How to Make Money Testing Video Games: A Simple Guide for Beginners

How to Make Money Testing Video Games: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Are you someone who loves video games and wishes you could get paid to play them? Good news! You can actually make money testing video games. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash in your free time or want to dive deeper into the world of game development, testing games can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity.

In this blog, we’ll show you how you can earn money testing games and explore the best platforms where you can test games and apps for money. If you’re serious about making money by testing games for cash, this guide is for you!


What Does Game Testing Involve?

Before we dive into how you can get paid for testing video games, let’s understand what the process entails. Game testing involves playing a game before it’s released to the public. Testers are hired by game developers to identify bugs, glitches, or any other issues in the game that need fixing.

Game testers typically provide detailed feedback about gameplay, mechanics, graphics, and user experience, ensuring the game is ready for launch. The best part? You get to play the game while helping developers improve it! If you’re curious about how the industry works, Game Testing 101 provides a great overview of what it’s like.


Ways to Earn Money Testing Games

Ways to Earn Money Testing Games

If you want to earn money testing games, there are a few different ways to approach it. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Freelance Game Testing Jobs

Freelance platforms offer plenty of opportunities to work as a game tester. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to offer your services as a video game tester. By creating an attractive profile and showcasing your skills, you can connect with game developers looking for testers. As a freelancer, you get to set your rates and choose projects that fit your schedule. Freelancing platforms make it easier to land projects, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. Learn more about freelancing on platforms like Upwork’s Game Testing Guide.

2. Test Games and Apps for Money Through Specialized Platforms

Several websites and apps focus specifically on paying users to test games and apps. These platforms provide a great way to start testing games for cash without requiring much experience. Here are some popular options:

  • PlaytestCloud: This platform allows you to test mobile games and provide feedback. PlaytestCloud works with indie game developers and larger studios alike, making it a great option to earn money testing games. Learn more about PlaytestCloud on their official site.
  • BetaFamily: BetaFamily is a testing community for mobile apps and games. It connects testers with developers, who pay for valuable feedback. You can earn money testing mobile games and providing insights on gameplay, usability, and performance. Check out more on BetaFamily’s platform.
  • UserTesting: While UserTesting is not exclusively for games, they often offer opportunities to test games and apps. You’ll get paid for providing feedback on the user experience, making it another good option to test games and apps for money. UserTesting’s website offers more details about how it works.

3. Game Tester for Hire at Big Companies

If you want a more structured job, you can apply for a game testing position with a major game studio. Many well-known companies, like EA, Activision, and Ubisoft, hire game testers to ensure their titles are polished before release. These positions are usually part-time or temporary but can offer a steady income if you get the job. Find out more on Indeed or Glassdoor for open positions at top companies.


Requirements to Become a Game Tester

Requirements to Become a Game Tester

Becoming a game tester is easier than you think, but it does require a few skills and qualifications:

  • Attention to Detail: As a tester, your job is to find bugs and glitches in the game. A keen eye for detail is essential for identifying issues.
  • Technical Skills: While you don’t need to be a developer, having basic technical knowledge of gaming systems and software can be helpful. TechRadar offers insight into the tech skills that might be beneficial in this field.
  • Communication Skills: Since you’ll be providing feedback, clear communication is important. You’ll need to explain the issues you find in a way developers can understand. Good communication is key, as explained in this article by Glassdoor.
  • Passion for Gaming: Of course, a love for games is a big advantage. If you already spend hours playing games, becoming a tester could feel like a dream job.

How Much Money Can You Make Testing Video Games?

How Much Money Can You Make Testing Video Games?

The amount you can earn depends on several factors, including the platform, the type of testing, and your experience. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect:

  • Freelance Testing: If you’re just starting out, you can expect to earn around $10 to $30 per hour. Experienced testers can earn $50 per hour or more, especially if they work on large projects. PayScale provides detailed data on average salaries for game testers.
  • Testing Platforms: Platforms like PlaytestCloud and BetaFamily typically pay between $5 to $20 per test. The tests usually last between 10-30 minutes, so it’s possible to earn some good money in your spare time. Payoneer offers tips on getting paid internationally for freelance work.
  • Full-time Testing Jobs: If you land a full-time position as a game tester, you can expect a salary between $30,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on your experience and the company you work for. More details about game tester salaries can be found on Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Advantages of Game Testing Jobs

Advantages of Game Testing Jobs

Testing video games isn’t just fun—it comes with several advantages:

  • Flexible Hours: Many game testing opportunities, especially freelance ones, offer flexible hours. You can choose when and how much you want to work. FlexJobs offers a variety of remote, flexible game testing opportunities.
  • Work from Home: Most game testing jobs allow you to work remotely, so you can play games from the comfort of your home. Learn more about remote work trends on Forbes.
  • Get Paid to Play: If you already love gaming, getting paid for it is the ultimate perk. You get to enjoy new games while helping developers improve them. Vox has interesting insights into how the gaming industry works.

Challenges of Game Testing Jobs

Challenges of Game Testing Jobs

While game testing can be enjoyable, it also comes with some challenges:

  • Repetitive Tasks: Sometimes, testing involves playing the same part of a game repeatedly to identify glitches or bugs. This can get a bit monotonous after a while. Game Design discusses common challenges faced by testers.
  • Tight Deadlines: Game testing often has deadlines, especially for big game releases. You may have to work long hours to meet these deadlines, especially as launch dates approach. IGN covers news about the deadlines developers work under.
  • Not Always Consistent: Unless you have a full-time job as a game tester, the work can be inconsistent. There may be periods when there are few opportunities to test games. Glassdoor and Indeed feature job listings to give you a sense of market demand.

Getting Started: Platforms and Resources

Getting Started: Platforms and Resources

If you’re ready to test games for cash, here are some resources that can help you get started:

  • PlaytestCloud – A popular platform for testing mobile games.
  • BetaFamily – Another great platform to connect with developers and start testing apps and games.
  • UserTesting – Although it’s not focused solely on games, it’s a good platform for getting paid to test apps.
  • Upwork/Fiverr – These freelancing websites have game testing jobs posted regularly. Upwork and Fiverr provide access to new gigs.

By joining one or more of these platforms, you can begin earning money testing games in no time!


Sources to Explore for Game Testing Opportunities

Sources to Explore for Game Testing Opportunities

If you’re serious about earning money testing games, the following resources are a good place to start:

  • Upwork (Freelance Game Tester Jobs)
  • PlaytestCloud (Mobile Game Testing)
  • BetaFamily (App & Game Testing Opportunities)
  • Glassdoor (Full-time Game Tester Jobs)

Conclusion

Testing video games is a fun and rewarding way to make money testing video games. Whether you want to work part-time, freelance, or secure a full-time position, there are plenty of opportunities to earn money testing games online. By testing games and apps for money, you can be part of the exciting world of game development and get paid for doing what you love. So why not dive in and start testing today

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