Being a professional video game tester is a dream job. Most gamers would love the chance to be able to play great video games and get paid for it. Unfortunately though, most gamers think that paid video game testing is too far out of reach and will remain a dream forever. Well luckily, it's not a "dream" and anybody can be a paid video game tester with the right amount of experience and guidance.
The following tips should help you get started with a career in professional video game testing.
Tip 1: Don't Wait For Jobs to Find You, Get Out There and Find Them.
Video game tester jobs are not going to fall from the sky, so you can't expect to find them with a few glances at the Sunday newspaper. Therefore, instead of just sitting around and waiting, be proactive and actually chase those high paying testing jobs.
Make a beeline straight toward the game developers and present your case, no matter how poor or excellent it might be. Let them know who you are, what you do (game tester), and why you would make a great addition to their team/project.
It's important to remember that developers aren't going to hire you on the spot; so, don't let rejection get you down. They have lots of video game testers applying for projects and jobs, which means they can literally be as picky as they want to be. With that being said, be as confident as you can and be sure to let them know of all your gaming accomplishments and deeds. They should know about what games you play frequently, what consoles you own, what communities you are apart of, and any websites/blogs you own or help operate. No matter what the gaming accomplishment, big or small, it will help with landing you a job.
Tip 2: Don't Think "Hobby with Pay", Think "Career With Benefits!"
You have to keep in mind that developers pay video game testers as part of a job. They are not paying testers to merely enjoy video games at their own expense. Therefore, when you land a testing job, don't simply play it to have fun; play it like you are earning a paycheck. Does that mean you can't have any fun? No; it simply means you shouldn't make "fun" your top priority while testing video games.
If you take each and every testing job seriously and give it your all, you should have a much more successful game testing career.
Tip 3: Know What To Expect
The biggest part of being a professional video game tester is knowing the golden rule; which is "You are paid to test games, not to play them." There may be a fine line between the two, but any real game tester will tell you that the difference is definitely there.
The subtle difference between testing and playing is, well, work. A game tester will have to do actual work, such as filing reports & filling out questionnaires; as opposed to a regular game player, who will just relax and play the game at a leisurely pace. Admittedly, the work isn't back breaking, but it is work nonetheless.
The questionnaires are the easier part of game testing, as all the video game tester has to do is answer some general questions about the game and give his/her honest opinion. The reports, on the other hand, are a bit more difficult to do. These reports need to be filed on every bug/glitch that the tester comes across, and they have to be remarkably accurate. In each report, the video game tester has to describe what happened, where it happened, and how it happened. With this detailed information in hand, the developers & programmers will then fix the problem and find out why it happened in the first place. Every video game goes through this basic cycle, which is precisely why video game testers are so vital to the gaming industry.
As you can see, there really isn't all that much work involved with video game testing, but that doesn't mean it isn't a serious profession.
Tip 4: Build up a Network of Reliable Contacts.
Networking is a crucial part of professional video game testing. Although it is quite possible to have a prosperous career without a reliable network, having one just makes things easier.
A network of contacts can actually help your career in many different ways. The biggest thing it can do is give you heads up about new job openings and testing assignments that have been announced. Also, some of your contacts can even act as valuable references when applying for testing jobs. And, as if those two things weren't enough, your network can give you the inside scoop about what's going on behind closed doors.
Much like a video game tester job, a reliable network is not going to just jump out at you. Therefore, you will have to build it up all on your own. The best way to do that is by getting to know the industry and the people who work in it. Anyone that spends time around video games (professionally, of course) can be included in your network; game testers, developers, programmers, concept artists, art designers, graphics designers, technical support specialists, audio specialists, etc. Basically, if they know video games and work with video games, you want them in your network.
Tip 5: Don't Give Up. Keep Trying!
The unfortunate fact is that you are not going to land a video game tester job whenever you want one. As a matter of fact, it may be weeks or even months before you land your first testing job. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have what it takes; it just means you have to keep trying & giving it your best. Not many newcomers start off at the top of their game, which means you likely won't either. Hence, just give it time. After a few months and a few jobs, you should be able to get your footing and begin advancing in your career as a professional video game tester.
