Many people would be lying if they said they had never dreamed of sitting around all day getting paid to play video games!
To most people, video game testing sounds like the ideal set up, and they have deluded ideas about what is involved.
So is a job as a video game tester all it is cracked up to be, or are people who have ideas of grandeur about this type of position just living in a fairytale world?
Here are the facts to set things straight about game testing:
Not as Easy as it Looks
The first thing that you need to realize when it comes to video game testing is that it is not as simple as it looks. In truth, it is not just fun and games as many may think. It is only natural to assume that all a video game tester does is play video games mindlessly every day. However, there is actually a much more detailed list of instructions and tasks that they must follow and complete in order to get paid for the work they do.
What Kind of Work Will You Do?
If you are going to get into video game testing, you will need to understand the work you will get paid to do. You will not simply spend all your time playing video games. In fact, there are many times when a video game controller will be replaced with a pen and paper, as you are required to fill out various testing forms and questionnaires.
Some of the forms will be simple, and will only require you to answer questions about the game, or to input your opinions at various levels of play. However, the forms can get a bit more difficult when you are asked to report any bugs or problems you may come across.
Trying to explain to the developers of the game exactly what went wrong and how, can be a tedious task that takes quite a bit of time.
How Much Will You Make?
Most video game testing positions are not full time. Companies usually hire testers, and then bring them in only on a per-job as needed basis. This allows them to get the service they need when they need it, and avoid paying for hours that are wasted. However, there are some general guidelines that you can use to get an idea of an hourly rate while working on an assignment.
Beginners will be paid between $10-15 per hour generally, while intermediate and advanced level players can receive anywhere from $20-50 or more per hour.
Becoming a video game tester may not be all that you had in mind. Many people picture video game testing as a lucrative way to get rich while doing something that they love.
While it is true that you can have fun testing games, it is important to note that there is real work involved, and that the rates are not always what people might have had in mind.
But once you’ve been working for one of the big game companies and have developed a good working relationship, you can start to apply for other, more advanced jobs that only become available to people already employed with the company.
This is when you can really start to think about a lucrative, full time career.
There are many, different video game jobs that require young, talented individuals. Some require formal qualifications whereas some can be obtained with on the job training.
Video game testing can be just the start to a whole new world within the awesome games industry.
Trust me, once you’re in - the world’s your oyster! 
~ Pete Wotton