Saturday, July 25, 2009
Types of Game Testing - Soak Testing
Soaking, in the context of video games, typically involves leaving the game running for a period of hours or days in various modes of operation, such as idling, paused, or at the title screen. This test requires no user interaction beyond initial setup, and is therefore usually managed by lead testers. The purpose of soaking is to detect the presence of memory leaks or rounding errors that manifest over time, resulting in system instability or odd game behavior. Soak tests are one of the checked requirements for first-party compliance and must be performed on every title. Because it requires no user interaction, soaking is also a euphemism for employees shirking their duties (i.e. not playing the game).
Types of Game Testing - Localization Testing
While general text issues are a minor part of functionality testing, some QA departments use dedicated localization testers. This is especially true with Japanese publishers. Early Japanese game translations were rife with Engrish, and in recent years this has become a more serious concern with Japanese developers as games have taken on a more cinematic presentation. To maintain the impact of the drama, localization testers are employed to review the game's script (which may be thousands of pages long for RPGs or other story-driven experiences), looking to make technical corrections as well as reviewing the translation work itself to ensure that it matches natural speech patterns. Thus, a localization tester acts as an editor. Though localization testing is currently a mainstay of Japanese game development, it will likely expand as the Chinese, Korean, and Russian game industries gain global traction. Those seeking work in this area do not necessarily need to speak foreign languages, but being able to understand the original texts is a helpful and desirable skill. Unlike other forms of testing, however, localization may involve very little actual game interaction. In some cases, the only times that the tester needs to play the game is to understand the context of dialog or interface messages that are not immediately obvious. The game's "script", which is not a script in the literary sense, but rather a collection of all the text strings referenced in the game, is typically catalogued in a spreadsheet that the tester is given to work with.
Types of Game Testing -Compatibility Testing
Compatibility testing is normally required only for PC titles, and testers assigned to this task are expected to have at least basic knowledge of PC hardware. An individual who can assemble their own PCs and setup an operating system is minimally qualified for this job. Compatibility testing differs from functionality testing in that the tester does not really care whether the game itself is correct, but simply that it runs on different configurations of hardware. The tester is usually provided with multiple PCs and/or extra parts. This collection of hardware encompasses various brands of CPUs, video cards, sound cards, and input peripherals such as gamepads and joysticks, and possibly other components as well. The tester is also expected to cross-test different hardware configurations with different operating systems. In addition to a basic pass/fail test, the tester may also be asked to evaluate performance. The results of these performance tests will be used to determine the game's advertised minimum system requirements. In some cases, compatibility or performance issues may be fixed by the developer, especially if a popular brand and model of a certain component is affected. In other cases, especially with legacy hardware or software, support will simply be dropped, and the game's system requirements will reflect this.
Types of Game Testing -Compliance Testing
In large part, compliance testing is the raison d'etre for the existence of game testing labs. First-party licensors for console platforms (e.g. Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft) have strict technical requirements for each title that is licensed for their platforms. Sony publishes a Technical Requirements Checklist (TRC), while Microsoft publishes Technical Certification Requirements (TCR), and Nintendo publishes a set of "guidelines"(Lot Check) that serve a similar purpose. Some of these requirements are highly technical in nature and fall outside the scope of the game tester; however, other parts, most notably the formatting of standard error messages, handling of memory card data, and handling of legally trademarked and copyrighted material, do fall within the responsibility of the game testers to test. If even a single violation is found by the first party during submission for license approval, the game can be rejected (kicked back) to the publisher, possibly costing tens of thousands of dollars in additional testing and resubmission fees. In addition, the delay may cause the title to miss an important launch window, potentially costing the publisher even larger sums of money. The title cannot be published for the system without first-party approval, so it is in the publisher's financial interest to ensure that the title is tested for compliance as rigorously and as frequently as possible.
The requirements themselves are proprietary documents released to developers and publishers under confidentiality agreements. They are not available for the general public to review, although familiarity with these standards is considered a valuable skill to have as a tester.
Compliance may also refer to regulatory bodies such as the ESRB, if the game targets a particular content rating. Testers must flag "objectionable content" in the game that may be inappropriate for the desired rating. As with licensing, games that do not receive the desired rating must be re-edited, retested, and resubmitted at additional cost.