Do You Think You Are Ready For a Career as a Video Game Tester? Are You Prepared To Make Up To $120 an Hour Testing Video Games? If You Are, Click Here To Find Out How To Get Started With Your Very Own Game Testing Career.
To Get More Information on Video Game Testing & a Free "Quick Start" Game Tester E-book, Visit This Website... www.GameTestingParadise.com
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There are varieties of ways you can use to find a job as a video game tester. But before you begin your search for as a video game tester, I need to ask you a question. Do you have the capabilities to conquer a video game testing assignment? Game testing involves some technical-know-how. I have written them down to get you familiar with the works of a video game tester.
Roles of a Video Game Tester
The work of a video game tester is to detect glitches made at various levels of game production. To be frank, video game testing is not an easy task, especially if you don't have any experience about playing games. Video game manufacturers believe that if they send their games into the market without doing any standard testing, it may not be bought by video game players. Due to this, they seek the services of video game testers to enable them detect these bugs, while on their own part they edit it and send it into the market for consumers to exploit.
Compensation
A video game tester could earn over $45,000 working full time in a year, though some video game testing jobs pay hourly. One can earn $20-$150 per hour testing video games. If you are able to detect bugs, you also paid more benefits in addition to the agreed amount for the games you are testing.
Where to find Video Game Testing Jobs
This brings us to the main issue of this article. Let's say you've known the works of a video game tester at this stage. If you've made up your mind to start a career as a game tester, then you could go ahead to discover the sources of video game testing jobs.
One of the ways to find a video game testing job is to find one at video game manufacturer's websites. I guess you know them; they are Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo, Sony, Code Masters and the rest of others. You might be lucky to find opportunities at their websites.
Another way I will, mostly, recommend is to approach video game companies. Tell them your capabilities, the games you own and the ones you've played. Convince them on why you would be able to make a good testing job, once the games are assigned to you. Luckily, you could get one. The games can either be computer games or video games, no matter the kind of games you are assigned to test, take the testing seriously and don't waste time in sending your feedbacks to the company, once you are through with testing.
Final Word
Video game testing is not an easy task but once you get used to them, I assure you that you would get to love the job. There are some ecourses made to get you acquainted with video game testing, they would be helpful in assisting you through the various stages of completing the works of a video game tester successfully. If you are able to practice with this ecourse, it would guard you in your first assignment.
My Recommendation:
GameTestingGround is a membership site that offers all the step-by-step guides you need to know to become a video game tester and to crown all, they also offer listings of video game companies hiring on weekly basis. I highly recommend you to try them out today. Check them out at http://gamertestinggroundreview.blogspot.com
Video game rentals have always been a great way for gamers to enjoy a variety of games without forking out major cash to do so. For many years, video game fanatics have enjoyed the ability to test out their reputable games before they make that commitment to purchase. With new developments emerging within the online video game rental arena, such online services like GameFly and Gottaplay have been providing even more trouble-free way of testing out a variety of video games. We'll take a closer look at these services below.
GameFly - The First Video Game Rental Company Emerges
GameFly is the very first online video game renting provider to step out on the scene as of early 2003. This company established its presence due to the lack of classic and newer release video game titles that were absent from many of the brick-and-mortar type companies (Blockbuster & Hollywood Video) found within your local area. The founders of GameFly Sean Spector and Jung Suh were very frustrated with the lack of choice, quality, and selection displayed from these video establishments. This led them to search online where they could not find anyone serving the online video game market. Shortly thereafter, both founders decided to leave their full time jobs to pursue their dreams with their very own web based video game rental service. This innovation has changed video game rentals as we know it today.
Renting Video Games Made Easy
GameFly has always followed the beliefs of the majority of video gamers around the world. This belief system was formed during the inception of GameFly and still stands strong today as the backbone structure for all other online video game renting services. This structure is contains the following:
· Gamers need easy access to both classic and newer titles within one company.
