Xbox Video Game Tester Jobs

The dream job for gamers is to work in the gaming industry. For those looking to break into the world of game development, the easiest way to get a foot in the door is by becoming a game tester. Game studios have offices all over the world, and depending on areas of interest, potential game testers have a wealth of options. Fans of Xbox 360 games should begin by researching the studios behind their favorite games.

What is a Tester?

The main job of video game testers is to check a game for bugs, playing a specific section repeatedly to account for every possible glitch.

No "I" in Team

Bugs that are found are documented and turned over to coders to be fixed. Communication skills are a must because testers work in a team environment, both with fellow testers and other members of the development team.

Industry Growth

The average annual salary for game testers is between $20,000 and $25,000, with room for growth depending on performance. Many testers go on to work in the gaming industry in other roles such as designers, artists and programmers.

Finding Positions

The first step to becoming a tester for Xbox games is to check the job boards listed on the websites of all major game developers. Tester jobs are listed as quality assurance positions.

Resume Building

While QA jobs are lower-level jobs, resumes should highlight organizational skills, attention to detail and reading comprehension. These skills trump gaming ability.

Location, Location, Location

Microsoft Game Studios has offices in Washington state and the United Kingdom. Expect to relocate to one of these areas to become an employee.

Resources

• Jobs in Microsoft Entertainment & Devices