The requirements themselves are proprietary documents released to developers and publishers under confidentiality agreements. They are not available for the general public to review, although familiarity with these standards is considered a valuable skill to have as a tester.
Compliance may also refer to regulatory bodies such as the ESRB, if the game targets a particular content rating. Testers must flag "objectionable content" in the game that may be inappropriate for the desired rating. As with licensing, games that do not receive the desired rating must be re-edited, retested, and resubmitted at additional cost.
Types of Game Testing -Functionality Testing
Functionality Testing
This is the type of testing that is most commonly associated with the phrase "game testing", as it usually entails playing the game in some form. Functionality testing does not require much in the way of technical knowledge, though understanding basic concepts about programming can give testers insight about the possible cause of a problem, which both reduces the amount of work they have to do, and generally makes their reports easier to understand by the developer. Functionality testers look for general problems within the game itself or its user interface. Major issues include stability (does the game crash?), correctness of game mechanics (does the sword deal damage?), and integrity of game assets (are textures corrupted?).
This is the type of testing that is most commonly associated with the phrase "game testing", as it usually entails playing the game in some form. Functionality testing does not require much in the way of technical knowledge, though understanding basic concepts about programming can give testers insight about the possible cause of a problem, which both reduces the amount of work they have to do, and generally makes their reports easier to understand by the developer. Functionality testers look for general problems within the game itself or its user interface. Major issues include stability (does the game crash?), correctness of game mechanics (does the sword deal damage?), and integrity of game assets (are textures corrupted?).
Friday, July 10, 2009
Luxury Chess Sets
There no better way to show your appreciation for that chess player in your life than to get them a beautiful luxury chess set. These luxury games are just the thing for that player who would like to enjoy his or her favorite game in a whole new light. Chess lovers both young and old will certainly applaud the gesture, because these sets are a sight to behold. What makes these sets so special? Well, let's take a look at some of the options you have available to you when choosing one of these lovely sets and find out for ourselves.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about choosing a luxury set is just the sheer number of materials that you can choose from. One of the materials that you may want to consider is marble. Marble sets have a very polished and stylish look to them, and gazing at the swirl of the colors in the marble can be mesmerizing. Another type of material that you may choose is alabaster. Alabaster also looks just as nice as the marble finish and has a beautiful shine when the light hits it also. Glass is a very clean and beautiful material to use as well, and the different shades of the glass that is used provides a very different look. All of these are excellent choices for materials for chess sets, and they all offer a different spin on the standard game of chess that players are accustomed to.
Luxury chess sets can also come in different varieties of metals such as brass and steel. Besides all of the different materials that may be involved, there are other things that can factor into making these sets stand out from the rest. The shapes and sizes of the pieces can also be very unique. If you are looking for a certain theme for your chess experience, you may very well be able to find it. Different themes ranging from movies, television shows, and even real life battle scenes can be incorporated into these very unique sets. Whichever type of theme you are looking for, odds are there is one that will perfectly suit you or that special chess player in your life.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about choosing a luxury set is just the sheer number of materials that you can choose from. One of the materials that you may want to consider is marble. Marble sets have a very polished and stylish look to them, and gazing at the swirl of the colors in the marble can be mesmerizing. Another type of material that you may choose is alabaster. Alabaster also looks just as nice as the marble finish and has a beautiful shine when the light hits it also. Glass is a very clean and beautiful material to use as well, and the different shades of the glass that is used provides a very different look. All of these are excellent choices for materials for chess sets, and they all offer a different spin on the standard game of chess that players are accustomed to.
Luxury chess sets can also come in different varieties of metals such as brass and steel. Besides all of the different materials that may be involved, there are other things that can factor into making these sets stand out from the rest. The shapes and sizes of the pieces can also be very unique. If you are looking for a certain theme for your chess experience, you may very well be able to find it. Different themes ranging from movies, television shows, and even real life battle scenes can be incorporated into these very unique sets. Whichever type of theme you are looking for, odds are there is one that will perfectly suit you or that special chess player in your life.
