Doh.
So many of us have expressed this interest at one time or another that the question seems down-right ridiculous.
But--and think carefully before you answer--do you really know what the job involves?
Testing a game requires you to play the game as the developers demand, find bugs and report them, have an eye for detail and some knowledge of the various genres. It does NOT mean you play your favorite shooter until you win.
Expect: to work long hours with little financial compensation and even less appreciation. Make no mistake, unless you are a professional game developer yourself, as a game tester you are the bottom man on the totem pole.
Expect: A short-term gig. You are there for one purpose and one purpose only, and once that has been completed, your job is done.
Don't expect: job security, a high standard of living while the testing is going on (or afterward, if the salary is typical of company standards) or to work in the comfort of your own home, with your own consoles. That's just not the way it's done.
But we know, even after all of the above, you are still reading this. You still want to do it, don't you?
HERE'S HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN:
1. Move.
If you don't live in a town where the huge gaming companies have a base, move now. They will not come to you. No matter how many levels you have beaten on how many games, they are not going to fly you in to test their games. Get real.
So where do you move to?
California
Seek out Newport Beach for Shiny Entertainment, creators of Earthworm Jim and Enter the Matrix. While you're in California, check out Agoura Hills-based THQ.
Washington
Don't like California? Fine. Redmond, Washington is even more of a hot spot for potential testers. That's where Nintendo looks for talent.
2. Work on Your Writing Skills
WTF? I have to know how to write, too? Yep. If you want to get ahead as a game tester, you have to be able to document bugs and phrase criticisms and critiques into well-formulated sentences in written reports. Don't believe us? Check this out:if you actually become a tester you're going to be writing up bugs quite often. I imagine they would want to see someone who can write properly since your writing is going to be floating around the company databases...
CS
QA Tester
Big Huge Games
My QA application included a cover letter that detailed all of the things I look for and/or enjoy in the games that I play. It was essentially a personal essay, but took no more than a single printed page. It must have helped, as I have just celebrated my sixth anniversary with the company.
SW
QA Ninja
BioWare Corp.
"Where quality begins with QA!"
Quotes from IGDA forum.
3. Learn Another Language
Hey, it may sound extreme, but if you want to run with the big dogs, you gotta...well, you know what we mean. Gaming is a global enterprise now, and the big game developers actively seek translators to avoid any "all your base are belong to us" glitches. And they just don't get any bigger than Blizzard nowadays, do they?
Oh, wait! Maybe they do. Ever heard of these guys?
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
SO YOU WANT TO BE A GAME TESTER? (3 Tips & the Right Links to Get You Started)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Review of Super Paper Mario for Wii
There's a great review over at the Games section of Geek.com of the latest side-scrolling Mario game for the Wii:
Super Paper Mario
For any of you classic Nintendo lovers, this game heralds back to the good old Mario days. Check it out!
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Saturday, April 7, 2007
Haven't I Heard That Somewhere Before?
Hey, remember when we reported on the whole PS3 20g going bust thing HERE?
Looks like it is finally getting reported in the mainstream news.
Best Buy has dropped the 20 gig PS3 from its stores, citing that 80% of the sales were for the 60 GB model...
Let me be among the first to proclaim the 20 gig PS3 officially dead. When Best Buy stopped selling them it was one thing, but when Sony stops carrying them in their stores? I think that's pretty much the nail in the coffin.
I say good riddance, this multiple-tiered system for consoles confused consumers and really did them no favor.
Italics, ours. From about.com
Once again, Fuel the Rebellion ruins the curve for everyone else.
Yeah, we know. We rock. Feel free to comment on our greatness.
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Friday, April 6, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Reviews: Mac Games, Part II
Tank O'Box is designed by the same folks who brought us Bubble Bobble Nostalgie. The Rhino, who is 11, was given a chance at this game. In the game, you are a tank
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Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Best Games You've Never Downloaded
You've played a million match-three-things puzzles. You've tried some shooters out on the laptop. But here are some of those games that you HAVEN'T tried that are worth the download: Sudoku is popular for a reason. Trust us. This game can get addicting even when it's in plain black and white. Try out this aquatic-themed, Asian-music-enhanced version: 
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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Most Promising Gaming News for Spring
PC: World of Warcraft's Burning Crusade expansion pack sold 2.4 million copies in one day on its simultaneous release in Europe, the United States and Canada. Which game is poised to challenge the leader this Spring? Honestly, none of them. Though there are several promising games coming up, most releases have been pushed back to Fall or given an indefinite date for release. Which isn't to say that Spring has nothing to offer. We're keeping a watchful eye on Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars coming out next week. (link from IGN).
PS3: Sony's much-vaunted Playstation Home goes beta in April, and if anything could save the franchise after a year and a half of media blunders, a disappointing first launch of games and what appears to be the imminent extinction of the 20G version, Playstation Home> could do it. We're looking forward to checking it out.
Xbox 360: According to GamersReports.com, Australia will get the first look at a new, 120gig all-black Xbox 360 with HDMI next month. There's even a possibility Microsoft will push up the launch to interfere with the PS3 launch later this month. No pics yet, but the rumors have been confirmed. Look for Guitar Hero II, due out April 3rd, to rock the box.
Nintendo Wii: The Nintendo Wii has already sold out the Playstation 3 almost 2-to-1, so Nintendo is riding high right now. Despite problems with the wrist strap, which Nintendo is replacing, and reports of over-active users breaking their TV screens, the Wii has come out surprisingly strong against the competition, in large part due to the fitness factor--the unique interaction that the Wii requires from the users gives them more of a workout than the other consoles, so parents concerned with their children's health and weight naturally lean towards the Wii to begin with. With Mortal Kombat: Armageddon due to be released May 15, it seems Nintendo can do no wrong.
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Friday, March 16, 2007
Which is Better? PS3's "Resistance: Fall of Man" or Xbox 360's "Gears of War?"
Want your 15 minutes of fame? Tell us WHY your choice is better, in 100 words or less. "Because I said so," doesn't count. Winner gets an Amazon gift certificate. Top 3 Answers will be posted on Fuel the Rebellion Friday, March 23.
Submit your answers here
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Every. Video. Game.
Go HERE when insomnia strikes. What an epic time waster this site is. Stock up on snacks and hydrate before linking. Seriously.
I stumbled upon it.
