Countless hours spent in the Nintendo universe have led you to this moment, and now you’re eager to transform your hobby into a career. Can you really become a Nintendo Game Tester? The answer is a resounding YES! The gaming industry is thriving, and Nintendo game testers are in high demand.
If you’re a die-hard Nintendo fan, this could be your ultimate dream job. In this article, I’ll guide you on your quest to become a Nintendo game tester.
Ready your Joy-Cons, and let’s get started!
What Does a Nintendo Game Tester Do?
A Nintendo game tester, is the unsung hero in the world of Nintendo games. Before you embark on this exciting adventure, let’s take a closer look at the day-to-day responsibilities of a Nintendo game tester.
They play a vital role in identifying and eliminating bugs, glitches, and other “game-breakers” that could ruin the gaming experience for dedicated Nintendo fans.
Testers spend hours playing new and unreleased Nintendo games, highlighting issues, and documenting them for the development team to resolve. They also provide valuable feedback on gameplay, user interface, and game balance, specifically tailored to Nintendo’s unique style and audience.
The Skill Set You Need to Succeed as a Nintendo Game Tester
Anyone can game on Nintendo’s devices, but not everybody is willing enough to go for the game testing pathway. If you’re one of the brave people who wants to play Nintendo games for a living, you’ll need to level up your skills. Here’s the toolkit you’ll need to develop tailored to the Nintendo ecosystem:
- Familiarity with Nintendo Platforms: Gain in-depth knowledge of Nintendo gaming platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch, and any upcoming consoles. Understand their unique features and controls to test games effectively.
- Expertise in Various Nintendo Game Genres: Develop a strong understanding of different game genres within the Nintendo universe, from action-adventure and platformers to role-playing games and racing titles.
- Knowledge of Nintendo Franchises: Get well-versed in popular Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing. This will enable you to recognize franchise-specific quirks and provide valuable feedback.
- Sharp Observation Skills: Cultivate the ability to spot even the smallest issues that might escape the notice of a regular gamer, keeping in mind Nintendo’s family-friendly approach and attention to detail.
- Patience and Determination: Be prepared for numerous replays of the same game segments to discover all hidden bugs, as Nintendo games often have intricate puzzles and hidden secrets.
- Effective Communication: Develop the skill to proficiently relay your discoveries to the development team in an easily understandable and detailed manner, while also considering Nintendo’s unique style and brand values.
- Adaptability: Remain receptive to acquiring and applying new testing methods and tools, especially those designed specifically for Nintendo platforms.
- Familiarity with Nintendo’s Localization Process: Understand the localization process for Nintendo games, as they often require testing in multiple languages and for different regions.
By honing these specific skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful Nintendo game tester and contributing to the creation of memorable gaming experiences.
How To Apply As A Nintendo Game Tester?
So, you’re enthusiastic to become a game tester, all amped up for playing Mario kart, and Pokémon all day and earning a handsome amount while doing it, right? But where do you begin?
You can waltz directly to Nintendo’s HQ, and demand they employ you right away! Make sure to wave your Switch in front of the big scary security guard to assert dominance, so that they know you mean business!
After being beat up and thrown out by security, here’s how you can apply for a Nintendo game tester position the right way:
- Nintendo’s Official Website: Check the official Nintendo website for job listings. Visit their careers page and look for game tester or Quality Assurance (QA) tester positions.
- Affiliated Game Development Studios: Nintendo often works with affiliated game development studios (Check them here). Keep an eye on the career sections of these studios’ websites for potential game testing job opportunities.
- Online Job Boards: Search for Nintendo game tester positions on popular job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn. Make sure to use relevant keywords like “Nintendo game tester,” “Nintendo QA tester,” or “Nintendo Quality Assurance” to find suitable listings.
- Industry-specific Websites: Browse websites that focus on the gaming industry, such as Gamasutra (now known as Game Developer) and GamesIndustry.biz, as they often feature job postings specific to game testing positions.
- Networking: Attend gaming conferences, conventions, and other industry events to network with professionals from Nintendo and its affiliated studios. Networking can help you learn about job openings, gain insider information, and make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
- Social Media: Follow Nintendo and its affiliated game development studios on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their content, showcase your passion for Nintendo gaming, and stay updated on job openings and company news.
By exploring these avenues and remaining proactive in your job search, you’ll increase your chances of landing a Nintendo game tester position. Good luck on your quest to join the world of Nintendo game testing!
Let’s check out how you can increase your chances of securing a job at Nintendo as a game tester, read on!
How To Build Your Resume For A Nintendo Game Tester Role?
No matter how skilled you are as a Nintendo gamer, your resume needs to reflect your expertise. Here’s how to make your resume stand out:
- Showcasing Your Nintendo Knowledge and Experience: Mention the Nintendo games you’ve played and your achievements in them. Discuss your familiarity with specific Nintendo franchises or genres, as well as any online gaming communities you’ve participated in.
- Highlighting Relevant Skills and Qualifications: Include skills such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving. Also, list any certifications or courses related to game testing or software development.
- Incorporating Volunteer Experience and Internships: Have you ever beta-tested a Nintendo game or volunteered as a game moderator? Showcase these experiences! Even if you haven’t had formal experience, mention any relevant personal projects, such as creating mods or organizing Nintendo-themed gaming events.