Mah Jong Game - A Popular Chinese Game is Quickly Becoming a Popular Game in America
I would like to define Mah Jong, also spelled Mah Jongg. For those of you that are wondering about this game that has become very popular in America.
How do you pronounce the Name
The dictionary has any of the following pronunciations: maa zhóng or maa jóng.
History of Mah Jong Tile Game
There are different beliefs about how the game originated. Some individuals believe a Chinese philosopher developed the game around 500 B.C. Others believe the Chinese Aristocrats developed the game 4,000 years ago. The game was kept secret until 1911 when China became a Republic. Mah Jong Games were brought to America. The game came to the Americas in 1920 by what we know as a popular casual clothing company Abercrombie and Fitch. The rules were translated into English the best way the people at that time could and the rest of the rules were invented by the American people.
What is Mah Jong
Mah Jong, also known as Mah Jong Solitaire, is a game played with tiles that have various colorful Chinese pictures. It is a little strange when you are learning how to play because you are not familiar with the pictures. If you enjoy playing the card games Solitaire or Gin Rummy, you should not have too much trouble understanding the rules of the game.
Fundamental Aspects of the Game
A game set consists of 144 tiles with 108 suit tiles, 28 honors tiles and 8 bonus tiles. The tiles can be subdivided into suits just like Solitaire or Gin Rummy. Keeping score is by adding the dots or dotted lines that are on the tiles. There are American translated versions of tiles which will make it easier to read the tiles. There are many variations of the game so be sure you know the rules of the the version you are playing.
The American Mah-Jongg Association
The game has gotten to be so popular that The American Mah-Jongg Association was formed in 1999 to keep the enthusiasm and spirit of the game popular among the American people.
Susan Reed invites you to visit http://www.PokerandBoardGames.com for all your Board Game and Poker needs. Browse through our large selection of top notch poker table accessories and poker chips for sale for the poker players. We also offer classic board games like a wooden chess set, backgammon set, roulette and mah jong tile game. You are going to enjoy our casino and game products. You will also find free articles and blogs on topics about our products found at http://www.PokerandBoardGames.com
How do you pronounce the Name
The dictionary has any of the following pronunciations: maa zhóng or maa jóng.
History of Mah Jong Tile Game
There are different beliefs about how the game originated. Some individuals believe a Chinese philosopher developed the game around 500 B.C. Others believe the Chinese Aristocrats developed the game 4,000 years ago. The game was kept secret until 1911 when China became a Republic. Mah Jong Games were brought to America. The game came to the Americas in 1920 by what we know as a popular casual clothing company Abercrombie and Fitch. The rules were translated into English the best way the people at that time could and the rest of the rules were invented by the American people.
What is Mah Jong
Mah Jong, also known as Mah Jong Solitaire, is a game played with tiles that have various colorful Chinese pictures. It is a little strange when you are learning how to play because you are not familiar with the pictures. If you enjoy playing the card games Solitaire or Gin Rummy, you should not have too much trouble understanding the rules of the game.
Fundamental Aspects of the Game
A game set consists of 144 tiles with 108 suit tiles, 28 honors tiles and 8 bonus tiles. The tiles can be subdivided into suits just like Solitaire or Gin Rummy. Keeping score is by adding the dots or dotted lines that are on the tiles. There are American translated versions of tiles which will make it easier to read the tiles. There are many variations of the game so be sure you know the rules of the the version you are playing.
The American Mah-Jongg Association
The game has gotten to be so popular that The American Mah-Jongg Association was formed in 1999 to keep the enthusiasm and spirit of the game popular among the American people.
Susan Reed invites you to visit http://www.PokerandBoardGames.com for all your Board Game and Poker needs. Browse through our large selection of top notch poker table accessories and poker chips for sale for the poker players. We also offer classic board games like a wooden chess set, backgammon set, roulette and mah jong tile game. You are going to enjoy our casino and game products. You will also find free articles and blogs on topics about our products found at http://www.PokerandBoardGames.com
Become a Paid Video Game Tester Without Training!
If you're just dieing to be a paid video game tester and want to quit your normal 9-5 job, then you need to listen up. Video game testing is a JOB, not a hobby! Yes, it's fun, it's entertaining, and it pays well -- but that doesn't mean you can just do what you want when you want. As with any other type of employment, you have to do the tasks you are assigned in a timely, professional manner.
