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. Keep your wits about you and don't buy into the industry get rich overnight schemes. You only have to run an internet search for 'video game tester' and you'll be inundated with search results from websites offering you millions from their latest e-book.
We don't want to rule out the e-book route into video game testing, as some of these products do work, but they're in a small minority and can usually be spotted by the more down to earth earning figures.
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. Brush up on your business skills for any possible role. The budgets that games companies work with stretch into the millions and this is reflected in the professional manner in which they are run. You'll need communicable skills to liaise with other employees and proficient skills in both spoken and written English will be required.
Your communication skills will come to the fore during conference calls, either in house or via Skype. It matters little how well you perform your role if you can't make valid points clearly and concisely.
3. By showing perseverance and determination in your actions you'll set yourself up for success and avoid the failure that many other people fall prey to. These factors apply to every job in the world.
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. Professionalism is an absolute must in this industry. Forget the archetypal bloke sitting on a bed eating snacks and playing games while his bank balance soars, this isn't the case.
If you're lucky enough to work from home you'll still need to follow the rules, regulations and working practices of a normal job, which is to say working hours, reporting and regular communication.
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.
As with any role a quality up to date and accurate resume will elevate you above the masses, so ensure this is well written and coherent. At no part on the resume or job application should you mention video game tester - you're now looking to become a quality assurance employee.
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.
Many factors will come into play, including experience, how you present yourself and even luck. It might take much longer than you expected to secure that first illusive video game role, so be patient and grab any chance that arises firmly with both hands.
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.
The realistic nature of a games tester is repetition, repetition, repetition. You won't be blasting through COD or Uncharted for eight hours a day every day. You'll be purposely looking for bugs and looking how to effectively break games, so that developers can implement bug fixes on future builds.
As long as you go into the games industry with the right attitude and expectations you won't face as many disappointments and this in turn will keep the inner fires burning for your passion.
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. Keep your wits about you and don't buy into the industry get rich overnight schemes. You only have to run an internet search for 'video game tester' and you'll be inundated with search results from websites offering you millions from their latest e-book.
We don't want to rule out the e-book route into video game testing, as some of these products do work, but they're in a small minority and can usually be spotted by the more down to earth earning figures.
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. Brush up on your business skills for any possible role. The budgets that games companies work with stretch into the millions and this is reflected in the professional manner in which they are run. You'll need communicable skills to liaise with other employees and proficient skills in both spoken and written English will be required.
Your communication skills will come to the fore during conference calls, either in house or via Skype. It matters little how well you perform your role if you can't make valid points clearly and concisely.
3. By showing perseverance and determination in your actions you'll set yourself up for success and avoid the failure that many other people fall prey to. These factors apply to every job in the world.
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. Professionalism is an absolute must in this industry. Forget the archetypal bloke sitting on a bed eating snacks and playing games while his bank balance soars, this isn't the case.
If you're lucky enough to work from home you'll still need to follow the rules, regulations and working practices of a normal job, which is to say working hours, reporting and regular communication.
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.
As with any role a quality up to date and accurate resume will elevate you above the masses, so ensure this is well written and coherent. At no part on the resume or job application should you mention video game tester - you're now looking to become a quality assurance employee.
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.
Many factors will come into play, including experience, how you present yourself and even luck. It might take much longer than you expected to secure that first illusive video game role, so be patient and grab any chance that arises firmly with both hands.
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.
The realistic nature of a games tester is repetition, repetition, repetition. You won't be blasting through COD or Uncharted for eight hours a day every day. You'll be purposely looking for bugs and looking how to effectively break games, so that developers can implement bug fixes on future builds.
As long as you go into the games industry with the right attitude and expectations you won't face as many disappointments and this in turn will keep the inner fires burning for your passion.
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