertisements or websites before, and you were probably thinking that it was just hype or a scam; well, it's not. Admittedly, you won't make that much when you first start, but you can reach that level with more experience and better references. As a new game tester, expect to make anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 a year; depending on your dedication & work ethic of course. You will only get work so long as you are active and willing to test games constantly. That means if you stop applying for jobs and/or positions, the money will likely stop rolling in.

What other perks are there? Well, aside from the fact that you are testing games from home, you also usually get to keep the games you test. You heard correct, you actually get to keep the video games you test for game companies. And although they aren't technically finished, many of the games are in the final stages of development, which means that there will only be a few bugs to deal with and you're getting the game almost 100% complete. Okay, so it's not exactly perfect, but a free video game is still a free video game nonetheless. Not to mention, you get to play the newest & coolest video games before anyone else; that's got to count for something, right?

So, what's the verdict? Does this sound like a career that you could really enjoy and make money from? If it does, I suggest you get started ASAP. Game companies and developers are always on the lookout for bright, new testers, so just get yourself out there.

If you don't know where to start, you should check out GameTestingParadise.com. It has everything an aspiring game tester needs to get started with professional game testing. Honestly, no video game tester should be without the information they offer. Do yourself a favor and check it out. I guarantee you won't regret it!

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