Video Game Tester

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Would you like to play video games before they’re released? Would you like to get paid to play new videogames as they come out? Or are you simply interested in getting free copies of videogames?

New games require one to three years of development to complete - they are very large projects requiring hundreds of people per game. In 2008 the video game industry generated over $50 billion in business, and even in this difficult economy, that number is expected to rise again in 2009 and 2010. Game testing is one of the final steps of game production - good game testing means defect-free games, and that can make a huge difference in how a game is perceived by the game players of the world. Game companies require hordes of testers - highly paid, barely paid, and volunteers alike - to ensure that their games are well documented, bug-free, and above all, fun to play.

Here’s a short list of some of the top game companies (although there are many, many more) that need game testers today, along with a direct link to each company’s careers and employment page. Click each link to find out what positions are available and how to apply for available video game tester positions:

1: Nintendo. Nintendo is one of largest and most well-known videogame companies in the world. Headquartered in Kyoto Japan, they hire game developers and testers all over the world including the United States and Canada. Currently best known for its innovative Wii hardware platform, it has recently released new games such as Roogoo Twisted Towers, Excitebots: Trick Racing, and Don King Boxing.
Jobs Site: http://www.nintendo.com/corp/jobs.jsp

2: Electronic Arts. In May of 2008, the company reported net annual revenue of $4.02 billion. It is perhaps best known for its EA sports franchise, although it also publishes games such as Need for Speed, Medal of Honor, the Sims, the Battlefield franchise, the Burnout franchise, and Command And Conquer.
Jobs Site #1: https://jobs.ea.com/home.aspx
Jobs Site #2: http://www.eajobs.com/

3: Ubisoft. Ubisoft has facilities in over 20 countries, including Canada, Romania, Spain, Germany, and the United States. As of 2004, Ubisoft was the seventh largest videogame publisher in the United States and the 21st largest software company in the world. The company is set to release new games such as Dawn of Discovery, Driver, Harvest Moon Online, Beyond Good and Evil 2, and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction.
Jobs Site: http://www.creatorsofemotion.com/home.php?param=en-us

4: Konami. Konami is headquartered in Tokyo Japan but has offices all over world. It is perhaps currently best known for its Metal Gear franchise and its Silent Hill franchise. Konami reported a net income of $18.3 billion in 2008 alone.
Jobs Site: http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.com/jobs.html

5: Activision. Activision was the first independent developer and distributor of videogames for gaming consoles. In 2008, they reported revenue of $2.9 billion. Responsible for such titles as the Tony Hawk games, the Call of Duty series, and the Guitar Hero franchise, Activision will be hiring videogame testers for years to come. Activision has many subsidiaries, but here are the links to two of its biggest, Infinity Ward and Blizzard.
Activision/Blizzard Jobs Site: http://www.activisionblizzard.com/corp/careers.html
Activision/Infinity Ward Jobs Site: http://www.infinityward.com/jobs

6: Bungie. Bungie was responsible for the popular Marathon and Myth series, as well as the more current Halo game series. Halo 2 set records by making $170 million in its first 24 hours of release.
Jobs Site: http://www.bungie.net/inside/jobs.aspx

7: Sega. Sega, formally known for their hardware platforms, in recent years has focused its efforts on games and software, and is currently one of the leaders in the videogame sports arena. They are also well known for the videogame character Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega is headquartered in Japan, but hires videogame developers and videogame testers throughout the world.
Jobs Site: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=SEGAUSA&cws=1

8: Traveller’s Tales. Located in the UK, Traveller’s Tales has published games such as Lego Star Wars, the Chronicles of Narnia, and F1 Grand Prix racing.
Jobs Site: http://www.ttgames.com/jobs/

9: AMAZE Entertainment. Headquartered in Kirkland Washington, AMAZE has acquired many smaller studios throughout the United States. They are well known for their movie tie-in games such as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Spiderman, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Jobs Site: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=f9e&cws=1

10: Capcom. To round out this list, we leave one of our favorite videogame companies for last. Often known for their arcade games, Capcom also publishes many titles for the PC and console game markets. Some of their titles include Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Street Fighter. Capcom currently employs over 1200 people throughout the world and is looking for new videogame testers on a daily basis.
Jobs Site: http://www.capcom.com/us/?careers

Each link will take you to a page where you can find out where each job is located, as well as find out how much each company is offering to pay for each position. You can also find out what any additional requirements are for each position. And who to contact, as well as all the jobs where they are located.

Some companies may only be looking for unpaid play-testers for a specific game. These are usually games that are in the final stages of polishing, and the company is looking for feedback before releasing the game to the public. Still, it’s a great way to play a game for free and get your foot in the door with a company, building up a game-testing resume, and working directly with developers and project managers. With a little luck, skill, and a bit of effort, you may be able to negotiate your way into a paid testing position.

As always - good luck!

- Tony

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