· Gamers want to have the choice of keeping a game for as long as they want for a reasonable rate.
· Gamers do not want to spend their money on bad games and should have the choice to send these games back without spending more money.
· Gamers like the ability to receive their favorite video games to their home address without making another trip to the local rental store.
· Gamers should have the option to view other gamer reviews, ratings, and comments as to avoid wasting their time on bad games.
· Gamers should be able to purchase high-quality used games with significant discounts off the retain pricing.
Setting the Standard for Online Video Game Rental Companies
Ever since the GameFly established its presence within the online game rental marketplace, many have followed in their footsteps. Countless game rental companies have come and gone with the trends of the industry, but there are a few that plan to stay. Gottaplay Interactive Inc. is one of these companies. Gottaplay seems to be the only company in 2006 that has gained a lot of credibility and market share within this industry in such a short amount of time. This company is currently giving GameFly a run for its money, with over 2,500 visitors subscribing to the service monthly. They have spent over 18 months developing their premiere game distribution software and currently launching 1 distribution center a month at the beginning of 2006. Even though Gottaplay Interactive has not launched their commercial advertising yet, they plan to focus primarily on their word-of-mouth referrals and online presense for the next year.
Other video game rental businesses are following close behind with Intelliflix trailing a close third. This company has established their own genre within the rental realm by dabbling within the movie rental, game rental, and mature movie rental arena. Even though Intelliflix does not plan to take over the game rental industry, they do plan to offer families the ability to rent for all their household member entertainment needs within one established group. Customers will enjoy a wide variety of entertaining media from this company for years to come.
Video game rentals will always exist as long as there is a market for the industr, which we all know won't be going away for at least the next century. Crack your fingers, grab a soda, and get situated in your favorite chair because there are a lot of video games to be played out there and with so many choices to choose from, the only hard part is...where to go.
For the most comprehensive video game rentals overview, reviews, articles, and rebates, come visit us at: GameRentalGuide.com
Video gaming is an industry that is close to 35 years old and continuing to grow each and every year. The growth in purchases is being matched by the improvements in technology. What was state of the art just 2 years ago is being trashed by gamers for the newest and greatest gaming systems.
Video games are also becoming more realistic and exciting which makes them popular with children and youth. Surveys have determined that approximately 79% of American children now play computer or video games on a regular basis. And most of the games on the market today are aimed at the population of children between 7 and 17.
In another study from the Netherlands based firm Junior Senior Research, video games are a part of the daily activity of nearly 61% of a population of boy and girls up to age 15. Interestingly though, in this study of nearly 4,000 children 65% preferred playing games on the computer and not a game console.
The growth of the gaming industry has not been without controversy. Although more research information appears to be available for television than gaming the initial results seem to bare out the theory that children who are involved in aggressive or hostile video games are more likely to become involved in physical aggression in real life.
Video games have a rating system that helps parents to understand the level of violence and sexual content in the game before it's purchased. Most video games do have positive aspects to playing them. Children learn problem solving skills, improved concentration with distractions and the ability to strategize.
However, those games which belong to the subset that feature violence, gore and antisocial behaviors have raised concern with parents, educators, advocates and medical professionals. The result of this has been rounds of congressional hearings, policy debates and continued research into the outcomes for children and young adults.
In the past organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have all conducted research which shows scientific evidence that children who watch violent television are more likely to have aggressive behavior. Researchers theorize that those who play aggressive video games are even at higher risk because the games are interactive and not passive, each game is repetitive as children go through the same levels to reach the next achievement, and because rewards increase the ability of the person to learn and the video games give rewards to the participants.
In an analysis of 35 different studies, which looked at violence in video games and the behavior of those who played, researchers found several interesting correlations. When watching violent games the physiological response of the person was elevated. This means that the game triggered increased heart rates and blood pressure. The exposure to these violent games also increased the aggressive thoughts and emotions of the children in the short term. In a study of 8th and 9th graders students who played violent games were also more likely to see the world as a hostile place. They got into more arguments with teachers and were involved in more physical fights.
