What is a Video Games Tester? Someone who tests games in their ‘beta’ stage; basically before they are released for general use. Of course the manufacturers will try and iron out any obvious problems, but still they need to have video game testers to play the game using their own style to determine whether any areas of the game need tweaking, altering or improvement.If you spend some of your own social time playing games then this job is a ‘dream’ job. As a matter of course you’ll need to be proficient at playing games to stand any chance of proceeding to these few and rare opportunities. But hey… wouldn’t it be great to get paid for doing a job you enjoy!?Tip 1 – How do I become a Video Games Tester? – I could easily suggest looking in your jobs pages in your local newspaper, but you’ll already know that they don’t appear there. So where do they appear? The simple answer to that is that they don’t! Why should any games manufacturer advertise locally or nationally when all they’ll get in response is 1000’s of hopefuls and very few quality individuals who could test the games to their max. So tip one is to not expect to find jobs advertised.Tip 2 – Where to find jobs to become a Video Games Tester? Agencies are the simple answer. But where are the agencies? Such agencies have worked hard to become trusted by the Games Manufacturers and their main role is to introduce potential Video Games Testers. You may find if you send off your resume to the Games company themselves, you’ll get a polite reply saying all their testers go through special agents who have previously vetted the testers. So tips two is to discover the agents.Tips 3 – Can you make a career in Video Games Testing? The simple answer is yes, but not immediately. First you have to work on a few smaller programs and work your way up to getting full time work. It is important to point out here that Video Games Testers start off at the same level, but only with experience and feedback can the tester grow in stature, reliability and effectiveness to command a full time career. So everyone needs to start at the bottom rung of the ladder and work their way up. At this stage nobody has heard of you and although you may be a hardcore gamer or even a relative newbie you need to be patient to proceed and not big headed.Tip 4 – What qualifications do I need to be a Video Games Tester? None! You don’t need a degree or any major list of qualifications. But you will need to able to communicate. You’ll need to be able to explain to the manufacturer what defects the new version has, if and where the faults are, if any other options or improvements can be made… or any other specific comments that need making. So I guess you’ll need to be able to type and express yourself. Plus of course you’ll need to commit to reviewing the game quick should a release date be close.Tip 5 – Is there more to the job of a Video Games Tester than I think? Yes… You’ll need to focus. Any glitch, any problem with the interface, any character variables need to be spotted. Otherwise you’ll not be a tester but a games player. Your assessment of the game is important. Although there maybe 20 other people testing the same game, the manufacturer won’t be just relying on you, but nonetheless if you miss any glitches the value of position will be devalued and you’ll not advance up the list of testers to become reliable and develop a greater role in testing.To conclude… Not every manufacturer follows the same rules. So sending a resume may work for some, but not for all. To get started as a Video Games Tester you’ll need a passion, good fortune and determination.