Video games have become a ubiquitous part of 13-year olds’ lives. From sandbox games like Minecraft to futuristic simulation games like Star Citizen, the gaming industry has expanded to cater to children of all ages. With this increase in popularity, there has been a demand for video game testers to ensure the games are up to standard before release. This career choice is ideal for 13-year olds who love playing games and want to make a career out of it. However, it is crucial to note that video game testing isn’t just playing games all day. It is a technical and demanding job that requires a particular skill set to be successful. In this article, we will explore what it takes to become a video game tester at 13, the challenges that come with the job, and the opportunities available for young enthusiasts interested in pursuing a career in the video game industry.
What Does A Video Game Tester Do?
Becoming a video game tester is not about playing games all day. Instead, it is a technical job that involves analyzing the video game’s functionality to identify and report bugs, glitches, and errors throughout the game. The primary goal is to eradicate issues like game crashes, broken animations, or unintended interactions that can ruin the player’s experience. A video game tester works on ensuring that the finished product is seamless, well-executed and ready for release. Below are some of the tasks that video game testers must perform:
- Playing the game over and over again to stress-test it in search of defects or issues.
- Compiling a list of technical errors and bugs they encounter while playing the game.
- Working closely with video game developers to resolve bugs and errors efficiently.
- Providing detailed reports on the bugs they observe and their impact on the game.
While some bugs and defects encountered can be minor, others can significantly impact the game and require a technical mindset to identify and report.
What are the responsibilities of a video game tester?
- Playtest video games to identify glitches, bugs, and other issues
- Provide detailed reports documenting issues found during testing
- Test games on different platforms, such as PC, console, and mobile devices
- Communicate with game developers to convey issues found during testing
- Suggest possible solutions to game issues to improve overall gameplay experience
- Ensure that game meets quality standards and specifications before release
Skills Required for Video Game Testing
Becoming a skilled video game tester requires much more than just playing video games. You need technical expertise, teamwork abilities, and attention to detail. Below are some of the necessary skills to become a successful video game tester:
| Technical Skills | Teamwork Skills | Attention to Detail |
|---|---|---|
| ● Computer literacy | ● Good communication skills | ● Ability to identify and report bugs |
| ● Familiarity with gaming platforms | ● Ability to work as part of a team | ● Analyzing user experiences in the game |
| ● Knowledge of gaming trends | ● Conflict resolution skills | ● Evaluating game’s graphics and precision |
| ● Familiarity with popular gaming platforms | ● Good time-management skills | ● Testing features and functionality |
Developing these skills and keeping up to date with industry standards can help you secure a job as a video game tester.
Opportunities for 13-year olds Interested in Video Game Testing
While a career as a video game tester may seem out of reach for 13-year old teenagers, there are opportunities available to help them gain experience and explore this field further. Below are a few options:
- Summer camps: At summer camps dedicated to video game development, 13-year olds can learn the skills required for a video game tester and build a network of industry connections.
- After-school clubs or groups: Joining video game clubs or groups in your community will help you connect with like-minded individuals and expand your skillset.
- Online courses: There are many online courses available for teenagers interested in video game testing. These courses are designed to teach the technical skills, industry trends, and tools necessary for the job.
- Building a portfolio: Starting a personal gaming blog, podcast or YouTube channel can help you showcase your skills and gain exposure in the industry.
Remember, gaining experience in video game testing is not just limited to finding a formal job. Pursuing a passion outside of school can offer valuable experience and help you stand out when applying for future video game testing jobs.
How to become a video game tester?
If you want to become a video game tester, follow these steps:
- Research game testing jobs to get a sense of the requirements and skills needed
- Develop skills such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving
- Get a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pursue a degree in game design or a related field to increase your chances of being hired
- Create a strong resume and cover letter tailored to game testing positions
- Apply to game testing positions on job boards, company websites, and social media
Some websites that can help you find game testing jobs include Glassdoor, Indeed, and GameIndustry.biz. Additionally, some companies such as Nintendo, Ubisoft and EA Games have their own dedicated career pages where you can find open positions for video game testers.
Challenges of Video Game Testing for 13-year olds
While pursuing a career as a video game tester can be exciting, there are some challenges that 13-year old teenagers may face:
- Mental fatigue: Video game testers spend a lot of time playing the same game over and over again. This can cause mental fatigue and make it difficult to continue finding errors and bugs in the game.
- Emotional stress: Finding errors and bugs in a favourite game can be emotionally draining. Teenagers must learn to cope with constructive criticism and not take feedback personally.
- Limited hours: Due to labour laws, 13-year olds are generally limited to the number of working hours they can participate in each week. This means that it may be challenging to balance school work, extracurricular activities and video game testing.
It is essential for 13-year olds to speak with parents or guardians to ensure they are balancing their work, home and social lives in healthy ways. It is also vital to take breaks and participate in other activities to avoid mental fatigue.
Is It Hard Being a Video Game Tester?
Here are some factors to consider if you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a video game tester:
- Long hours of playing a particular game in a repetitive way.
- The need to identify even the tiniest bugs and glitches in a game.
- Stressful deadlines that may require working overtime or on weekends.
- Constantly having to adapt to new games that may be outside your personal interests.
- Working behind the scenes and not getting as much recognition as game developers or designers.
If you’re interested in becoming a video game tester, it’s important to consider these factors and thoroughly research the companies that offer these types of jobs. Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed can provide useful information on the salaries, benefits, and work culture of video game companies.
Conclusion
Video game testing can be an excellent career option for 13-year olds who are passionate about gaming and have an eye for detail. It can be a fantastic way for teenagers to experience the working world, learn responsibility, and gain skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. While there may be challenges, there are also many benefits to exploring this field.
It is crucial for 13-year olds to have open and honest conversations with parents or guardians about their interests and goals. They can work together on ways to balance school work, extracurricular activities, and a potential career in video game testing. By participating in summer camps, after-school workshops, or online courses, teenagers can gain essential skills and experience in video game testing while developing their portfolio.
In conclusion, a 13-year old can become a video game tester and start their journey in the gaming industry. They need to build a strong foundation in the field, be patient, and embrace any challenges that come their way. Video game testing can open doors to more opportunities in the industry, such as game development, programming or design. The key is to stay motivated, develop essential skills and pursue your passions.