It has been suggested that video games aren't the culprit in these situations. Instead children who are naturally more aggressive are drawn to video games and television shows that are more violent. While this factor may have some truth it isn't the whole truth. In another study the researchers measured hostility traits, controlled for sex and hostility levels and the amount of video game playing and still found that students who played violent games were still more likely to be involved in aggressive behavior, no matter what their previous hostility trait level had been.
The last correlation found was that those children who were exposed on a consistent basis to violent video games had a decreased ability to have compassion for others as measured by their willingness to positively help others in need.
In the aftermath of Columbine High School shootings, then President Bill Clinton, asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the validity of accusations that manufacturers of video games that were rated "M" for violence were deliberately marketing to younger children. The report, which was released in 2000, found that 70% of the games at the time that were rated "M" were deliberately marketed to children under the age of 17. This confirmed that although the games warranted parental caution they were being marketed in an irresponsible manner.
But the vast majority of video games available today aren't violent. Instead they are legitimately aimed at the youth and may even have some educational value in playing them. There are games that teach problem solving skills, eye hand coordination, strategy development and planning.
Parents of school age and teen age children are often faced with two dilemmas. The first relates to the violence of the games that are marketed to our children. The second relates to the amount of time that children sit in front of televisions and video games wiling away their time watching other people live theirs.
The vast majority of the research done on video games has been on the effects of watching and interacting with violent games but there has also been research done on children who watch television consistently and the results may be extrapolated to those who also sit for hours in front of a hand-held screen of flashing images. Researchers from the University of California link watching television from 2 to 4 hours per day to increased risks of high blood pressure and obesity.
The results of this study should be self-evident. We are designed to be active and release energy. Sitting in front of a computer, hand-held gaming system or television only leads to decrease metabolism, poor food choices and weight gain. All of these things lead to poor overall health.
The question about whether or not children should play video games is a question that must be answered on an individual basis by the people who know them best, their parents. Some children exhibit characteristics of an addictive personality early and will find it difficult to get away from the games while others may only play while they're on car trips or it's raining outside. Parents should be intentional when they make their decision about getting computer games or a gaming system. Be prepared to make rules before the games are purchased and stick to those rules.
If you found this article helpful, Dr Noel Swanson's specialized website on child behavior offers a free downloadable CD loaded with parenting techniques. To find out more and request the free downloadable CD just click here for some great expert parenting advice.
My boy doesn't want one video game or one video game console, he wants the Nintendo, the Sony and the Xbox and he wants all the games that go with it. He also wants access to the computer so that he can play games on the computer as well. It is as if he is plugged into these games all the time, at least he would like to be if allowed. Video games are big business, with over $13 billion spent each year on video and computer games. This suggests that an awful lot of playing is going on. New releases of games are eagerly anticipated by players and many are willing to stand in line for a day or two to get hold of a new system or spend hours hunting down a new release. Unquestionably, video games are attractive toys, particularly to boys.
Undoubtedly, parents have been concerned for a long time about the consuming nature of video games. Hours spent in front of a screen, in the dark if possible "can't be healthy" for a child. The encouragement to play or more traditional board game or to even go outside and play is something any boy of the electronic age has heard in response to his desire to play his electronic games. But is there any danger in video games? It is possible to overdo any activity, even good ones. One can sleep too much, exercise excessively and certainly we can eat too much hence it is without question possible to play video games in excess. But defining excess can be difficult. Clearly, three to four hours a day every day would be viewed as excessive by most, but what about three to four hours on the weekend? Should we count it only if they are played straight through or even if there are sizable chunks of time in between sessions? Is it excessive if there is no real demonstrative impact on the child and his behavior, attitudes and performance? There is also the variability within children to consider, some will be affected more easily by gaming than others.
