Yes, you can test video games and get paid for it but lets clear the air before you read any further! Being a video game tester and getting paid for it is about playing video games and testing it for bugs and filling out reports. There are some scam sites out there saying you can make a ton of money online with games, which is not a fair statement. These sites teach you a "trick" which is really just entering online tournaments and if you win, you win a prize. This is not how you test video games, it's a waste of time, and you are unlikely to make any money from it.

Now, the first question on your mind is either "where can I get these jobs?", or "what skills do I need". First and foremost finding jobs where you test video games is not easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. But that doesn't mean they cannot be found. Here is a little adage you should remember "if you do what other people do, you get what other people get!". With that in mind let me give you a simple way you can find jobs to test video games. Make a list of all the game developers (eg. Microsoft, 2k Sports, Sega etc) and track their websites regularly and look for a posting for game testers. Once you get your first job you have a chance to build a track record and it gets easier. The requirements for these jobs are not strict, and generally as long as you are over 18 (and sometimes just over 15) you can apply. No technical experience is need.

Your next question is likely "what do I look for when I test video games?" Well, first off, recognize you are not just being hired to sit around and have fun (even though you do). You play a vital role in quality control and you actually save the game developer millions of dollars. If a game is made that is full of bugs (or it has one major bug that causes major crashes) and it is released then the game will likely need to recalled. This will cost millions of dollars that a game developer does not want, especially after just making the game. Your job is to test their game for bugs, run time errors, scripting (grammar and spelling), and ESRP compliance. Pretty simple, pretty fun, but a real job with serious importance. One more point, with all the variation in game play, there is no way the programmers can be expected to find the errors, and game developers rely heavily on gamers to test their game.

Once you get the job is a simple procedure. You get the game (and sometimes the system too) in the mail along with your assignment. You play the game, fill out a report, send it back, and get paid. Truly the hardest part is getting the job, but you will land one with a little persistence.

Anthony Afterlite has enjoyed video games for the last 20 years, and it all started with an Atari system. He is currently into Guitar Hero 3.

If you want more information or need help getting a job testing video games, visit www.GamersTestingGround.com. There is a 6 month, 1 year, and 2 year course you can take to get on going help and up to date tips, techniques, and help you need to get your first job.

Happy Gaming (oh sorry, happy game testing!).

P.S. visit www.GamersTestingGround.com today while its still fresh in your mind. It won't happen over night, but it will you can make money by testing games if you start today and keep going. Best of luck!