Are you tired of your mundane 9-to-5 job and wish you could turn your passion for gaming into a profitable career? But maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the competition or unsure of how to break into the game-testing industry.
Don’t worry – I’ve got your back!
In my article “Master Game Testing at Home: Ultimate Guide to Pro Success,” I’ll help you navigate the challenges surrounding becoming a professional game tester, so you can work from home, dump the commute, and earn a tonne of cash.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:
- Essential skills every successful game tester needs
- The best resources for finding at-home game testing opportunities
- Must-have tools and equipment for efficient game testing
- Proven strategies for excelling in the industry
- Insider tips and advice from successful game-testing professionals
Don’t let your gaming passion go to waste. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a lucrative career in the gaming industry. So, keep reading and start levelling up your game-testing skills.
Essential Skills for At-Home Game Testers
To become a successful game tester from home, there are a few key skills you’ll need to develop. Let’s break down a few of them:
Attention to Detail
As a game tester, you’ll need to spot even the smallest glitches, bugs, and inconsistencies in the games you’re testing. This requires a sharp eye for detail and the ability to stay focused for long periods.
Communication and Reporting
Being able to clearly communicate your findings to developers is crucial. You’ll need to write concise, well-structured reports detailing the issues you’ve encountered and any suggestions for improvement.
Technical Expertise
Understanding the technical aspects of game development, such as programming languages, game engines, and hardware, will make you a more effective tester. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to identify and troubleshoot issues.
Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Game testing often involves identifying patterns and figuring out the root causes of issues. Developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills will help you excel in this role.
Adaptability and Flexibility
As a game tester, you’ll likely work on a wide variety of projects with different requirements and timelines. Being able to adapt to new situations and stay flexible is essential.
For a more in-depth look at the skills you’ll need to become a game tester, take a look at my article “What Skills Does a game tester Need?” it’s a comprehensive look at all the knowledge you need to succeed as a game tester.
Finding Home-Based Game Testing Opportunities
Now that you know the skills you need, let’s explore where you can find game-testing opportunities. Keep in mind that finding opportunities will also help you figure out exactly what skills you’ll need for each role.
Top Websites for Game Testing Jobs
Here are some great websites to help you find at-home game testing jobs:
- Gamasutra – A fantastic resource for game developers and testers, offering job listings, industry news, and expert advice.
- Game Tester – Connects game developers and testers, providing opportunities for gamers like us to test and review games from home.
- Glassdoor – Offers job listings, salary estimates, and company reviews for game testing positions.
- IGDA – The International Game Developers Association provides resources, networking opportunities, and industry events for game developers and testers, including those working from home.
- Game Testing World – Offers information and resources on game testing, including guides, tutorials, and tips on how to become a successful game tester from home.
Be sure to check out CareerGamers.com home page, where I frequently post new game job opportunities and articles!
Networking and Industry Events
Attending industry events and connecting with other professionals in the gaming world can open up new opportunities. Don’t forget to join online communities and forums related to game testing to expand your network.
Building a Professional Online Presence
Create a professional LinkedIn profile and showcase your game testing skills, experience, and any relevant projects you’ve worked on. This will help potential employers find you and increase your chances of landing a great at-home game testing job.
Tools and Equipment for At-Home Game Testing
To set yourself up for success as a home-based game tester, you’ll need the right tools and equipment. Here’s a quick overview:
Gaming Consoles and Platforms
Depending on the games you’ll be testing, you may need multiple gaming consoles or a powerful gaming PC. Make sure your setup can handle the requirements of the games you’ll be working on.
Testing and Debugging Software
Familiarize yourself with popular testing and debugging tools used in the industry, such as JIRA and TestRail. These tools will help you manage your testing tasks and report issues more efficiently.
Productivity and Project Management Tools
Being organized is essential for success as a game tester. Tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple spreadsheet can help you keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and progress.
Communication and Collaboration Tools
Since you’ll be working from home, you’ll need to stay in touch with your team members and clients. Get comfortable with communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord to ensure smooth collaboration.
Strategies for Successful Game Testing
Now that you have the right skills and tools, let’s talk about strategies that can help you excel as a home-based game tester:
Creating a Structured Testing Process
Develop a systematic approach to testing, such as creating test plans, documenting your steps, and organizing your findings. This will help you work more efficiently and deliver better results.
Managing Time and Workload Efficiently
Working from home can be challenging, but setting a regular schedule and allocating specific time slots for testing, reporting, and self-improvement can help you stay on track and avoid burnout.
Documenting and Reporting Findings Accurately
Take detailed notes while testing and ensure your bug reports are clear, concise, and easy to understand. Remember, developers rely on your feedback to fix issues and improve the game.
Continuously Improving Skills and Knowledge
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices by following gaming news, attending webinars, and engaging with other professionals. The more you learn, the better a game tester you’ll become.
Insider Tips from Industry Professionals
Here are a few insider tips to help you thrive as an at-home game tester:
Overcoming Common Challenges
Game testing can be repetitive and sometimes frustrating. Remember to take regular breaks, stay patient, and keep your end goal in mind.
Staying Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Subscribe to newsletters, follow gaming blogs, and join professional associations like IGDA to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in the gaming world.
Building a Strong Professional Network
Connect with other game testers and industry professionals through social media, forums, and events. A strong network can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights.
Turning Game Testing into a Lucrative Career
With dedication and hard work, you can turn your passion for gaming into a profitable career. Here’s how:
Setting Realistic Income Expectations
Game testing can provide a decent income, but it’s important to set realistic expectations. Keep in mind that factors like experience, location, and project complexity can influence your earnings.
Advancing in the Industry
As you gain experience, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility or specialization, such as lead tester, quality assurance manager, or game designer. These positions often come with higher pay and more opportunities for growth.
Diversifying Skills and Exploring Related Opportunities
Expand your skills by learning game design, programming, or project management. Diversifying your skillset can open up new opportunities within the gaming industry and make you a more valuable asset to potential employers.
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! You’re now well-equipped with the knowledge and resources to master game testing from home and kick-start your journey towards pro success. Remember to stay focused, continuously improve your skills, and always be on the lookout for new opportunities.
With dedication and hard work, you can turn your passion for gaming into a rewarding and fulfilling career. Best of luck on your game-testing journey!
What to do Next
Now that you’ve finished reading the article, it’s now time to take action! Below are a number of small tasks you can complete right now to move forward towards becoming a work-from-home game tester.
- Sign up for CareerGamers FREE Course: Discover a roadmap to success when you join my FREE Get into the Games Industry Course. Here, you’ll learn about all the steps you need to take and how to take them to get your dream job as a games tester.
- Create a list of essential skills to develop: Review the essential skills for at-home game testers mentioned in the article, and create a personal list of areas to focus on improving in the coming weeks.
- Sign up for game testing job alerts: Visit the websites mentioned in the article (Gamasutra, Game Tester, Glassdoor, IGDA, Game Testing World) and sign up for job alerts or newsletters to stay informed about new game testing opportunities.
- Join online communities and forums: Find online communities, forums, or social media groups related to game testing, and join them to connect with other professionals, share knowledge, and learn from their experiences.
- Set up your testing workspace: Evaluate your current gaming setup and make any necessary upgrades to ensure you have the required consoles, platforms, or equipment for game testing. Additionally, familiarize yourself with popular testing and debugging software.
- Work on your online presence: Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight your game-testing skills and experience, and consider starting a blog or portfolio website to showcase your work and projects related to gaming or game testing.