The online space is full of diverse money-making opportunities for everyone. Whether you have a college degree or not, there’s certainly something you can do online with your smartphone or laptop to make a decent amount of money. For instance, you can get paid to test video games. Now, this is fun. Imagine earning real dollars by exploring various video games. Who doesn’t want that?
The Entertainment Software Association (THEESA) claims that 75% of American households have at least one gamer in the family. So, chances are that you are an enthusiastic gamer. This post will show you how to turn your gaming hobby into a profitable habit. Basically, you will be getting acquainted with some of the best platforms where you get paid to test video games.
What Exactly Do You Do As A Game Tester?
As a gamer tester, you are charged with the sole responsibility of playing video games and observing if there are any bugs, errors, or glitches as you play. The software company or owner of the video game simply wants to ensure that users enjoy a seamless game experience, and they need your help to figure that out.
Video Game Tester Salary: How Much Money Can You Make?
Game testers don’t make the same amount of money. Your earnings will be determined by the kind of companies you work with, your experience, as well as how much time you are willing to invest in the job. Notwithstanding, expect to earn anything from $10 to $100 per hour.
According to a report by Gamasutra Salary Survey, game testers earn around $54,830 per year.
How To Become A Game Tester
If you want to figure out how to make money testing video games, the first thing that should be on your mind is working with a third-party platform that provides software companies with testers. It is much easier to work with these third-party sites than working directly with big game developers such as PlayStation, EA Sports, Sega, Konami, Sony, and others.
To get started, you would have to sign up with a legit platform that would connect you with video game testing opportunities. Depending on how big the platform is, your registration can take minutes or days. Some companies would demand that you send an application and then wait for their response.
Notwithstanding, once you are accepted by any platform, it means you have what it takes to test games and make money hourly. Payments can be made directly to your bank account or through online payment gateways such as PayPal.
15 Best Websites To Get Paid To Test Video Games
In most cases, game testers are not hired as employees. Instead, the jobs are offered on a contract basis, whereby you will work as an interdependent contractor. Here are some of the best websites to get paid to test video games:
1. iGameLab
iGameLab is a market research company owned by PanelPolls, and it’s one of the sites that pay you to test games.
When you join the company, you become a beta tester responsible for assessing online games, mobile games/apps, virtual platforms, and even websites. Unlike some other game testing sites, iGameLab doesn’t offer only game testing jobs. You can make more money by testing other digital products like apps and websites.
To complete a gig on this site, you need to have a laptop and uninterrupted Internet access.
2. Nintendo
Nintendo is one of the most relevant names in the gaming industry. The company should definitely be on your radar if you want to get paid to test video games.
If you grew up playing games such as Super Mario and Contra, you should have an idea of the kind of games you will be assigned to test. However, Nintendo doesn’t currently offer remote job opportunities. If the company hires you, you would have to work on-site in Redmond, Washington.
Mind you, working physically with a company as big as Nintendo means you will be compensated hugely.
3. VMC – Global Beta Test Network
Do you look forward to playing big games as they are newly created? If so, you should consider joining this platform.
Global Beta Test Network is a large community of gamers from different parts of the world collectively helping software companies test games. Most of the games you’ll be testing via this platform are multiplayer console games.
To be qualified for a job at VMC, you must be at least 18 years old and also sign a non-disclosure agreement. Behaving professionally and working according to instructions can also impress the company and make them retain you for a longer period of time.
4. RockStar Games
Whether you’re a gamer or not, you must have heard of Grand Theft Auto. RockStar Games is the brand behind this phenomenal video game that millions of people have enthusiastically played over the years.
If you are passionate, self-motivated, and willing to work under supervision, you can join the company’s Quality Assurance team. As expected, you will be required to play different types of games to find bugs, glitches, and any kind of errors.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for this video game testing job. You will also be required to complete a video interview if your application is considered.
5. Blizzard
Blizzard is another amazing platform where people get paid to test video games. As one of the most successful game designers/developers in the world, this company pays its beta testers better than most sites you would find online. However, they don’t offer permanent roles. They hire game testers for a set period of time; maybe a few weeks or months.
On the other hand, if you are interested in other related jobs, Blizzard occasionally has open positions for designers, animators, character artists, and more.
Ways To Get Paid To Test Video Games
6. Bananatic
If you are an enthusiast gamer simply looking for a way to earn rewards while playing games, then register on Bananatic.
