Beta Game testing job

[Max]

i've litteraly looked everywhere and every how and i cannot find how to get a
beta game testing job, i particularly wanted to get one as part of microsoft.
My question is do some game companies have the beta testing program where the
company sends the game and a survey to your home, you test it and send the
survey back and get paid? if so do they pay by game or estimated hours to do
it? also what is the age range for microsoft testing in washington or game
companies in general?

thank you

[Joe]

Post by Max
i've litteraly looked everywhere and every how and i cannot find how
to get a beta game testing job, i particularly wanted to get one as
part of microsoft. My question is do some game companies have the beta
testing program where the company sends the game and a survey to your
home, you test it and send the survey back and get paid? if so do they
pay by game or estimated hours to do it? also what is the age range
for microsoft testing in washington or game companies in general?
thank you

http://www.champions-online.com has a "preview beta" going now, they only
test wed and fri evenings, but if you get in they might go to full weeks
soon.

As for other games, you just gotta do your research, look for new games
coming out espically online MMOs, and see if the company making the game
has beta plans.

Not too many devs do "beta Testing", and any testing they do are usually
with their own testers or close friends. So become friends with software
companies. Send random emails to their CEOs or Quality Control group, ask
them if they need any help, tell them you like their game, and for the
love of all that's holy, don't beg!

Oh, when you beta test, that is you get on a "public beta test", you will
NOT get paid. Your payment is you get the honor of playing the game and
giving feedback (when asked) for FREE! That's your payment.

I've only done one beta test where they sent me a beta build of the game
and asked for feedback at their web forums. No payment involved.

Now some companies do public playtests where you usually have to go to
the company who made the game (for example, Electronic Arts in Redwood
Shores, or SCEA in Foster City, CA) and you usually are given explicit
instructions on how to play an early release, then when you're done
you're expected to give feedback on certain aspects of the game. Usually
lasts about 2-3 hours, and they sometimes give you a free game from their
library as a thank you.

Good luck my man, personally if you really want to test video games, you
should be in San Francisco this week, the Game Developers Conference is
going on, that's were all the game developers gather and do job hunting.
It is a GREAT place to get a job.

GDC, you can find it online. There might be other Game Developer
Conferences in your area. Get a job with a game company, within 3-4
months you'll be so sick of one game you'll wonder why you ever took my
advice.

Good luck,
-Joe

[Matt Hart]

That's because beta-testing is not a paid field. You would need to be
on-board with the initial tests of the game (before beta gets released) in
order to make any money at all, and for the most part, those slots will get
filled up with either people close to the game, or people with most likely a
lot more experience in the testing department then you could possibly
imagine (professional game testers usually have to write what's practically
a college essay on the games and rate them on a number of scales). They also
are much more likely to discover bugs.

Beta testing is usually a PR stunt at best, and is a way to massively track
down bugs the quickest before releasing a title (as the more people you have
playing something, the more likely you are to actually have someone stumble
into a bug). It's rare to see closed beta testing now-a-days and even closed
beta is simply for fun to play it before anyone else does. I've never seen a
beta tester get paid to play a game.

Post by Joe

Post by Max
i've litteraly looked everywhere and every how and i cannot find how
to get a beta game testing job, i particularly wanted to get one as
part of microsoft. My question is do some game companies have the beta
testing program where the company sends the game and a survey to your
home, you test it and send the survey back and get paid? if so do they
pay by game or estimated hours to do it? also what is the age range
for microsoft testing in washington or game companies in general?
thank you

