Get Paid to Test Games: A Complete Guide to Earning as a Game Tester
Get Paid to Test Games: What Does a Game Tester Do?
Since gaming is no longer a simple leisure activity but rather a profession, several companies pay to test games. Many people can get paid to test games as such companies have their game testers. These individuals play an important part in finding glitches and bugs as well as defects a game may have. They communicate their findings to the developers for the game to improve.
Paid Game Testing Requirements and Skills
- As easy as playing video games may sound, it has particular skills that need to be mastered to become successful. If your desire is to get paid testing games then you need to have the following skills:
- Attention to Detail: Bugs and inconsistencies must be separated
- Analytical Skills: Grasping how the game is played and how it operates
- Patience: Finding glitches requires doing tasks repetitively which can get tiresome
- Strong Communication Skills: Being articulate when explaining bugs and errors within the game would also help a lot.
- Passion for Gaming: A strong affinity for games will increase motivation and overall performance.
Get Paid to Test Games: Kinds of Game Testing Jobs that Pay You to Play
As a game tester, you can earn money for different roles that a game tester may have:
a) Quality Assurance (QA) Testing
QA testers check the frame and try to find bugs or glitches in it. They monitor for inconsistencies and irregularities as the game progresses. In this role, they also write reports and check whether the game is operational.
b) Playtesting
The playtester assesses the gameplay, its richness, and variety. They evaluate if the game is enjoyable and captivating as well as the level of challenge presented by the game. Playtesters, in comparison to QA testers, provide commentary regarding the fun and overall feel of the game.
c) Beta Testing
Beta testers receive early access to games before official release. Companies allow players to get paid to test games by identifying last-minute issues and providing feedback.
d) Localization Testing
This kind of testing is used to guarantee the game is not only properly translated but also culturally suitable for different regions.
5. You can get paid to test games: Where to find game testing jobs.
Many websites and companies offer paying game testers. The best places to find game testing jobs are:
Video Game Developing Companies: Major publishers like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, and others need to hire game testers frequently.
Gig websites job of testing video games as well as other jobs are posted in sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.
Testing Platforms: PlaytestCloud, BetaFamily, and uTest are specifically geared toward game testing.
Beta Testing Programs: Most game developers recruit beta testers for their new games.
6. Game Testing as a Profession: What Is the Earning Potential?
Game testing salaries depend on the experience level of the game tester, the company that employs the game tester, and the complexity of the testing being conducted.. Below is an approximate range of what one might earn:
- Entry-level testers: $10 – $20 per hour
- Experienced testers: $20 – $50 per hour
- Freelance testers: Varies depending on the project (can be paid per bug reported)
- Full-time QA testers: $30,000 – $70,000 per year
7. Get Paid to Test Games: Tips to Succeed
To successfully get paid to test games, follow these essential tips:
a) Gain Experience
Start by testing small indie games to build a portfolio. Websites like itch.io and Game Jams often look for playtesters.
b) Improve Technical Skills
Basic knowledge of programming, debugging, and game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine can give you an edge.
c) Join Online Communities
Engage in forums and groups like Reddit’s r/gamedev or Discord communities where game developers look for testers.
d) Stay Professional
If you want to consistently get paid to test games, treat it as a serious job. Submit reports on time and communicate effectively with developers.
8. Get Paid to Test Games: Common Challenges
While game testing can be exciting, it comes with its share of challenges:
- Repetitive tasks: Testing the same feature repeatedly can become tedious.
- Strict deadlines: Game developers often require quick feedback to meet launch schedules.
- Limited career growth: Some game testing jobs offer little room for advancement unless you transition to game development roles.