Failing repeatedly in your tasks will result in a loss of your testing job, as well as any reference you might have gained from that game developer. That said, really put effort into your testing assignment if you want to go far as a video game tester. If you put in half-ass efforts, you'll get half-ass results, period!
How to Become a Tester Without Training
Believe it or not, game testers don't require formal training of any kind. Obviously, you'll likely be more successful and climb up the ladder faster if you do indeed have training that'll aid in your game testing -- but by no means is it "must have" prerequisite.
To be honest, you only need to have the following to become a paid video game tester...
- Experience playing video games (The more the better)
- A good eye for detail (IMPORTANT!)
- A high end PC and/or a next-gen console (PS3 or XBOX 360) to complete your "assignments" on
- Internet connection and computer so you can send in testing reports and get updates
- Must Be 18 years Old. Some companies will make exceptions, but not many
If you can meet these requirements, or at least the majority of them, you "qualify" to be a paid video game tester. Does this mean you'll be able to get a job testing video games immediately? Unfortunately, no -- it just means you are a person game developers would seriously consider hiring as a game tester.
Failing repeatedly in your tasks will result in a loss of your testing job, as well as any reference you might have gained from that game developer. That said, really put effort into your testing assignment if you want to go far as a video game tester. If you put in half-ass efforts, you'll get half-ass results, period!
How to Become a Tester Without Training
Believe it or not, game testers don't require formal training of any kind. Obviously, you'll likely be more successful and climb up the ladder faster if you do indeed have training that'll aid in your game testing -- but by no means is it "must have" prerequisite.
To be honest, you only need to have the following to become a paid video game tester...
- Experience playing video games (The more the better)
- A good eye for detail (IMPORTANT!)
- A high end PC and/or a next-gen console (PS3 or XBOX 360) to complete your "assignments" on
- Internet connection and computer so you can send in testing reports and get updates
- Must Be 18 years Old. Some companies will make exceptions, but not many
If you can meet these requirements, or at least the majority of them, you "qualify" to be a paid video game tester. Does this mean you'll be able to get a job testing video games immediately? Unfortunately, no -- it just means you are a person game developers would seriously consider hiring as a game tester.
Video Games - A Life Line For Those With Disabilities
For video gamers, whether they be casual or hardcore, video games provide a escape mechanism of fantasy and enjoyment. For those that are disabled, video games are more than just fun, it's a life line, a social connection.
U.S. Census states that roughly 40 million Americans have some degree of impairment, which is little over 10% of the population. Yet the market for disabled gamers is pretty much completely non existent. Now, there are a few companies that have made their games more accessible for those with disabilities, but it's a small minority. I'm not sure if the video game industry deems it as not a big enough market to target or not. Whatever the view is, the market for disabled gamers is huge. Not every who has a handicap is grandma or grandpas age, or for that matter even born with a disability.
Some of the biggest gamers are in Iraq and Afghanistan right now. These brave men and women unfortunately lose limbs during war, but they don't lose their passion for video games, as a matter of fact it may be the only outlet to bring some normality back into their lives. Being confined to a wheelchair, bed or a room is hard enough, being able to still socialize through video games can ease the pain or depression one might feel, even if only for a few hours, they deserve at the very least that and much more.
Video games gives someone with a disability a chance to interact with others, join a community, create purposeful relationships, leave reality behind for a moment and be able to run, throw, sing or whatever it is that they can't do anymore. Believe it or not, these gamers will be your most dedicated and loyal of all gamers.
With any company I understand that time is money, it will take a little more time and money to make some of these games accessible for those with disabilities. But financially the video game industry can do it, it's a very strong industry no matter what the economy is doing at the time. And in the long run the extra time invested will without a doubt pay off, and what's even better is that you will be changing and saving someones life. Who would of thought video games carried so much value and meaning, it's a beautiful thing. Peace, Prosperity & Video Games!
Denard King is a video game enthusiast who is intrigued by the video game industry. His website http://www.consoles-accessories.com is all about video game accessories, downloads and modchips that help bring out the true value of your gaming console.
