How to Beta Test Games
Opportunities to beta test video games can often depend on where you live, how much free time you have and what types of games you are interested in testing. In general, it is very rare to be paid to beta test games as a large portion of gamers are quite willing to do it for free.
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Instructions
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While some game beta testing is done on location using the company's computers or consoles, beta testing often occurs at the tester's home. PC game beta testers are generally required to have powerful computers with the latest system specs in order to be accepted as testers. The three most important requirements for a gaming computer are a fast processor, at least 2 to 4 GB of RAM and a premium, up-to-date video card--the latest nVidia or ATI video card is a good bet. Be sure to update your video card drivers and other computer drivers frequently to be sure that they are compatible with the latest games.
Desktop computers are preferred as some games will not run at their highest quality on the majority of laptops. In addition, some games are not Mac compatible, so it is best to have a PC system. If you want to beta test console games, you will need to have the latest version of that gaming console available to use.
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Determine what kind of video games you are interested in becoming a beta tester for. If you are most interested in testing online video games, such as massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), see Resources.
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To find beta testing opportunities for PC video games or console games, the best best bet is often your local Craigslist.org community site or websites focused on local gaming news. Gaming companies often list beta testing opportunities through such sites, and these types of opportunities do sometimes pay. However, if you do not live in a major city that houses local gaming companies, you may not find beta testing opportunities in your area.
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Another good way to find game beta testing openings is to research opportunities on the Internet. Make a list of gaming companies that produce the type of games you are interested in testing. Sign up for their websites and scan their information for news on beta testing of their products. Be sure to register for any newsletters from the company and become a participant in the company's forums and discussion boards if they have them. Companies like Sony and Nintendo sometimes send out beta testing invites to their email subscribers. Often, gaming companies will also recruit beta testers from active community members on their discussion boards or offer them the opportunity to sign up first to beta test a new game. Also, scan the company's job listings for paid beta-testing opportunities. Although rare, it is always worth it to look. There are also a variety of "watch" sites like BetaWatcher.com that give information on upcoming video game beta testing.
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Remember that if you are brought on to beta test a video game, you will likely be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This means that you will be asked not to talk about the game or share any information you learn from being a beta tester. Not only is it considered very bad form to breach an NDA (and it can lead to banning from further beta testing), but breaking an NDA could potentially lead to legal issues.
Being a video game tester is not just about having fun trying out a new game. Beta testers are required to provide frequent feedback on bugs or issues they encounter while playing. Video game beta testing can also be quite time-consuming, sometimes requiring testers to play 10 hours a week or more while trying out the game. Do not sign up to be a beta tester if you do not have the time or dedication to commit to the process. If you do sign up and fail to perform as asked, you will not be invited back by that company to beta test in the future.
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Tips & Warnings
Never pay anyone for the opportunity to become a video game beta tester or to acquire a list of companies hiring or seeking beta testers. These offers are nearly always scams that will not lead to any beta testing opportunities. Any information you can acquire through such scams is information that you can acquire on your own with a little research.