As a registered game tester, you can play various online games for free and earn rewards whenever you provide reviews of the games you’ve played. Your rewards are “bananas” – a virtual currency on the platform which can be exchanged for real prizes such as games and prepaids.
7. Android Central Forum
If you want to get paid to test games online for Android developers, Android Central Forum is the platform for you. As an online forum, you can share tips on mobile games and discuss phones.
Occasionally, Android developers come to this platform to look for video game testers. If you are considered a brilliant person due to the information you regularly share on the Android Central Forum, you could be offered a job.
8. Betabound
Betabound is one of the best sites where you find game tester jobs from home. Unlike other platforms, Betabound doesn’t require much experience or skills before you are hired as a beta game tester. As long as you’re 18 years or older, you can get paid to provide feedback on some of the biggest products in tech before they are officially launched.
To get started, sign up with a free account. This makes you eligible to apply for available test jobs.
9. Beta Family
Beta Family was created for young people who are passionate about mobile games. On this platform, you can find numerous opportunities to earn money testing video games with your mobile phone. You earn by providing feedback on the games you play. Your feedback can be sent in the form of surveys or a written report; this depends on the kind of mobile game you’re required to play.
Also, Beta Family doesn’t have a strict process for accepting testers. As long as there’s an opening, you stand a chance.
How To Make Money Testing Video Games
10. UserTesting
When it comes to testing websites and apps for money, UserTesting is one of the most credible companies you can join. But more importantly, this site is also an interesting platform where you get paid to test video games. This is because some of the apps you are asked to test could be mobile games.
For every 20 minutes you test an app, you earn at least $10. The company pays via PayPal whenever you’re ready to withdraw your earnings.
11. SimplyHired
SimplyHired is a job search platform where you can find different types of off-site jobs. Interestingly, you can also find game tester jobs when you sign up.
Simply go to the search bar and type in the right keywords related to the role you want to apply for. You will be presented with results relevant to job testing opportunities. You can find part-time positions or full-time roles as beta tester.
It’s important you know that SimplyHired will require you to go through a normal application process. After sending an application, you would have to wait patiently for the company’s response.
12. GameRound
GameRound is a site that gives you the opportunity to earn money testing video games.
One good reason you might want to join this platform is that you don’t need to have an experience as a game tester to earn. This is because most of the game testing gigs are very simple to complete.
However, bear in mind that GameRound doesn’t pay in cash. Instead, you are rewarded with gaming equipment like gaming keyboards, mousepads, headphones, and other related items. You can choose to sell these items at discount prices if you really want to have cash in your account.
13. Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest freelance sites in the world. Millions of people run to this platform to hire experienced and skilled hands for various types of jobs.
Sometimes, developers or game designers visit this site to find game enthusiasts who are available to assess new games. Usually, the game testing job would be posted to your timeline. You will be the one to send your bid, make sure to convince the client why you are the qualified candidate for the gig.
Unlike other platforms where you get paid to test video games, Upwork allows you to apply for as many jobs as possible.
Sites That Pay You To Test Games
14. PlaytestCloud
If you are looking for an easy path to get paid to test video games, PlaytestCloud is one of the sites you can rely on. Before games are officially released, you will be asked to play and review them. This helps the developers to identify and correct any errors that people may experience when they eventually play the games. PlaytestCloud can hire you even if you don’t have a background or experience in video game testing.
Once you become a member of the platform, you can join other testers to work on new games and answer surveys concerning them. When you complete a 15-minute playtest, you earn around $9. This is a decent rate compared to other game testing sites.
15. WhatUsersDo
This company works with industries like gaming, gambling, retail, and ad tech to assess the user experiences of various tech products within these markets. They often recruit testers to carry out these assessments for a reasonable fee. As a paid tester on WhatUsersDo, you can conveniently earn money from home when you get paid to test video games, sites, mobile applications, and more.
Another amazing thing about this company is that you can earn more money when you refer new members. The referral program helps you make extra cash even if there are no available tests. Your earnings will be paid on the 25th of every month.
Recap: Best Ways To Get Paid To Test Video Games
You can see that there are several legit ways to get paid to test video games. However, bear in mind that most of the lucrative game testing opportunities are often accessible to experienced testers. So if you intend to do this long-term, focus on building experience. Initially, you won’t earn a lot of money. But as soon as you gain enough experience and build your skill set, you will be eligible for better testing jobs.
Besides, you want to send applications to companies that pay a decent income for your efforts. Companies that pay in points rather than cash may not be the best option for you if you are looking to make a significant amount of money from this.
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