Video Game Testers

Students interested in video game testing and other computer jobs should gain wide exposure to computer systems and video games of all kinds. Become a power user. Get a computer at home, borrow a friend's, or check out the computer lab at your school. First, work on becoming comfortable using the Windows programs and learn how to operate all aspects of computers, including the hardware, thoroughly. Look for bugs in your software at home and practice writing them up.

Secondly, play as many video and computer games as you can. Get good at all different types of games. Learn the differences between games and become familiar with all commands, tasks, and shortcuts.

Keep up with emerging technologies. If you cannot get much hands-on experience, read about the industry. Join a computer group or society. Read books on testing and familiarize yourself with methodology, terminology, the development cycle, and where testing fits in. Subscribe to newsletters or magazines that are related to video game testing, programming, animation, and game design, such as Computer Graphics World (https://www.cgw.com). Get involved with online newsgroups that deal with the subject, such as Gamasutra (https://www.gamasutra.com).

Secure a part-time or summer job as a video game tester if you live in an area where numerous video game development companies are located. An internship with a game development company or any computer-related internship will be a helpful learning experience.

If possible, save up to attend the Game Developers Conference (https://www.gdconf.com) when you are a sophomore or junior in high school. This is a great chance to network with the industry and make yourself known. In addition, investigate the possibility of spending an afternoon with a video game tester to find out what a typical work day is like.