There is growing evidence that video games can be both good and bad. Video games can teach certain skills such as cooperation, strategy and team building as well as some exposure to the technology that is ubiquitous in today's world. The new Wii is showing some benefits in terms of physical activity and is being used by some physical therapists. Do a Google search on the benefits of video games and you will find reputable articles discussing the benefits of video games. But the dangers are there as well. It is beyond doubt and well documented that TV violence influences violence in children. While there is little research into the connection between video games and violence, can the link be weaker than it is in television viewing? A game in which your character engages in violence has to be as influential as TV. But the dangers seem to go beyond the potential influence these games may have on character.
A recent study at Stanford University demonstrated that the brains of males responded to video game playing more than the brains of females, and that the increased brain activity was in the pleasure center of the brain. While the number of participants were small (less than 25), this type of research demonstrates that games do effect the brain. Other researchers are suggesting that games influence brain development for the negative and the too much time in front of a screen makes children more easily distracting and increases the difficulty they have in remaining still. The ever increasing diagnosis of disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may suggest that the number of hours in front of highly stimulating objects may be compromising our children's ability to be attentive and to occupy themselves quietly. Computer and video games will only add to this problem. And there is the issue of video game addiction.
While the American Medical Association has decided that there is insufficient evidence to declare excessive video gaming an addiction, it is only because of a lack of sufficient research. There are many that believe in time, excessive video gaming will be a recognized disorder. There are clinics that are beginning to offer treatment for gaming addiction and there are support groups beginning to form to deal with the issue. Addiction seems to present itself most often with games associated with on line communities.
These games usually involve the development of characters. These characters can develop abilities and skills as well as accumulate weapons and other assets that are valuable in the game world. The development of these characters takes many hours to develop and make the game very engrossing. Combined with the possibility of interacting with others, these online games form a type of alternate world into which many escape. There have been recent stories of divorces, health problems, child neglects and even death associated with these games in particular. Is your child addicted? Ask yourself the following questions -
Does your child:
o play almost every day?
o often play for long periods (over 3-4 hours a time)?
o play for excitement?
o get restless and irritable if they can't play?
o sacrifice social and sporting activities?
o play instead of doing their homework?
o Try to cut down their playing but can't?
o Playing for increasing amounts of time?
o Thinking about gaming during other activities?
o Gaming to escape from real-life problems, anxiety, or depression?
o Lying to friends and family to conceal gaming?
o Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming?
Answering yes to four or more of these questions suggests that there may be a problem. If there is a problem what can you do about it? Here are some resources to get your started on dealing with your loved one's potential problem.
1. Tips for Getting Video Gaming Under Control
National Institute on Media and the Family
Taming the Video Game Tiger
2. Computer Addiction Services
McLean Hospital
115 Mill Street
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-855-2908
Call or write for a local referral
3. Center for Internet Addiction Recovery
(Go to:www.netaddiction.com)
Lists of resources and helps for a variety of online addictive behaviors
4. Talk to your family doctor about your concern.
Troy L Parrish MA LCPC is a therapist in private practice in Columbia, MD. As the owner and editor of Boys Behavior, he is interested in fostering the appreciation of boys as unique, different from girls. As such they should be encouraged in the development of their masculinity rather than have that trained out of them. You can read more about video game addiction as well as other issues associated specifically with boys, from behavior and parenting to encouraging reading and spirituality. Visit http://Boysbehavior.com we are always giving away something for free, and we would love to hear from you.
Renting Video Games Online
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If you are an avid gamer but can't buy new video games due to their steep cost, you may try to get your favorite video game titles on rent from online rental services. Renting video games online is very easy and a cost effective way to enjoy playing the games of your choice. When you learn how useful and trouble-free these systems are, you will repent for not joining these online video game rental services before.
When you sign up for the membership of an online video game rental service, you will be required to shell out a subscription fee per month during the period of your subscription. Irrespective of the number of games that you rent, you will need to bear no extra cost other than this monthly subscription fee. If you are unhappy with your online video game rental service provider, you may even cancel you membership at anytime. No penalty or extra cost will be charged in case you return them all the rented games in your possession at that point of time.
