How to Become a Games Tester, and Where Will it Lead Me (Career Wise)?

[hokai]

Hey, just looking for general advice on this topic... If anyone has any knowledge of how you would go about doing this (qualifications needed, experience needed, cpu knowledge needed, etc.) please feel free to help me out.
Thanks guys :thumbs:

 

[v1p3r]

Generally it doesent get you anywhere, just long hours, low pay, and sitting playing the same part of the same level over and over untill you can figure out why you allways fall through the floor.

A lot of people think it would be cool since they'd get to play games early, but by the time your done you'll probably never want to play it again :/

 

[hokai]

Not necessarily, I personally know someone who started off in this area, only to work his way into managing his own development team. I was just wondering if this type of progression is frequent, or whether he just got lucky lol. I also hear that you can progress to the design areas of game development through starting out as a tester, provided you know about that area of development, of course. Anyone know any useful links to info on this topic?

 

[KagePrototype]

Becoming a games tester isn't really the best way of getting into the business, unless you want a really long, slow climb up the ladder. Game testers don't usually get that much contact with any important people in publishers or developers, usually just the ones at the bottom of the ladder, so to actually influence anyone important that you're good enough to get a job is very unlikely. Really, the best way is to get into amateur game development, and start making things in your free time. Build up a portfolio, then apply for a position on a development team. If you're good enough, they'll hire you. It may not be easy, but it works. There's no magic way to get into the industry, and you'll have to work to get where you want.

As for specific skills required, game developers would be looking for people who know how to work effectively in a team, as well as communicate their thoughts and ideas clearly. A good knowledge of design software such as Photoshop or Maya can help as well, but isn't neccessary (sometimes a developer or publisher would be offering training, or give you a head start to get acquainted with the software before having to work). Don't rely so much on skill with map editors, because usually a game developer will either be using their own software, or a 3rd party modelling tool such as 3D Studio Max or Maya. If you do plan on relying on these areas though, make sure it's a good versatile editor such as UnrealEd or Radiant, rather than Valve Hammer Editor or Crytek Sandbox. As for qualifications, as long as they teach these skills, you wont have to worry about specific ones. You don't have to bother with computer game degrees, they have no real leverage over other ones.

Hope that helps somewhat.