U.S. Census states that roughly 40 million Americans have some degree of impairment, which is little over 10% of the population. Yet the market for disabled gamers is pretty much completely non existent. Now, there are a few companies that have made their games more accessible for those with disabilities, but it's a small minority. I'm not sure if the video game industry deems it as not a big enough market to target or not. Whatever the view is, the market for disabled gamers is huge. Not every who has a handicap is grandma or grandpas age, or for that matter even born with a disability.
Some of the biggest gamers are in Iraq and Afghanistan right now. These brave men and women unfortunately lose limbs during war, but they don't lose their passion for video games, as a matter of fact it may be the only outlet to bring some normality back into their lives. Being confined to a wheelchair, bed or a room is hard enough, being able to still socialize through video games can ease the pain or depression one might feel, even if only for a few hours, they deserve at the very least that and much more.
Video games gives someone with a disability a chance to interact with others, join a community, create purposeful relationships, leave reality behind for a moment and be able to run, throw, sing or whatever it is that they can't do anymore. Believe it or not, these gamers will be your most dedicated and loyal of all gamers.
With any company I understand that time is money, it will take a little more time and money to make some of these games accessible for those with disabilities. But financially the video game industry can do it, it's a very strong industry no matter what the economy is doing at the time. And in the long run the extra time invested will without a doubt pay off, and what's even better is that you will be changing and saving someones life. Who would of thought video games carried so much value and meaning, it's a beautiful thing. Peace, Prosperity & Video Games!
Denard King is a video game enthusiast who is intrigued by the video game industry. His website http://www.consoles-accessories.com is all about video game accessories, downloads and modchips that help bring out the true value of your gaming console.
Hidden Object Games For Adventure Game Fans
More or less folks might ask themselves what the Hidden Object Games are. In these games the player is motivated to find hidden pictures or objects. The Character of hidden object games is mostly adventure like, for those who haven't played them yet. They are amazingly gratifying, I found. Having a adventurous challenge against the computer, free hidden object games are a good way to relax. These games are very popular in the casual game market, and several of them are based on well-known literary characters like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and now Nancy Drew.
Time management and hidden object games are the hottest games around at the moment. Because of the high quality of graphic and sound established by the developers in hidden object games, they are very atmospheric. Puzzling, looking for keys to unlock portals, equipment and clues keeps the player busy. To accomplish the story, you will have to solve mind boggling puzzles and find many hidden objects.
Always looking for unknown and strange games, or at the least games that are unlike anything I've diddled before, I discovered the Mystery Case Files series from Big Fish Games. In Return to Ravenhearst you will be deeply drawn in the Mystery Case Files. You may not be a fan of the genre, but the atmosphere and the puzzling will keep you up playing to the end. All three Mystery Case Files games are available from Big Fish Games' web site.
Overall in hidden object games you have to grasp the nettle of investigating more thank you think. Common on many portals, they seem to do better on Big Fish Games.
Hidden Object Games are free to download and play for one hour. More information on hidden object games on Big Fish following this link.
Time management and hidden object games are the hottest games around at the moment. Because of the high quality of graphic and sound established by the developers in hidden object games, they are very atmospheric. Puzzling, looking for keys to unlock portals, equipment and clues keeps the player busy. To accomplish the story, you will have to solve mind boggling puzzles and find many hidden objects.
Always looking for unknown and strange games, or at the least games that are unlike anything I've diddled before, I discovered the Mystery Case Files series from Big Fish Games. In Return to Ravenhearst you will be deeply drawn in the Mystery Case Files. You may not be a fan of the genre, but the atmosphere and the puzzling will keep you up playing to the end. All three Mystery Case Files games are available from Big Fish Games' web site.
Overall in hidden object games you have to grasp the nettle of investigating more thank you think. Common on many portals, they seem to do better on Big Fish Games.
Hidden Object Games are free to download and play for one hour. More information on hidden object games on Big Fish following this link.
Foundation of 3D Models in Video Games
Do you know that Video games and PC games are the applications that are designed by various designers and artists who are professionals in 3D model designing? Many multi-national companies provide these games which contain a creative design team that makes the body, voice and faces, species, names and many other physical characteristics of the personalities used in the games. When a company decides to use a character in the game, the creative designers and other artists will plan and work on the features to be developed to make the character to pertain to the individual game.
