Essential Skills Every Successful Game Tester Should Master
Essential Skills Every Successful Game Tester Should Master From Bugs to Present Cards: My First Experience in Game Testing To be honest, I assumed that game testing consisted of nothing more than spending my days in my jammies playing Mario.
Finding faults in a tower defense game where the towers vanished if you tapped them too quickly was the next test task that really got to me. After forty disappearing towers and an hour, I came to the conclusion that game testing is a legitimate skill set, and sure, you can get gift cards for it.So if you're dreaming of turning your gaming time into rewards (Amazon, Google Play, Xbox — take your pick), here’s what you really need to know.
This isn’t just about tapping buttons. It’s about spotting the unseeable, surviving repetitive testing, and reporting bugs like a polite savage.
Let’s level up your skills.🧠 1. Pay Attention to Details (also known as Developing Bug-Hunting Ninja Skills) It's your chance to shine if the character's eye moves during the loading screen.
Game testers must be extremely focused to notice:
Glitches in the graphics
Delays in sound
UI components that overlap or disappear
Enemies that use a magic technique to cut through walls
🎯 Pro Tip: You're more likely to receive regular offers for testing if you provide more thorough bug reports. Feedback that doesn't sound like "uh, something broke lol" is highly appreciated by developers.✍️ 2. Unambiguous Communication (Because "It's Broken" Is Insufficient) Translating chaos into clarity is a key component of being a successful tester. You must explain what occurred, how it occurred, and how to replicate it.
✅ Rather than: "The game crashed." 🔥 Try this: "After finishing Level 5, I hit 'Next,' and the program froze, crashing to the home screen. iOS 17.2 for iPhone 13.
🛠️ A Free Platform That Incentives Explicit Reports: PlaytestCloud: For testing mobile games and providing voice-recorded comments, you are compensated with gift cards. Joining is completely free. (affiliate)The third is patience (the key is repetition). It is possible that you will be asked to test the same level repeatedly.
Does that seem enjoyable? It is occasionally. However, a competent tester maintains composure via practice. Playing the game like a toddler with a grudge is part of your job description.
🎧 Affiliate Pick: Do you want to maintain your composure during recurring sessions? A sturdy headset is beneficial. 👉 Logitech G435 Wireless Headset: lightweight, comfortable, and reasonably priced. (affiliate)4. Inquisitiveness (Ask "What If?" Until It Breaks) Great testers are distinguished from casual players by their curiosity.
But what if I don't follow the tutorial?
What if I simultaneously press two buttons?
Can I go AWK in the middle of a battle?
You can push games to their limits with this approach, which is exactly what developers need.
🔍 Trend Watch: In particular, for mobile-first beta programs, game studios are now rewarding exploratory testers with additional activities.
Try BetaFamily, which allows you to test unreleased iOS and Android apps. Gift cards are frequently included in payouts. (affiliate)5. The Ability to Be Organized (Yes, Even for Gamers) Skilled testers don't wing it. They
Keep track of bugs by type or quantity.
Save app versions and device logs.
Find out what they said last Tuesday.
Maintaining organization prevents developers from becoming frustrated and helps prevent redundant reporting.
🧠 Free Tip: Keep track of sessions, devices utilized, and bugs discovered by using a basic notes app or Google Sheet. It's better to be nerdy.📱 6. Tech-Savviness (coding isn't necessary, but...) It's not necessary to write JavaScript.
However, you should be able to:
Reinstall applications
Empty your cache.
Take a screen capture.
Determine your OS and device.
Your testing jobs will go more smoothly if you are more at ease with simple troubleshooting.
🎯 Bonus: Tech-savvy testers are frequently awarded higher-paying beta positions.
For more thorough bug testing, see GameTester.gg. pays with gift cards from Xbox, Steam, or Amazon. (affiliate)📲 7. Adaptability First on Mobile (Welcome to 2025) In 2025, mobile platforms will account for 80% of game testing chances. Therefore, you should feel comfortable using:
Touchscreens
Controls based on gestures
Battery-saving techniques
Developers of video games are rushing to test their apps on a billion devices. You will be the first to receive fresh invites if you can test on both iOS and Android. Developers of video games are rushing to test their apps on a billion devices. You will be the first to receive fresh invites if you can test on both iOS and Android.🎁 Gift Cards: Your New Electronic Salary The majority of platforms will provide you gift cards instead of money in your account.
Amazon
Google Play
Xbox
Steam
Even Starbucks (hey, long testing sessions powered by coffee)
The finest aspect? Joining the majority of these platforms is completely free.🚀 Are You Prepared to Launch a Side Business in Game Testing? Let's review your arsenal:
✅ Attention to detail ✅ Effective communicator ✅ Patience at the Zen level ✅ Something to break out of curiosity ✅ Tech-savvy ✅ Dependable ✅ Flexible and mobile
Most significantly, you now know where to begin, using free platforms that reward your skills with gift cards.Elevate Your Side Business Today Take out your phone, select a testing platform, and begin:
Voice-feedback mobile testing with PlaytestCloud (affiliate)
GameTester.gg: Surveys and bug reporting (affiliate)
Mistplay: Earn as you play for fun (affiliate)
BetaFamily: beta apps for iOS and Android (affiliate)
👉 Let the gift cards come in, start here, and test wisely.