Video games have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. They offer immense entertainment, provide an escape from the humdrum of life, and most importantly, they create a world of their own. Behind every successful video game production is rigorous game testing. It is the process of identifying and correcting glitches or errors that could hinder the game’s performance. Game testing is an essential step in the gaming production process, and it’s a job that’s becoming popular among teenagers. If you have a passion for gaming, becoming a game tester could be an exciting opportunity for you. Even more exciting is the fact that at 13 years old, you could land a game testing job. This article will explore game testing jobs for 13-year-olds, the requirements for game testing jobs, how to prepare for game testing jobs, where to find game testing jobs, and the challenges that come with this role.
Requirements for Game Tester Jobs for 13 Year Olds
To become a game tester at 13, there are a few essential requirements that one must meet. Although it may seem like an all-play-and-no-work kind of job, video game testing requires a particular set of skills and qualifications. Here are some of the requirements for game tester jobs for 13-year-olds:
- Must have excellent gaming skills and knowledge of various platforms and gaming genres.
- Should possess excellent attention to detail and be able to identify and document even the smallest glitches.
- Excellent communication skills- verbal and written.
- Knowledge of how to use game testing software and tools.
- Should be familiar with gaming language and be able to communicate with other game testers and developers.
While these requirements may seem like a lot for a 13-year-old, most of them come naturally to kids who are passionate about gaming. For those who may not have all these qualifications, there are various avenues to build the required skills, such as taking coding courses, writing game reviews or participating in gaming communities.
What are 2 requirements needed to be a video game tester?
To become a video game tester, there are two main requirements:
- A high level of expertise in playing video games.
- The ability to analyze and identify bugs or glitches in the game.
Additionally, having a degree in game design, programming or a related field can be beneficial. Game development companies like Ubisoft or EA have dedicated websites where you can apply to become a game tester.
Where to Find Game Tester Jobs for 13 Year Olds
Finding legitimate game testing jobs for 13-year-olds can be challenging, but thanks to the internet, it has become easier to spot credible companies. Here are some ways to find game tester job opportunities:
1. Websites That Offer Game Testing Job Listings
| Website | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Gamasutra | Offers a comprehensive list of gaming companies and job opportunities. |
| Indeed | Offers a collection of gaming job opportunities rendered by various companies. |
| GameTesters | Offers positions for game testers and people who do game ratings. |
2. Directly Contacting Gaming Companies
- Get in touch with game companies and inquire about open positions
- Visit their official websites periodically to check for any job openings
3. Referrals
- Get referrals from friends and family who work in the gaming industry
- Networking with other game testers can lead to job opportunities.
With these methods, you’re sure to get a game testing job for your kid in no time. Just make sure to do your due diligence and verify that the company or website is credible before applying for the job.
How do I start a game testing job?
If you’re genuinely interested in starting a career as a game tester, here are some steps you can take to land your first job:
- Develop a deep understanding of how games work and how they’re built.
- Seek higher education in game design, programming, or a related field.
- Gain practical experience with beta testing and QA through internships and volunteering.
- Build a solid portfolio by testing games on your own and taking part in game jams or hackathons.
- Stay up to date with industry trends and new games.
- Join game testing communities and forums to network and discover job opportunities.
- Apply to multiple companies that are looking for game testers, such as Nintendo, Blizzard Entertainment, or Ubisoft.
How to Prepare for Game Testing Jobs
Before applying for a game testing job, one needs to ensure that they’re well-prepared for the role. Below are some essential tips on how to prepare for game testing jobs:
1. Gain Gaming Skills and Knowledge
- Be proficient in various gaming platforms, consoles, and devices
- Keep abreast of the latest releases and updates
- Be knowledgeable of different game genres, mechanics, and game design principles
2. Learn About the Gaming Industry
- Study about the gaming industry and the various companies that develop these games
- Take a keen interest in the gaming industry innovations and trends
- Be updated on the latest news in the gaming industry
3. Develop Communication Skills and Teamwork
- Be receptive to feedback and actively communicate with teammates and supervisors
- Be patient and have a positive attitude to navigate through the challenges of the job effectively
- Ensure to build interpersonal relationships with colleagues to foster teamwork.
The combination of the above preparatory steps will set your child on the right track to landing a lucrative career in game testing.
How do I start a career in game testing?
If you’re passionate about playing video games and have an eye for detail, game testing can be a rewarding career. Here are some steps to get started:
- Research game testing careers and read job descriptions to understand what companies are looking for in a tester.
