How to Become a Game Tester

At some point, nearly every passionate gamer has wanted to become a game tester. Whether you're hoping to make your passion for video games into a career or just want an exclusive first look at developing games, video game beta testing can seem like an exciting prospect. I've beta tested several successful PC games (and some that were not so successful), and have picked up some tips along the way. Try out these ideas to help you become a game tester.

Be On The Lookout

The simplest way to become a game tester is just knowing what games are in development. Read gaming magazines, blogs and websites for news on new game announcements. Don't forget to check the websites of the developers themselves, especially for a favorite franchise. Want in on the beta testing for the next Guild Wars? Visit NCSoft's website. Try Blizzard's site for information on Warcraft, Diablo or Starcraft games.

Don't Forget About the Little Guy

To increase your chances of being chosen for your first beta test, it may help you to seek out games that seem less hyped. Everyone will want to play the latest incarnation of a hot franchise like Halo or The Sims, so those companies will be inundated with tester applications. As an inexperienced video game tester, more applications means less chances you'll be accepted. If you hear a blip about an up-and-coming game from a brand new company, be sure to sign up. The lower demand will greatly improve your chances of becoming a beta tester. For those less-popular games, there are often fewer willing beta testers than there are testing slots.

Sign up for every beta test you can, and you're bound to be accepted to a few. Developers will give greater preference to experienced testers, so even being able to say you tested unpopular games will give you an edge in the future.

Ask

This is another tactic to help you become a game tester for smaller game developers. Simply email them and express interest in testing their game. They may not be able to reply to you personally, but may notify you that you've been added to a list of potential testers. Gaming companies don't want to have to pay people to test drive their games, and will generally be appreciative of inquiries.

This is a great way to leverage your previous experience, both as a beta tester and a gamer. If the game is an FPS, let them know if you have 12 years of experience playing games like Counter-Strike. Knowing that you understand their game's genre and its features will make you a more valuable tester. You'll be more likely to "feel" things that are wrong with a game, and therefore provide more valuable feedback.

Be Visible

If gaming is your passion - and I assume it is if you want to become a game tester - get involved in the industry in your own way. Join the mailing lists of your favorite companies; these will often tip you off to upcoming beta tests. Participate on gaming forums or websites, or the online versions of gaming magazines. Become a part of the forums for games you're currently playing, as well as other sites devoted to the game or its details. If there are add-ons, custom maps or other user-generated content for your favorite game, you can bet there are thriving communities surrounding those things. Games with competitive components or achievements also tend to have websites devoted to them. Share tips and tricks with felllow gamers, and you'll likely strike up new friendships. Gaming news tends to break pretty quickly on these sorts of sites, so you may get wind of an upcoming beta announcement as the story develops.

Starting your own gaming blog or website can also help you secure more beta invitations. Especially if you manage to draw a sizable audience, you'll probably wind up with more requests to test and review video games than you can handle. Having an influential gaming website is also additional leverage when the time comes to contact those companies you'd like to test for. They'll be happy to put their game in the hands of someone who might influence additional buyers once the product is released.

Make Connections

One of the great things about the above step is meeting new people. It can never hurt you to have more friends, especially in the right places. If you're a friendly gamer and community-minded, you can meet lots of great people. Not only will you meet people who share your interests, but some of these friends may be able to help further your beta testing aspirations.

People who work in the gaming industry are often gamers themselves, and are often willing to help out their friends. Through gaming, I've been lucky enough to make friends with people who work at some big names in gaming. These friends have been generous enough to pass me invites to alpha and beta tests of some very high profile games (World of Warcraft, anyone?). Employees at gaming companies are often given beta invitations to distribute to friends and family for alpha and beta tests; if you've got a buddy who knows how badly you want to play their company's new game, maybe they'll think of you.

Even people who are gamers just like you may be able to help you get started as a beta tester. I know I've been invited to some beta tests I wasn't interested in, and I've been happy to pass along those invites to my friends. I've also been on the receiving end of these kind of transactions, getting the chance to try out a few games that I didn't get invited to beta test. Some companies give out extra beta invitations for accepted testers to distribute to friends, similar to what's often done with gaming company employees.

Many alpha tests and beta tests are held under non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs. These are legal contracts entered into by beta testers, swearing not to discuss the details or trade secrets of the game before its release. Allowing testers to extend beta invites to friends gives them someone to discuss and play the game with. This is good damage control, as it decreases the chance that the game's details will be "leaked."

I don't suggest trying to make friends with people just because of where it can get you, no matter what you're doing. People can see through this type of behavior, and won't be willing to help you. Simply networking with people who share your interests, and participating in communities devoted to video games will help you form real friendships with people who share your passion. Getting additional benefits, like beta testing invitations, is just a bonus. Never expect it.

Be Well-Equipped

If you're interested in becoming a game tester, make sure you've got the equipment to prove it. Every game is developed with minimum specs in mind, from your operating system (OS) to your graphics card. The minimum specs mentioned within the beta testing application is often much lower than what the company actually wants. Gaming companies want to work with gamers who take their hobby seriously.

To improve your chances of being invited to a beta test, make sure your computer is up to par. Run the most recent version of your preferred operating system, as well as any other recommended components. Microsoft's DirectX often acts as a benchmark for developing games; make sure your version is up to date. Graphics cards, or video cards, are essential for good gaming as these will affect how your computer renders and runs the game. Having a faster processor, more memory and a larger monitor can't hurt, either.

If you're a serious gamer, chances are you know this information and have a monster PC already. If you don't, it may be time to upgrade. If you're on a tight budget, consider making some small upgrades or planning to make your next computer purchase more ideal for gaming. You don't need to buy a $3,000 system, but making sure you're above the minimum system requirements will make you a much better beta testing candidate.

Source:

Personal Experience