Many models are developed by the designers and one is selected by the decision maker. These designers make use of high technology scripts and programs and much software in which they have control. This allows them to express their ideas, as well as ability to develop proportional and perfect characters. Laser cutting or lithography is used to insert life into the characters after they are perfectly developed by the artists, designers using high tech software and scripts.
After the approval of characters, they are taken out of the original software and are implemented in the video games appropriate to the situation. Use of 3Dmodels in the designing of the characters makes sure there is a smooth conversion from the idea, to computer, TV screen or digital model.
In many ways people in society are benefited by using this 3D model applications developed by the experts in designing video games. Many applications use software like that used in video games in the design of building construction and modeling of new vehicles belonging to the motor companies. Many educational applications and scientific applications are developed from these models developed by the 3D designers. This allows them to express their ideas, and ability to develop proportional and perfect characters. Most fabulous applications are studied and researched and explained to the students as part of education. The way by which creative designers are developed in video games are used in society and it makes easier to develop an application in a less time. Use of 3Dmodels in the designing of the characters ensures a smooth conversion from an idea, to compute a digital model.
Visual art students use these applications developed by the 3D designers for comparing the grade skills level as well as knowledge retention. In many ways these applications are used by the students, doctors and engineers and many other business people and in commercial business.
Among many 3D models there are a few which became more popular in the society. One among them is Stanford Bunny. Stanford Bunny applications were developed by Marc Levoy and Greg Turk at Stanford University in the year 1994. This Stanford Bunny application was developed to test the standard of graphics programming. It was used far to test data. Other models, such as the iconic Utah Teapot, have been used as typical references as well as a device for the teaching students in graphic arts at the high school as well as the university level.
Many models are developed by the designers and one is selected by the decision maker. These designers make use of high technology scripts and programs and much software in which they have control. This allows them to express their ideas, as well as ability to develop proportional and perfect characters. Laser cutting or lithography is used to insert life into the characters after they are perfectly developed by the artists, designers using high tech software and scripts.
After the approval of characters, they are taken out of the original software and are implemented in the video games appropriate to the situation. Use of 3Dmodels in the designing of the characters makes sure there is a smooth conversion from the idea, to computer, TV screen or digital model.
In many ways people in society are benefited by using this 3D model applications developed by the experts in designing video games. Many applications use software like that used in video games in the design of building construction and modeling of new vehicles belonging to the motor companies. Many educational applications and scientific applications are developed from these models developed by the 3D designers. This allows them to express their ideas, and ability to develop proportional and perfect characters. Most fabulous applications are studied and researched and explained to the students as part of education. The way by which creative designers are developed in video games are used in society and it makes easier to develop an application in a less time. Use of 3Dmodels in the designing of the characters ensures a smooth conversion from an idea, to compute a digital model.
Visual art students use these applications developed by the 3D designers for comparing the grade skills level as well as knowledge retention. In many ways these applications are used by the students, doctors and engineers and many other business people and in commercial business.
Among many 3D models there are a few which became more popular in the society. One among them is Stanford Bunny. Stanford Bunny applications were developed by Marc Levoy and Greg Turk at Stanford University in the year 1994. This Stanford Bunny application was developed to test the standard of graphics programming. It was used far to test data. Other models, such as the iconic Utah Teapot, have been used as typical references as well as a device for the teaching students in graphic arts at the high school as well as the university level.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Ads May Infect Xbox Live Experience
After already paying a premium every month for the Xbox Live service that many have come to love over the years, the last thing users want is ads imbedded into the interface. Microsoft may be doing just that however, by implementing Silverlight ads into Xbox Live. This in turn will make more money for any company who works with Microsoft to have their ad displayed, but will only make consumers that much more aggravated, especially since many Xbox customers pay for Xbox Live. Stupidly, the company is somehow claiming that the advertisements will enhance the gaming experience, though it seems as if they could only hinder it in everyway possible
Monday, July 6, 2009
Fun, But Not a Fantasy to test games
Video game testing is a bit more involved than just playing video games and getting paid for it. Yes, it's fun and it's entertaining, but in no way does that make it a "do nothing, make money" type of job. There is work you'll have to do as well as deadlines you'll be required to meet.