- Play a variety of games to develop your understanding of different genres, game mechanics, and technical issues.
- Learn about software testing by taking relevant courses or tutorials online.
- Apply to entry-level positions within your local gaming community or search for job openings on websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
- Join gaming forums and follow influential figures within the industry to stay up to date with trends and opportunities.
Remember, game testing is an entry-level position, and your first few jobs might not be your dream position. But, with dedication and hard work, you can become a lead tester or work in other positions within the gaming industry.
Tips for Game Tester Jobs for 13 Year Olds
Securing a game testing job can be both challenging and rewarding. Here are some vital tips that your child should consider when working in this field:
1. Be Diligent and Detail-Oriented
- Take your job seriously by showing commitment and consistency in your work
- Pay attention to detail to identify glitches, bugs, or other inconsistencies within the game more quickly
- Treat every game like an actual product and approach it with a mindset to improve its quality.
2. Be Patient and Persistent
- Understand that the game development process is often slow and time-consuming, so patience is crucial in this line of work
- Don’t get discouraged easily when faced with challenging situations but instead seek guidance and advice from your team members or supervisor
3. Communicate Effectively
- Learn to communicate in a friendly, professional manner with team members and superiors
- Provide clear, detailed feedback, suggestions, and criticisms in a respectful and tactful way
- Respond quickly to emails and other forms of communication from your team members or supervisors.
By following these tips, your child can navigate the game testing job effectively, gain valuable experience, and improve their gaming skills, which can be useful in either in this field or other gaming-related positions.
What to do for a game tester job?
If you’re interested in becoming a game tester, here are a few steps you can take:
– Research game testing as a career option and understand the job requirements
– Build your gaming skills and knowledge of the industry through personal game playing and game development courses
– Seek out opportunities to gain experience testing games by reaching out to local game development companies, attending gaming conventions or by contacting game testing agencies
– Develop skills in software testing, computer programming, and bug tracking software
– Create a resume that highlights your skills and experience
– Apply for game tester jobs through job boards, recruitment websites, and game companies’ websites
Two platforms that regularly advertise game tester jobs are Glassdoor and Indeed.com.
Challenges to Expect as a Game Tester for 13 Year Olds
While game testing can be a fascinating job, there are challenges that your child may encounter. Below are some challenges to expect when working as a game tester as a 13-year old:
1. Deadlines and Pressure
- Constant deadlines that may include long hours of bug fixing, limited time for testing, or short turnaround time for feedback
- Pressure to deliver quality work, which can impact your child’s mental health and productivity
- Expectation to complete assignments with a high level of efficiency and accuracy.
2. Feedback
- Writing or verbally relaying detailed feedback to developers, even if potentially harsh
- Being open to feedback from developers or other team members
- Dealing with conflicting feedback from different sources and finding ways to satisfy all parties involved
3. Technical Issues and Skills
- Training to have technical skills or learning to use the software or hardware necessary to test
- Dealing with a new game every time and sometimes not knowing enough about the game
- Finding or reproducing bugs that are not present, which can be equally or more challenging than fixing them
Some of these challenges can become stressful, but the key to overcoming them is by preparing mentally, developing effective time management skills, and seeking guidance or support where necessary.
What is expected from game tester?
- Play through different levels of a game multiple times to ensure there are no issues or bugs
- Report any bugs or technical issues in detail, with clear steps to reproduce the issue
- Document and communicate overall game mechanics, gameplay experience and user interface
- Provide feedback on difficulty level, character/dialogue consistency, and aesthetic appeal
- Collaborate with developers and project management teams to ensure all issues are resolved previous to product release
If you are interested in becoming a game tester, you can check out websites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, or Monster to see open opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, game testing can be an excellent opportunity for 13-year-olds who are passionate about gaming to earn some money while gaining valuable experience in the industry. However, it is important to remember that being a game tester is not just about playing games all day. It requires patience, diligence, and good communication skills, among others.
It is essential to prepare well before applying for a game testing job by acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. Encourage your child to build a strong profile by playing different video games, improving their knowledge of the technical aspects, and having good communication skills.
While there are a few challenges that come with game testing, it is an excellent opportunity to earn some money and be a part of the gaming industry. By following the tips provided in this article, your child can develop the necessary skills, overcome difficulties, and attain success in their game testing career. Encourage them to work hard, be diligent, and develop their love for gaming.
