Playing video games is your passion, it's something you love doing and spending hours playing games for money sounds like a dream job right? So is there any truth to the rumour that these jobs really exist?
Well the plain truth is that these jobs really do exist, but the definition of dream job might have been stretched somewhat by unscrupulous online retailers trying to make a fast buck.
If you're serious about making a living from video games you can achieve your goal, but let's get things straight from the off, it won't be easy and you won't make millions overnight. The five areas below will explain how you can succeed, but you still need to work hard to put these measures in place.
1. There are plenty of scams out there which will gladly take your cash in return for some quickly rehashed e-book that promises to make you a guru in the video game testing community. Take these offers with a pinch of salt and use your intuition to discern the wheat from the chaff.
Now we're not saying that all these online guides are scams, in fact some actually work, but a large majority sucker you in with high earning figures, when the reality is in stark contrast to the claims.
When you start out in the video game industry you don't have the experience to demand top dollar from companies in a freelancing role. They won't pay you anything above $7-$10 per hour. It's like any other role in the world, you must have experience to earn more money. At the start you simply have to work hard to progress further.
2. Develop real world skills for a real world job. Video games companies make vast multi-million dollar products and as such employ real employees in office roles. You need to be able to communicate with these staff members, even if you get a rare chance to work from home. You'll need to be articulate and have a firm grasp of English, both spoken and written.
Communicable skills are vital so that you can get across your point of view in meetings, conferences and tester sessions. There's little benefit in finding game problems if you can't communicate this to the developers.
3. You must show determination and follow this up with perseverance in all areas of this career. This phrase applies to pretty much every career and video game testing is no different. If you lack these facets to your character you must acquire them to avoid failure.
To become a games tester will require copious amounts of character as you battle numerous rejections along the way. By persevering despite knock-backs you'll give yourself more chance of success.
If you need to study at an institution, either full time or via night classes, you have to have the will to stay the course. If you lack certain skills or qualifications, do something about it, just remember the goal you're striving for.
4. A professional manner is mandatory in this industry. Many websites paint a false picture of someone sitting on a bed or easy chair, playing games while stuffing food down their necks and getting paid at the same time.
If you work from home, which is unlikely at first, you'll still be expected to work standard hours, submit timed reports and as above, communicate this in a professional and timely manner.
More over the likelihood is that you'll be going to a workplace, in which case you'll need to adhere to possible dress codes and behavioural standards.
Your resume will play a key role in getting your foot in the door in the first place. Make sure this is current, detailed and lists all relevant qualifications. Quality assurance is the role you'll be applying for so don't put video game tester anywhere on the page!
5. Your goals should be realistic and achievable, so that you don't become overly disappointed early on. The gaming industry is flooded with potential new testers and it will take time to find your path.
Depending on your qualifications, experience and contacts it might take you months or even years to obtain a video game tester job. Know that if you do the right things you'll eventually get a chance and it's then up to you if you seize that chance or let if fall away.
If you decide to give the e-book route a chance, choose wisely and don't expect too much too soon. Use intuition to avoid unlikely facts and figures.
Most importantly be realistic about the actual role. Playing video games for money won't necessarily involve hitting COD for 6 hours every day. It's more likely you'll be playing certain parts of a game over and over again, type testing, looking for a bug to repeat itself.
If you approach the whole idea of playing games for money as a job, not a hobby with rewards, you'll keep your expectations grounded and your morale high.
Well the plain truth is that these jobs really do exist, but the definition of dream job might have been stretched somewhat by unscrupulous online retailers trying to make a fast buck.
If you're serious about making a living from video games you can achieve your goal, but let's get things straight from the off, it won't be easy and you won't make millions overnight. The five areas below will explain how you can succeed, but you still need to work hard to put these measures in place.
1. There are plenty of scams out there which will gladly take your cash in return for some quickly rehashed e-book that promises to make you a guru in the video game testing community. Take these offers with a pinch of salt and use your intuition to discern the wheat from the chaff.
Now we're not saying that all these online guides are scams, in fact some actually work, but a large majority sucker you in with high earning figures, when the reality is in stark contrast to the claims.
When you start out in the video game industry you don't have the experience to demand top dollar from companies in a freelancing role. They won't pay you anything above $7-$10 per hour. It's like any other role in the world, you must have experience to earn more money. At the start you simply have to work hard to progress further.
2. Develop real world skills for a real world job. Video games companies make vast multi-million dollar products and as such employ real employees in office roles. You need to be able to communicate with these staff members, even if you get a rare chance to work from home. You'll need to be articulate and have a firm grasp of English, both spoken and written.
Communicable skills are vital so that you can get across your point of view in meetings, conferences and tester sessions. There's little benefit in finding game problems if you can't communicate this to the developers.
3. You must show determination and follow this up with perseverance in all areas of this career. This phrase applies to pretty much every career and video game testing is no different. If you lack these facets to your character you must acquire them to avoid failure.
To become a games tester will require copious amounts of character as you battle numerous rejections along the way. By persevering despite knock-backs you'll give yourself more chance of success.
If you need to study at an institution, either full time or via night classes, you have to have the will to stay the course. If you lack certain skills or qualifications, do something about it, just remember the goal you're striving for.
4. A professional manner is mandatory in this industry. Many websites paint a false picture of someone sitting on a bed or easy chair, playing games while stuffing food down their necks and getting paid at the same time.
If you work from home, which is unlikely at first, you'll still be expected to work standard hours, submit timed reports and as above, communicate this in a professional and timely manner.
More over the likelihood is that you'll be going to a workplace, in which case you'll need to adhere to possible dress codes and behavioural standards.
Your resume will play a key role in getting your foot in the door in the first place. Make sure this is current, detailed and lists all relevant qualifications. Quality assurance is the role you'll be applying for so don't put video game tester anywhere on the page!
5. Your goals should be realistic and achievable, so that you don't become overly disappointed early on. The gaming industry is flooded with potential new testers and it will take time to find your path.
Depending on your qualifications, experience and contacts it might take you months or even years to obtain a video game tester job. Know that if you do the right things you'll eventually get a chance and it's then up to you if you seize that chance or let if fall away.
If you decide to give the e-book route a chance, choose wisely and don't expect too much too soon. Use intuition to avoid unlikely facts and figures.
Most importantly be realistic about the actual role. Playing video games for money won't necessarily involve hitting COD for 6 hours every day. It's more likely you'll be playing certain parts of a game over and over again, type testing, looking for a bug to repeat itself.
If you approach the whole idea of playing games for money as a job, not a hobby with rewards, you'll keep your expectations grounded and your morale high.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about video game testing jobs, then visit Pietro T Gambini's site on how to achieve these goals.
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