http://www.champions-online.com has a "preview beta" going now, they only
test wed and fri evenings, but if you get in they might go to full weeks
soon.
As for other games, you just gotta do your research, look for new games
coming out espically online MMOs, and see if the company making the game
has beta plans.
Not too many devs do "beta Testing", and any testing they do are usually
with their own testers or close friends. So become friends with software
companies. Send random emails to their CEOs or Quality Control group, ask
them if they need any help, tell them you like their game, and for the
love of all that's holy, don't beg!
Oh, when you beta test, that is you get on a "public beta test", you will
NOT get paid. Your payment is you get the honor of playing the game and
giving feedback (when asked) for FREE! That's your payment.
I've only done one beta test where they sent me a beta build of the game
and asked for feedback at their web forums. No payment involved.
Now some companies do public playtests where you usually have to go to
the company who made the game (for example, Electronic Arts in Redwood
Shores, or SCEA in Foster City, CA) and you usually are given explicit
instructions on how to play an early release, then when you're done
you're expected to give feedback on certain aspects of the game. Usually
lasts about 2-3 hours, and they sometimes give you a free game from their
library as a thank you.
Good luck my man, personally if you really want to test video games, you
should be in San Francisco this week, the Game Developers Conference is
going on, that's were all the game developers gather and do job hunting.
It is a GREAT place to get a job.
GDC, you can find it online. There might be other Game Developer
Conferences in your area. Get a job with a game company, within 3-4
months you'll be so sick of one game you'll wonder why you ever took my
advice.
Good luck,
-Joe
--
Joe

[Joe]

Post by Matt Hart
That's because beta-testing is not a paid field. You would need to be
on-board with the initial tests of the game (before beta gets
released) in order to make any money at all, and for the most part,
those slots will get filled up with either people close to the game,
or people with most likely a lot more experience in the testing
department then you could possibly imagine (professional game testers
usually have to write what's practically a college essay on the games
and rate them on a number of scales). They also are much more likely
to discover bugs.
Beta testing is usually a PR stunt at best, and is a way to massively
track down bugs the quickest before releasing a title (as the more
people you have playing something, the more likely you are to actually
have someone stumble into a bug). It's rare to see closed beta testing
now-a-days and even closed beta is simply for fun to play it before
anyone else does. I've never seen a beta tester get paid to play a
game.

Well coming from the perspective of a guy who used to do Beta Tests, you
are right it's one part PR, and probably 3 parts last minute bug
squishing.

I also ran a beta where we paid our testers with free games or more if
they were exceptional testers. So there is potential out there, but you
really need to bring your enthusiasm for a broken game and the apparent
desire to make it the best it can be.

As for closed beta, try making friends with gaming companies "QC" or
"QA" (Quality Control/Quality Assurance) dept head. Tell them you love
the game and would love to help test if they need people.

Include a resume, even if it's like a "Gamer Resume" sort of thing. Show
them you're interested, even if it's a part time or unpaid thing.

that Linked In site (google it) is a GREAT place to find people that work
in the games industry, you can link up with them and send them private
messages, it's a good place to start.

Also, as an ex-professional game tester, I can tell you that being able
to write a professional college level essay isn't really a big
requirement. What's important is that you can convey the problem clearly
and take ownership of the problem if the devs come up to you and say
something like, "Can you reproduce this problem for us?", if you can,
you'll be a hero, if not well have a back-up, and you'll still be golden.

Finally it takes all sorts of gamer skill levels to find bugs. I hate
sports games, but I worked on Tiger Woods and Madden back in the day and
found all sorts of issues. Don't be afraid to try some game you may not
like. Sometimes when you love a game you'll skip over problems because
you just want to keep playing. If you hate the game, all the bugs will be
clearly visable.

[Travis]

First. Thank you. I stumbled across this article and it gave me some great
perspective. Before i ask i just wanted to say all i want is to get my name
out there in the gaming world( even if its small scale at first). Assuming i
didn't care in the least how much free beta testing i did how can i make a
name for myself as a beta tester. The gamer resume you were talking about?
Lets say for fun i tested and properly fixed bugs in 20 games. Obviously the
more the better. Does that help for getting more of my foot in the door of
the gaming industry?

Post by Joe

Post by Matt Hart
That's because beta-testing is not a paid field. You would need to be
on-board with the initial tests of the game (before beta gets
released) in order to make any money at all, and for the most part,
those slots will get filled up with either people close to the game,
or people with most likely a lot more experience in the testing
department then you could possibly imagine (professional game testers
usually have to write what's practically a college essay on the games
and rate them on a number of scales). They also are much more likely
to discover bugs.
Beta testing is usually a PR stunt at best, and is a way to massively
track down bugs the quickest before releasing a title (as the more
people you have playing something, the more likely you are to actually
have someone stumble into a bug). It's rare to see closed beta testing
now-a-days and even closed beta is simply for fun to play it before
anyone else does. I've never seen a beta tester get paid to play a
game.

