Level Up Your Game Testing Skills: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Sasha Danylova
Mar 30
5 min read

Entering the world of game testing can be an exciting journey where you test games and earn money in the process. However, many new game testers stumble along the way due to common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Whether you're aiming to become a professional paid game tester or are simply interested in earning extra cash, recognizing and avoiding these mistakes is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll detail the prevalent pitfalls to steer clear of, helping you make the most out of your game testing endeavors.

1. Neglecting to Follow Instructions

One fundamental mistake many new game testers make is disregarding the instructions provided for testing. Each game testing project comes with specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure that developers receive useful feedback. Failing to adhere to these guidelines can lead to wasted time and effort, not to mention it could jeopardize your position as a tester.

Read Carefully: Always take time to thoroughly read the testing requirements.
Ask Questions: If you're unclear about any aspect of the instructions, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification.
Document Your Findings: Ensure your feedback aligns with the brief provided, making your notes actionable.

2. Ignoring Bugs and Glitches

As a game tester, your primary responsibility is to identify bugs and glitches within the game. However, new testers often overlook minor issues, thinking they are insignificant. It’s essential to remember that no bug is too small to report. What may seem trivial to you could be a critical issue for the developers.

Make a habit of documenting all issues you encounter, no matter how minor they may appear. Keeping a detailed account not only helps developers improve the game but also enhances your reputation as a reliable tester.

3. Inconsistent Testing Environment

Inconsistent testing environments can lead to unreliable results. A common oversight among novice testers is failing to maintain consistent settings or setups across testing sessions. Whether it’s your device specifications, internet speed, or gaming conditions, maintaining equilibrium will ensure that you can replicate issues effectively.

To create a proper testing environment:

Use the Same Device: Always test the game on the same hardware.
Maintain Software Consistency: Ensure your software and drivers are up to date.
Test Under Similar Conditions: Try to replicate the same conditions each time you test.

4. Overlooking Experimentation

When you test games and earn money, it’s easy to get caught up in the basics and forget about the value of experimentation. Games can behave differently depending on user input or player behavior, and this is where creative thinking can come into play.

Don't hesitate to deviate from the norm—try various game modes, push the limits of the gameplay, and explore alternative paths. Your willingness to think outside the box can unveil issues that others might miss.

5. Failing to Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is vital in game testing. Many new testers make the mistake of not providing detailed feedback, assuming that their findings will be self-explanatory. Developers rely on clear and constructive feedback to improve their games. The better your communication, the more likely it is that your feedback will result in tangible improvements.

Be Specific: Specify what occurred, how you encountered the issue, and the impact it had on gameplay.
Use Visuals: Whenever applicable, include screenshots or screen recordings to illustrate the problem.
Be Professional: Maintain a respectful and professional tone in your communications.

6. Neglecting Your Schedule

When you're starting as a paid game tester, especially if you want to earn free cash online, it can be tempting to take on as many projects as possible. However, neglecting your schedule can lead to burnout and subpar quality. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, focus on a balanced approach that allows you to devote adequate attention to each project.

Consider setting a testing schedule that allows you to:

Manage Time Effectively: Allocate specific times for testing.
Take Breaks: Don’t forget to rest to maintain high-quality feedback.
Prioritize Projects: Tackle high-priority projects first for efficient time management.

7. Skipping the Game's Story and Mechanics

Another common error among beginner testers is neglecting to fully engage with the game’s story and mechanics. Understanding the narrative and gameplay is crucial for effective testing. It helps you identify inconsistencies and provide context for bugs and gameplay issues.

To ensure you’re not missing vital aspects, consider these tips:

Play Thoroughly: Experience the game as intended to gain a better understanding of its design.
Document Your Thoughts: Note any areas where the gameplay doesn’t align with the story.
Discuss with Others: Engaging with fellow testers or gamers can provide fresh perspectives.

8. Not Building a Portfolio

As you progress in your game testing career, having a portfolio of your work can set you apart from other candidates. A robust portfolio showcases your experience as a paid game tester and can be a valuable asset when seeking new opportunities. Many new testers overlook this crucial step, choosing instead to simply move from one project to another with no record of their accomplishments.

To build a compelling portfolio:

Keep Records: Maintain a log of all games you’ve tested, along with your contributions and feedback.
Highlight Skills: Emphasize specific skills or areas of expertise that you excel in.
Gather References: Request endorsements or testimonials from developers you’ve worked with.

9. Underestimating the Importance of Playtesting

Playtesting is a crucial step in the game development process, and it’s easy for new testers to underestimate its significance. Some may erroneously believe that the primary role of game testers is to hunt for bugs. The truth is, playtesting involves examining how real players interact with the game, which encompasses far more than just identifying glitches.

To effectively contribute as a tester, ensure you:

Observe User Experience: Pay attention to how players navigate through the game.
Gather Player Feedback: Encourage engagement with other players to collect insights.
Study Trends: Stay informed about game industry trends that affect player experiences.

10. Letting Feedback Go Unused

Once you begin your game testing journey, one of your key tasks will involve giving feedback to the development team. Regrettably, many new testers fail to realize that their recommendations carry weight. Ignoring the importance of actionable feedback can stunt your growth and diminish your role in the game testing process.

Instead of keeping feedback to yourself:

Be Proactive: Offer suggestions for improvements, not just criticism.
Suggest Features: Use your insights to propose features players may enjoy.
Solicit Responses: Encourage a dialogue with developers about your findings.

Unlock Your Potential: Mastering Game Testing

No one is perfect, and mistakes are part of the learning curve in any new career. By recognizing and avoiding these common missteps, you set yourself on the path towards becoming a proficient paid game tester. As you learn to test games and earn money, remember to engage fully with the process, communicate effectively, and never underestimate the value of your contributions.

So, whether you're hoping to earn free cash online or desire a more stable source of income while you work from home, maintaining a focused approach and staying aware of these common pitfalls can significantly enhance your gaming job experience. The world of game testing is waiting for you to take your skills to the next level!

FAQs

What are some common mistakes to avoid as a new game tester?

Common mistakes include neglecting to follow instructions, ignoring bugs, having an inconsistent testing environment, overlooking experimentation, and failing to communicate effectively.

Why is following instructions important in game testing?

Following instructions ensures that developers receive useful feedback, making your testing efforts more effective and safeguarding your position as a tester.

How can I improve my game testing communication skills?

To improve communication, be specific in your feedback, use visuals like screenshots, and maintain a professional tone when interacting with developers.

What role does experimentation play in game testing?

Experimentation allows testers to explore various game modes and player behaviors, helping to uncover issues that may not be apparent during standard testing.

Why is it important to build a portfolio as a game tester?

A portfolio showcases your experience and contributions as a game tester, making you a more competitive candidate for future opportunities.