Many people would like to think that video game testing is all fun and games, and the only qualification you’ll need is a passion to play. Although a passion for playing video and computer games is a must, there are other qualities that a person must have to become a game tester. Video and computer game testing is not just fun and games. Like any job, it requires dedication, hard work and some related skills, not just aptitude in playing video games. If you really are interested in becoming a video game tester, then read on.

To understand how to become a game tester you must first understand what a video game tester does. A video game tester is a person who tests and examines computer and video games to determine any possible errors, bugs or conflicts in the game. They are those persons that must ensure that the video or computer game meets the quality standards of the company. They check the computer or video games for the minutest mistakes like wrong spellings to major bugs like total game crash downs. They are the persons that are primarily responsible if a video or computer game is not user friendly enough, or if there are any bugs that still exist once the video or computer game is released. Sounds like a big responsibility right? Aside from the actual testing of the games, a game tester must also be able to create reports about the game errors and bugs and to recommend ways to improve the game or fix the error. Oftentimes, to be able to do this, a game tester must play a boring game over and over again, even if the game crashes over and over again. A command of the English language, both oral and written is also required.

To be a good game tester some background on programming is a must. After all, how can you work with the game producers and programmers if you don’t understand what they are talking about, right? You must also have basic computer knowledge including maneuvering your way into databases and spreadsheets. To pinpoint a particular problem with the video or computer game, you must be organized and patient, able to continue testing and playing the same game, may be even the same level or area, over and over again. Part of being a game tester is to be able to accept criticisms and mistakes, especially if the game comes out of the market and it is discovered that it still has flaws. Knowledge of the different types of computer games that are out in the market would also be desirable in a game tester.

As you can see, being a game tester is not all that it is glamorized to be. It requires dedication, skill and hard work. But then again, once you’ve gotten used to these responsibilities, being a game tester can be one of the best jobs for a video or computer game enthusiast. If you really are into video or computer games, then study a little about program so that you can break the video game industry and be more than just a video game tester.

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Bored with your games? Why not create one? You don’t even have to be a software genius to have your own gaming entertainment. The following are free softwares you can use to launch your own games in your PC. All you need is a little bit of patience and planning to figure out what you want to make. Download any of these files or all of them to give them a spin and create the game you dream of. It’s a great way to kill some time and be productive. Some of these sites offer their software for free while other software can be used as a trial version.

Quest Pro – Remember those “create your own adventure” books? Quest Pro recreates that reality only online. Create interactive adventures with text. Each step of the way you create a series of choices that could lead to a disaster or victory. But it’s not just text as you choose to insert pictures and sounds in every stage. You can also share the adventure you have created as it accepts multiplayer. Your computer will act as a server so that multiple players can use your games at the same time. The free version will give you the ability to create a very small game. Full version is at $39.95.

Adventure Game Studio – If you’re not comfortable with $39.95, you can go to this site and download the software for free. The game is already good as is, but you can actually make some changes in the game. The interface can be added with simple add-ons that could explode upon contact such as a brief case or even your picture! Even though it’s free, this software is quite serious in helping you create a point and shoot software. There are tutorials available to get you started with the game. The best part is, you can create the game as an executable file and distribute them to your friends.

YoYo Games – Great graphics capability is one of the features of this software. With a little bit of imagination, you can create your games from the scratch. There are already games available online that you can download and play for free. If you dedicate yourself to the game creation, there are competitions in this website that awards as much as $1000 for an impressive game. There are also tutorials that let you create a program slowly from scratch. From simple game of Pacman to highly complicated shoot-‘em-up games, YoYo games will make sure you get what you want.

TurnAbout – If you already have a little bit of experience in programming, TurnAbout is the perfect place where you can practice your programming skills. Thousands of games are already available in their website to give you a head start on what you want to do. Although the games found in the website is not that graphically appealing, but if you’re interested in game play, TurnAbout is a perfect stage for development. The developers are also constantly updating the website so it could get better.

Related Web Directory Categories:

• Game Developers
• Online Games
• Roleplaying Games

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