Video Game Testers

Video game testers work in game development studios. They play games for a living, and this work can be very fun and entertaining. However, the work is also generally repetitive and even monotonous. If a game is being tested, for example, a tester may have to play it for hours until it finally crashes, if at all. Most testers agree that even the newest, most exciting game loses its appeal after several hours. This aspect of the job proves to be frustrating and boring for some individuals.

Video game developers may put in long hours in order to meet deadlines. Their work hours usually include nights or weekends. Testers are also frequently called on to work overtime during the final stages before a game goes into mass production and packaging.

Video game testing work involves keeping detailed records, so the job can also be stressful. For example, if a tester works on a game for several hours, they must be able to recall at any moment the last few moves or keystrokes entered in case the program crashes. These long periods of concentration can be tiring.

Meeting with supervisors, programmers, and developers to discuss ideas for the games can be intellectually stimulating. Testers should feel at ease communicating with superiors. On the other end, testers who field customer complaints on the telephone may be forced to bear the brunt of customer dissatisfaction, an almost certain source of stress. The video game industry is always changing, so testers should be prepared to work for many companies throughout their careers.