Build A Good Game Tester Reputation
As mentioned in the game tester’s manifesto, you may find yourself in a testing job that really isn’t that great. Or you may just be looking to move up into a higher testing position.
Either way, the key thing if you want to change jobs within the one company is to build a good reputation. Once that is done, you will find that moving around is so much easier.
There’s probably going to be a lot of people all trying to do the same thing though, so here are a few tips to separate yourself from the group and get ahead:
1. Pay huge attention to detail. Go those extra steps further and find every instance of a glitch. Analyze it back to front, inside out until you have it 100% worked out.
The programmers will love you for it as it makes there job a lot easier, and you will be sure the glitch won’t pop up again later on.
(Of course, don’t go overboard with analyzing… just make sure you know exactly what the glitch involves).
2. Step up when you have to. What I mean by this is to take those larger or harder tasks and do them enthusiastically.
You will never get anywhere by staying in your safety zone, so start volunteering for the difficult jobs and expand your opportunities.
You’ll have proof that you can handle the larger tasks that are required by the higher testers.
3. Interact with everyone in all areas of the company. Get to know what’s involved in each step of the game making process, and find out exactly what each person’s responsibilities are.
Be helpful and offer to lend a hand, and you’ll find you will start to get noticed within the company.
The hardest part about a career in the video game industry is getting your first job. From then on it’s not about what you know but who you know.
Follow some of these tips and you will be well on your way to building a good reputation, a good list of contacts willing to refer you to new game tester job openings, and a healthy career in the industry.