Game Beta Tester:
Job or Myth?

Can you be a game beta tester? Do you think you would be great at XBox beta testing? Or is there other beta version software testing that you want to be a part of? Do you think you can make a living testing beta software?

There are so many ads and listings out there these days claiming that “You too can get paid to play video games!” It can be very hard to resist the lure. It is very tempting to believe that your favorite game company will pay you to play your favorite game franchise.

It is true that there are legitimate opportunities to be had beta testing, but you should know what you’re getting into. Before you decide that testing beta game software is the career choice for you, let’s look at some realities.

How Do You Qualify?

I don’t claim to know what all of the gaming giants want in a beta testing helper, but if you want to land the position, you should do your best to find out. Who can you contact? Do you know anyone that works for one of these companies? They might be able to give you a friendly heads-up?

What about the ads that say you can get a job testing beta games? Do they list the qualifications necessary to land a gig? And if not, why not? Is there contact information on any of those sites that give you someone you can contact to ask?

Shouldn’t you at least understand what companies are looking for before you buy a program that claims “You too can be a tester!”?

I offer software tester training on this site, but I am very clear about what each course contains and what it can do for you. I am also very clear that none of what I offer will guarantee you a job – you are the one that has to do the work. All I can do is prepare you with the best knowledge and training possible.

Can these “Become a Beta Game Tester” programs claim the same? Ask them, they might.

What is the Job?

For starters, you will probably have to install whatever software they want you to test. Then you will have to use the software and then send them a report.

The reports you send will probably vary from company to company, but most (if not all) will want bug reports. Do you know what a bug report is?

If the program crashes, that should be written up as a bug report. If the game isn’t as fulfilling as you want it to be – that should be written up as a bug report.

A game beta tester adds value by offering consumer diversity and real-world hardware and software compatibility. There are enough in-house video game beta testers that are running tests that the company has identified as necessary. You will add value by providing a real-world computer setup that represents the target market’s.

Anything that precludes the software from perfection – that should be written up as a bug report. Very simple. But if you can’t write a bug that a company will understand, then your report is useless. Maybe you should think about learning how to write a bug so that they will want to pay you and have you continue to test.

Is Your Computer Safe?

That is to say, installing and running beta software on your computer may make your computer crash – even after you un-install the software! This is beta software we are talking about. As a video game beta tester, you agree to put your computer at risk by running software that is not finished.

So here is my word of caution: Before you install any software that is still in development, have a backup of your system ready. Make sure you can easily rollback your OS/state to a clean version in case something goes wrong.

You may not need to restore your computer, but it is much better to have the option. On the other hand, if your computer is disposable and you never need to use it again…then you don’t need a backup, right?

Can You Make a Living?

At first you probably won’t make much. You will need to build a reputation and develop your testing skills. Remember, testing is not the same as gaming.

Knowing they are hiring a gamer, and not a professional tester, most companies will treat you and pay you as such. If you want to make a living as a game beta tester, you will have to become one of the elite.

You will need to learn how to test, learn how to create value, and learn how to be a software testing professional.

Contact the people offering these “Get Paid to Play Games” programs and find out what it takes to make a living. If they are showing their company checks on their websites, ask them what it takes to make that kind of money.

They shouldn’t have to tell you all their secrets just to let you know how to make as much as they do. You will still have to be accepted into the program and do the work, right? So, can they tell you how you can be one of the few to make a living as a beta tester? They should be able to. Ask them…the worst they can do is not tell you.

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