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How to Get Paid to Play Video Games At Home

Updated on April 21, 2012

Getting Paid to Play Games - The Ultimate Job!

Attention All Gamers! Did you know that you can make money doing the one thing you love the most? It really does sound too good to be true...you can get paid to play video games!

Entertainment software developers and publishing companies world-wide pay people to play their new games, because video gaming is big business. $50 billion dollars in annual sales big, in fact! And the number crunching experts at those companies predict that sales will continue to rise in the foreseeable future...so if you truly are a serious gamer...maybe it's time you considered making a career out of it!

As you can easily see, the gaming industry is a lucrative business, and as such,a highly competitive one. Because the financial rewards for creating and marketing a successful game title are virtually limitless, entertainment software companies take great strides to ensure that their products are of the highest quality.

One method of accomplishing this is to find people who want to get paid to play video games by hosting video game tournaments. During the development stage, companies first test their products on real gamers by offering them money to compete in cash tournaments.

Different Ways to Get Paid to Play Video Games

1. Join Online Cash Tournament Sites

The best way to get in on this type of action is to register with online websites that host cash tournaments. Once you're registered, you can just log in to find and enter paying contests, Or you can sign up for e-mail alerts, and the sites will notify you regarding upcoming events you might be interested in.

2. Join a Gaming Forum

Blog sites containing the latest information on gaming software and equipment are known as gaming forums. These sites also have discussion boards and/or chat rooms where gamers can discuss their passions with each other. These forums also frequently list leads for upcoming tournaments, as well as directions on how to enter and even recruitment notices from game development firms. Entering first person shooter and fighting game tournaments is an excellent way to get paid to play video games. World Cyber Games are one of the top examples of a tournament site that offers cash prizes to the best competitors.

3. Check Your Local Newspaper

This will only work if you live in a large metropolitan area. But if you do, it's likely that local gaming tournaments or game testing opportunities are posted in the announcement or classified sections of the local newspaper. If there are game publishers or developers in your area, they may advertise game tester position openings in the local paper as well.

4. Attend Gaming Conferences

If you want to participate in live, real-time tournaments, gaming conferences are a great resource available to you. You can probably do a lot of networking with other gamers about tester openings, and meet with representatives of several game development or production companies as well.

5. Sell Stuff on Social Gaming Networks

Some of these networks are worldwide open games. If you are able to buy and develop property, you can develop your real estate, then sell to the highest bidder. Some gaming aficionados have made over a million dollars in this fashion! Or you can mine or create characters for online PC games like Runescape. Other players will pay good money for a character with high stats, or metals and artifacts they need to complete a certain level/

6. Test Games for Game Companies

Game developers are always on the lookout for new talent to add to their Quality Assurance Departments. They need talented players to test for defects and bugs before releasing new games. Check the official websites of your favorite gaming companies to see if they have any openings.

7. Have a Great Time

Testers who get paid to play video games. have to do their research and take certain steps to succeed. But once you start getting paid to play exciting new games, you will realize what a great career opportunity this type of work can be! So take a chance on yourself, and look into the field of game testing! The best job in the world is the one you truly enjoy doing. So make the best of your love for gaming and do what YOU love to do!

How Much Do You Want To Make?

What Would You Be Happy With?

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How to Become a Game Tester in Five Easy Steps

If you love the world of gaming, it is possible to make a career out of it by becoming a game tester. Believe it or not, there is a shortage of talented game testers worldwide. The global gaming industry generates annual sales of over $50 billion each year, so its easy to see why.

As more companies begin to design, develop and publish new games, the demand for game testers continues to grow. A game testing career may be the perfect way for you to make a living, since you could potentially make $150 per hour testing the latest new games before they hit the market!

All you need to know is how to play a variety of games from various genres on several gaming systems, how to communicate effectively, and how to become a video game tester. Here are five easy steps designed to help you do just that!

Developing Skills

Developing your gaming skills is the first step in how to become a game tester. You must also have the ability to follow directions, communicate effectively in verbal and written form, a real love for video games, and the willingness to play a game over and over and over again. Game testing is real work. If you can't follow a detailed list of instructions, you need not apply. You will also be expected to submit written reports and carry on intelligent conversations with designers and engineers, either by phone, in person or on the internet. You better have a true affinity for game play as well, because there will be times when you have to play a game you don't really care for, because that's your job!

Finding Jobs

If you think you have what it takes to become a game tester, then start looking for jobs as another method of how to become a game tester. For a small fee, most online gaming websites will give you access to industry wide job listings, company contact information and useful information on how to apply. You can access hundreds of these sites by posting a simple query on any leading internet search engine. Also, many game testers have websites devoted to sharing the best methods of breaking into the business. Some will ask for exorbitant fees, while others offer their advice for free or at a nominal cost, so take your time reviewing them.

Developing Contacts

As you look for job openings, you will meet people who already make a living in the gaming industry. It makes sense to take down contact information every time you meet someone who could potentially lead you to additional game testing opportunities. Keep an address book listing their names and the companies they work for as well as email addresses and phone numbers for future reference. This is especially helpful if you intend to become a freelance game tester.

Building a Professional Resume

You should write a professional resume to submit as one more effective technique of how to become a game tester. The type of resume you write depends on the type of game tester you want to be. If you want to review a game right before it hits the market, write the resume with the publisher in mind and emphasize your communication skills. Testers seeking a position with programming firms should emphasize computer skills. Freelancers, who get a copy of the new title at home, before the game hits the stores, will create resumes that highlight a well rounded education as well list the gaming systems, genres, and titles they have played

Contacting Game Developers, Designers and Publishers

Now it's time to take the future in your own hands and send queries out to the people who will offer you positions as a game tester. A catchy cover letter will grab the attention of those in charge of hiring. Each letter should uniquely communicate your interest in the company its addressed to. Do your research, demonstrate your knowledge of that company, and indicate why you want to work there. Use catchy phrases that reveal your personality, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job. Seven to ten days after you send your resume and cover letter, call the HR manager to follow up. This bold approach will typically get you an interview, as it emphasizes your determination, and could easily lead to a job offer.

Are You a Tester or a Wannabe?

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