Well coming from the perspective of a guy who used to do Beta Tests, you
are right it's one part PR, and probably 3 parts last minute bug
squishing.
I also ran a beta where we paid our testers with free games or more if
they were exceptional testers. So there is potential out there, but you
really need to bring your enthusiasm for a broken game and the apparent
desire to make it the best it can be.
As for closed beta, try making friends with gaming companies "QC" or
"QA" (Quality Control/Quality Assurance) dept head. Tell them you love
the game and would love to help test if they need people.
Include a resume, even if it's like a "Gamer Resume" sort of thing. Show
them you're interested, even if it's a part time or unpaid thing.
that Linked In site (google it) is a GREAT place to find people that work
in the games industry, you can link up with them and send them private
messages, it's a good place to start.
Also, as an ex-professional game tester, I can tell you that being able
to write a professional college level essay isn't really a big
requirement. What's important is that you can convey the problem clearly
and take ownership of the problem if the devs come up to you and say
something like, "Can you reproduce this problem for us?", if you can,
you'll be a hero, if not well have a back-up, and you'll still be golden.
Finally it takes all sorts of gamer skill levels to find bugs. I hate
sports games, but I worked on Tiger Woods and Madden back in the day and
found all sorts of issues. Don't be afraid to try some game you may not
like. Sometimes when you love a game you'll skip over problems because
you just want to keep playing. If you hate the game, all the bugs will be
clearly visable.
--
Joe

[bridget davidson]

On 8/30/09 4:22 PM, in article

Post by Travis
First. Thank you. I stumbled across this article and it gave me some great
perspective. Before i ask i just wanted to say all i want is to get my name
out there in the gaming world( even if its small scale at first). Assuming i
didn't care in the least how much free beta testing i did how can i make a
name for myself as a beta tester. The gamer resume you were talking about?
Lets say for fun i tested and properly fixed bugs in 20 games. Obviously the
more the better. Does that help for getting more of my foot in the door of
the gaming industry?

Post by Joe

Post by Matt Hart
That's because beta-testing is not a paid field. You would need to be
on-board with the initial tests of the game (before beta gets
released) in order to make any money at all, and for the most part,
those slots will get filled up with either people close to the game,
or people with most likely a lot more experience in the testing
department then you could possibly imagine (professional game testers
usually have to write what's practically a college essay on the games
and rate them on a number of scales). They also are much more likely
to discover bugs.
Beta testing is usually a PR stunt at best, and is a way to massively
track down bugs the quickest before releasing a title (as the more
people you have playing something, the more likely you are to actually
have someone stumble into a bug). It's rare to see closed beta testing
now-a-days and even closed beta is simply for fun to play it before
anyone else does. I've never seen a beta tester get paid to play a
game.

Well coming from the perspective of a guy who used to do Beta Tests, you
are right it's one part PR, and probably 3 parts last minute bug
squishing.
I also ran a beta where we paid our testers with free games or more if
they were exceptional testers. So there is potential out there, but you
really need to bring your enthusiasm for a broken game and the apparent
desire to make it the best it can be.
As for closed beta, try making friends with gaming companies "QC" or
"QA" (Quality Control/Quality Assurance) dept head. Tell them you love
the game and would love to help test if they need people.
Include a resume, even if it's like a "Gamer Resume" sort of thing. Show
them you're interested, even if it's a part time or unpaid thing.
that Linked In site (google it) is a GREAT place to find people that work
in the games industry, you can link up with them and send them private
messages, it's a good place to start.
Also, as an ex-professional game tester, I can tell you that being able
to write a professional college level essay isn't really a big
requirement. What's important is that you can convey the problem clearly
and take ownership of the problem if the devs come up to you and say
something like, "Can you reproduce this problem for us?", if you can,
you'll be a hero, if not well have a back-up, and you'll still be golden.
Finally it takes all sorts of gamer skill levels to find bugs. I hate
sports games, but I worked on Tiger Woods and Madden back in the day and
found all sorts of issues. Don't be afraid to try some game you may not
like. Sometimes when you love a game you'll skip over problems because
you just want to keep playing. If you hate the game, all the bugs will be
clearly visable.
--
Joe

[Hello Kitty]