Video game testing is definitely not for everyone, which you'll soon find out as you learn more about it. However, for tried & true gamers who want nothing more than to play video games and get paid for it, well, no career could possibly measure up to professional video game testing.
Video game testing is definitely not for everyone, which you'll soon find out as you learn more about it. However, for tried & true gamers who want nothing more than to play video games and get paid for it, well, no career could possibly measure up to professional video game testing.
What kind of games will I get to test?
If you have to work as mobile game tester then you have to test for the platform
Symbian OS
Java
Flash Lite
BREW
WIPI
iPhone OS
Android
Palm OS
video Game testers test all games for release on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (PS3), Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii & PC. Genres include sports titles, RTS, FPS, MMPORGS, action, adventure and much more. It's is impossible to tell what games you may test as a game tester, because most will be games that haven't even been released to the public!
Symbian OS
Java
Flash Lite
BREW
WIPI
iPhone OS
Android
Palm OS
video Game testers test all games for release on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (PS3), Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii & PC. Genres include sports titles, RTS, FPS, MMPORGS, action, adventure and much more. It's is impossible to tell what games you may test as a game tester, because most will be games that haven't even been released to the public!
how much will I get paid to test video games?
According to a 2008 Game Developer Magazine survey, game testers earn an average of $39,063 annually. Testers with less than three years experience earn an average of $25,142 while testers with over six years experience earn $43,056. Testing leads with over six years experience earn on an average of $70,658 a year.
Game Testing, Not As Exciting As You May Think
Anybody who plays videogames on any sort of a regular basis has had that thought at least once, how cool would it be if I could get paid to play videogames? And as we all know, for a select few there really is a career available in which you are paid to play games, that is the job of the videogame tester. Someone who plays the game in the beta stages to point out flaws and anything else that may be problematic throughout a game’s development cycle. While this sounds like it could be an awful lot of fun, game testing is actually no picnic.
First off, it’s not like you’re going to be getting to play your favorite game for hours on end, having fun and making a living wage from your efforts. In actuality you’re forced to play something that’s likely to he horrible, for long periods of time, and analyzing every second of the experience. Game testers are around to spot the smallest things, such as graphical errors, or collision detection issues with a game’s physics engine, and these require a massive amount of time to completely figure out. So instead of playing through a level and getting paid for it, you’re really critiquing every pixel in the level to a daunting extent, and reporting back to development teams so that they can fix and edit the game accordingly.
Not exactly a party.
Not to mention a game testers schedule becomes increasingly more grueling as deadlines begin to loom. Meaning a tester could end up putting in 12 to 14 hour days, playing the same levels and portions of gameplay over and over again, with the same repetitive movements and requirements, in an effort to nit pick every single detail. Not exactly a dream job, and you can see why most testers burn out in a relatively short period of time.
I’m thinking most people misjudge the opportunity as a dream job, and then find themselves shocked into reality when they see just how much work playing videogames can be.
First off, it’s not like you’re going to be getting to play your favorite game for hours on end, having fun and making a living wage from your efforts. In actuality you’re forced to play something that’s likely to he horrible, for long periods of time, and analyzing every second of the experience. Game testers are around to spot the smallest things, such as graphical errors, or collision detection issues with a game’s physics engine, and these require a massive amount of time to completely figure out. So instead of playing through a level and getting paid for it, you’re really critiquing every pixel in the level to a daunting extent, and reporting back to development teams so that they can fix and edit the game accordingly.
Not exactly a party.
Not to mention a game testers schedule becomes increasingly more grueling as deadlines begin to loom. Meaning a tester could end up putting in 12 to 14 hour days, playing the same levels and portions of gameplay over and over again, with the same repetitive movements and requirements, in an effort to nit pick every single detail. Not exactly a dream job, and you can see why most testers burn out in a relatively short period of time.
I’m thinking most people misjudge the opportunity as a dream job, and then find themselves shocked into reality when they see just how much work playing videogames can be.
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