Joining the online rental service provider of your choice is the first step in renting video games online. After you join, you need to choose the video game titles that you want to get on rent. You can do this by searching or browsing through the online rental service providers' site. Once you come across the games of your choice, click on them so that they are added to your list. Once you finalize your list, let the service provider know of your choices. They will send you one or more than one titles (based on your subscription plan). Once you receive the games, you may keep them as long as you desire.
Returning the video game titles is pretty easy once you have finished playing the games. As most of these online video game rental services offer free shipping, you will need to return the games in a prepaid mailer which would be sent to you. When they receive the returned game titles, they will send you the next titles based on your priority list. If the top choice is not available at that time, they will send you the subsequent titles that feature on your list. You can include new game titles or alter your choices in the list whenever you wish to.
Renting video games online has its own advantages as compared to purchasing video games or getting the titles on rent from local stores. Firstly, the library of local stores has limited editions of video games while you can access thousands of titles by becoming the member of an online video game rental service. Moreover, the absence of late fee or due dates allow you to keep the games till you have had your fill playing them. It often happens that you require hanging onto a great game to complete the various levels and it may take a week or two. You won't be able to keep the games for so long if you have rented them from a local store. In addition to this, renting video games online saves you the hassle of getting stuck in the traffic, reaching the local store, standing in the lines, etc.
Renting video games online instead of purchasing them is a cost-effective way. You can change a title right away if you dislike it and get a substitute in return. However, most "brick and mortar" stores do not permit returning any opened software. So, in case you don't like a game, you can do nothing but repent on having spent a huge sum on buying the game. That's why it is suggested that you use online video game rental services to rent games and enjoy playing them without paying a fortune.
To know more about renting video games online, visit our site.
Where can I find a cheap video game? With the holiday season upon us and as the price of video games inches up each year, videogamers are looking for better video game deals. You don't have to pay a lot to play a lot, so keep reading for where to cheap video games and helpful tips to keep your wallet happy and your gaming shelf full.
Tips for Finding Dirt Cheap Video Game Deals
o Unless you want to have your new video game the same day it hits stores, patience can be the best thing for wallet. Often video game prices fall shortly after launch, sometimes as little as a few weeks. If the game is a dud and you're still interested, you can find these video games at cheap prices.
o Used video games are a great deal. Games that have been gently used can be purchased for very attractive prices. Many times the previous owner played the game, beat it (or didn't like it) and put it up for sale. Some of my best purchases were cheap used video games.
o Video game retail stores offer promotions and sales on video games, especially around the holidays. Keep a close watch on your local store for cheap video games for sale.
o Renting video games often costs less than a few dollars per game. Blockbuster and GameFly are two good rental places. Blockbuster is a retail store and Gamefly is an online store similar to NetFlix. These are really good ways to test games before you decide to buy them.
o Don't give up. Great video game deals are out there.
Finding Cheap Video Games Online
There are several great sources for cheap video games on the internet. Bookmark these sites and keep checking for lower prices or listed sales.
1. Check out local ads & local sellers for a cheap video game It is good to be on the lookout for special discount ads. Don't forget to check the personal ads because every paper has a website. You can search these ads and find a cheap video game for sale.
2. Review Craig's List for any cheap video games online An easy to find cheap video games online is to do a search on Craigslist.com. Once you find someone selling cheap video games or at a reasonable price, don't be afraid to send an email and make your offer. Remember that nothing is free and so if someone is selling something for free there must certainly be a catch. Your goal is to find where to buy a video game for cheap, not expose yourself to a potential scam for chance to get something for free.
3. Online auction sites are the best for buying a cheap video game By now, you know exactly what you want and how much it would cost to buy what you want. At this point, go to your favorite auction site and do a search. I bet you will find a great deal! That alone just saved you quite a bit of money.
Looking for a deeper discount? Then look for used video game systems too. It's a quick search change, and could mean another game or two at the same price you were willing to pay at full retail price.
Why should you pay more for your video game? Visit http://www.GotCheapVideogames.com and find a great cheap video game or two today. You can also find a great deal oncheap used video games too.