I actually worked at a software company and possibly a co-worker of Joe's
since our department head was with EA for a number of years and was all over
Madden. And to be honest all I did was send a resume with a partial gaming
history that dated back to Atari. I got the call for an interview soon after
and utterly bombed when I was given an in-game test on a prior release. I
pointed out the obvious flaws and found a few controller bugs as well as
camera and clipping issues. For a few days I was thinking that I didn't fit
the role and began to move forward when I got a call from the companys HR
head telling me that I started in a few weeks.
Things went well for about 10 months before we got the news from
corporate that our department was downsizing and 85% of us would be let go
in a few short months. So needless to say I lost my job there but I got my
name on 3 titles for various platforms and some awesome schwag from the
industry. As well as various in game nods including some dialog and a spot
in a web promo.
I have not looked for jobs in the same field due to the fact they don't
pay very well and you would typically have to relocate to another state or
possibly country. The only reason I was fortunate enought to land this gig
was timing. I applied at the right time and the game I started on was an
open world sandbox game on 3 platforms that was a year away from release.
They also paid people off the street to do a weeks worth of testing on
occasion.

I don't really have any solid advice on how to break into the industry, but
be persistent. If you are willing to relocate there are tons of
opportunities for you. Keep your eyes open on site's like Kotaku to get an
idea of what companies may be hiring and for what positions. This can also
tell you who is not hiring as 2 hours after we heard that we were being laid
off, the news made it to Kotaku.com.

Lastly go to GameJobs.com for stuff in your area.

Best of luck,
-timmer

Post by bridget davidson
On 8/30/09 4:22 PM, in article

Post by Travis
First. Thank you. I stumbled across this article and it gave me some great
perspective. Before i ask i just wanted to say all i want is to get my name
out there in the gaming world( even if its small scale at first). Assuming i
didn't care in the least how much free beta testing i did how can i make a
name for myself as a beta tester. The gamer resume you were talking about?
Lets say for fun i tested and properly fixed bugs in 20 games. Obviously the
more the better. Does that help for getting more of my foot in the door of
the gaming industry?

Post by Joe

Post by Matt Hart
That's because beta-testing is not a paid field. You would need to be
on-board with the initial tests of the game (before beta gets
released) in order to make any money at all, and for the most part,
those slots will get filled up with either people close to the game,
or people with most likely a lot more experience in the testing
department then you could possibly imagine (professional game testers
usually have to write what's practically a college essay on the games
and rate them on a number of scales). They also are much more likely
to discover bugs.
Beta testing is usually a PR stunt at best, and is a way to massively
track down bugs the quickest before releasing a title (as the more
people you have playing something, the more likely you are to actually
have someone stumble into a bug). It's rare to see closed beta testing
now-a-days and even closed beta is simply for fun to play it before
anyone else does. I've never seen a beta tester get paid to play a
game.

Well coming from the perspective of a guy who used to do Beta Tests, you
are right it's one part PR, and probably 3 parts last minute bug
squishing.
I also ran a beta where we paid our testers with free games or more if
they were exceptional testers. So there is potential out there, but you
really need to bring your enthusiasm for a broken game and the apparent
desire to make it the best it can be.
As for closed beta, try making friends with gaming companies "QC" or
"QA" (Quality Control/Quality Assurance) dept head. Tell them you love
the game and would love to help test if they need people.
Include a resume, even if it's like a "Gamer Resume" sort of thing. Show
them you're interested, even if it's a part time or unpaid thing.
that Linked In site (google it) is a GREAT place to find people that work
in the games industry, you can link up with them and send them private
messages, it's a good place to start.
Also, as an ex-professional game tester, I can tell you that being able
to write a professional college level essay isn't really a big
requirement. What's important is that you can convey the problem clearly
and take ownership of the problem if the devs come up to you and say
something like, "Can you reproduce this problem for us?", if you can,
you'll be a hero, if not well have a back-up, and you'll still be golden.
Finally it takes all sorts of gamer skill levels to find bugs. I hate
sports games, but I worked on Tiger Woods and Madden back in the day and
found all sorts of issues. Don't be afraid to try some game you may not
like. Sometimes when you love a game you'll skip over problems because
you just want to keep playing. If you hate the game, all the bugs will be
clearly visable.
--
Joe