Kids Are Making Money Online Testing New Video Games

There are numerous "making money online" ideas for those who wish to earn some money on the web, but the most popular one amongst teenagers and young boys is beta game testing.

The fact that kids and many teenagers make money online is nothing new. Lots of kids are earning money on the web and doing great too.

But earning money from home as a beta game tester is a great job that is worth doing if you can get one.

Many young kids are of the opinion that to work as a video game tester, all you need is to love playing video games and have the knack to spend several hours a day playing. This is not so. There are learning curves and processes involved in game testing.

What Is Video Game Testing?

For those of you who don't quite understand what this means, video game testing involves testing beta video games before they are released to the public for sale.

Testers are supposed to test "yet to be released games" for glitches, errors, and bugs that may occur or exist in the games.

As a game tester, you will be evaluating the gameplay and the quality of its sound and graphics. You are also expected to share your views on whether the game was enjoyable or not.

The idea behind this is to ensure that the game works perfectly as it is meant to before it can be released to millions of buyers all over the world.

One of the perks of working online as a game tester is that you get to play the games first before anyone else does, but things can get monotonous very quickly.

Playing and testing the same game for hours can become tiresome or even nerve-racking, and like many internet-based jobs, things can get repetitive.

But then, playing video games and getting paid for it is many video game-playing youngsters' dream, and most will do almost anything to "land" this exciting though demanding job.

Is it Easy Making Money Testing Games?

Yes and no.

You may love playing video games and probably spend eight to ten hours a day playing.

But if you are under sixteen, it is almost impossible, but you can start off by learning and interacting with others of similar interests.

Yes, you may think you are a good candidate for beta game testing job openings, but getting video game tester jobs isn't as easy as many may feel because being a high-paying and enjoyable job;

1. The competition is stiff. Every kid wants to be a game tester, but job openings are few.
2. Many game development industries prefer that you work on-site.
3. You may have to possess ample computer skills, though requirements may have become lenient these days.
4. You need to be current on the latest high-tech devices and video games on the market.
5. Have the skills of quick adaptation to the different strategies, systems, and techniques involved in video game playing.
6. And most importantly, your English must be impeccable and fluent because you will have to write very detailed reports.

These are just some of the requirements for becoming a game tester but it also means that most enthusiastic but self-disciplined players can become video game testers and receive an income for services rendered.

Many companies that do employ may make you wait for a number of weeks before hiring you.

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But even though many kids have been lucky to get a slot in this great industry, it's very hard (though not impossible) to get one if you are under eighteen.

Related Reading:

"If you are under sixteen and want other ways to make money, there are a number of other options you can explore, but first, you’ll need an adult's consent, and in some cases, you must expect some form of parental supervision." – Kids Can Earn Money Online Too

How to Become a Video Game Tester

Making money online as a game tester is interesting, especially if you are a video gaming enthusiast, but it's a lot of hard work, and you may have tight schedules and deadlines to meet.

But it's still fun if you can get the job and earn money online doing what you love best.

It is essential to learn a bit about game testing before thinking of asking for employment.

Reading books and searching online for further information goes a long way in preparing you for something that’s worth making a career out of.

It is good to know that the video game testing industry is highly lucrative with income ranging from $10 to $20 an hour.

Other than these, you don't need much more to become a video game tester. You need to get (or share) a computer with good internet access and some spare time.

What you'll be doing is playing games, and while playing, detect irregularities, unwanted electronic signals, bugs, glitches, technical problems, etc., and submit what you find to the video game manufacturers. That's it!

Sounds hard? Not really, because you don't need experience as such, nor do you need a BA degree in marketing to do this.

And if you are smart and resourceful, you can do this without even having to finish high school. And you can keep making money online constantly because the more games you can test, the more money you will earn.

The game development companies that will employ you to play and test their video games will give you the latest and greatest games that are yet to hit the stores.

They do have programmers who abound in their industry, but programmers are not game players in any way.

And as companies find it too expensive to hire full-time video game testers to test their products, they, therefore, employ youngsters and pay them well to test and play their newly developed games.

Testimonials from Young Video Game Testers

• "Hi, I just wanted to say thank you! I got your guide, applied for a job with M****soft and I actually got it. This job kicks so much ass!!! THANK YOU" – Dave, B. Miami, FL
• "Here's a success story for your website... In the beginning, I was a bit sceptical, but then I received a free game, and then a $300 check! I used to spend my time playing games and not being 'productive'. Now I play games AND I'm being 'productive'. What a change, right? Thank you for giving me this opportunity!" –Nick, C. New York, NY.

Where to Start

Many kids have asked how to get game tester jobs.

Getting game tester jobs is not easy to get for many, especially as the demand for jobs is very high. However, Microsoft Playlist is a great place to start, especially for kids who are under the age of 12.

Benefits of Game Testing Jobs

If you are lucky to be hired, there are a number of perks that come with this online money-making job.

• You'll get the opportunity to test new unreleased games and be the envy of your friends.
• You'll be making money online while doing this before anyone else even gets to see them.
• You may receive free copies of games as bonuses for being a video game tester.
• You'll be privy to cheat codes and level secrets that only a game tester knows about.
• You'll be getting real-world experience working with games departments such as the development, marketing, and manufacturing sections of the video game industry.

And the greatest thing of all is that working as a video game tester, especially at a young age, you will learn new things.

You'll also have first-hand information about games and their development, while at the same time "getting your feet in the door" of a highly lucrative industry whilst making money online in the process.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2009 viryabo

Your Views Are Welcome

gennycapalot on August 25, 2020:

Hello I’m Gennelyn, I’m 15 years old in my Sophomore year. I was wondering where and how do you start game testing.

Kelvin on August 15, 2020:

I like games Benjamin

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 04, 2020:

Hello Nikolai. Yes, Microsoft has retired their game testing.

You can check the following sites: https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/game-testing...

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Video-Game-Teste...

Logan on August 03, 2020:

Im 14 and was wondering if it was easy to get a good paying testing job.

Nickolai on August 03, 2020:

Hello, I'm 13 years old and I'm looking for a place to apply for video game testing. I took your advice and went over "Microsoft Playlist", but unfortunately, "Microsoft Connect" has been retired. I've been looking for other spots to apply, but most of the other spots are for adults. I have read your responses saying that it is almost impossible for younger teenagers to get a spot, but there's no harm in trying. Do you have any other suggestions for where I could get started?

jullian on July 24, 2020:

can a 10 year old be a videogame tester

Jonathan on July 21, 2020:

What if you don't have a console or pc can you still be a game tester

Taylor on July 02, 2020:

Im 16 and I would like a video game tester job

Asteria on June 24, 2020:

Hey so I am 15 years old and want to be a gamer but i don't know were to look

Ciaranicholson on June 09, 2020:

Hello my name is Ciara, I am 12 and I have excellent computer skills, I’m a very fast learner, I love trying new things, I am highly advanced, and I i am free and anytime of the day and night to work.

Carolina on May 22, 2020:

I am 13. I am trying to find a job to make money for my family. We are very low on funds, and can’t buy food because of quarantine. If I get this job I can help my family out, and start saving for college. Thank you.

Teva on May 08, 2020:

I came here because I need money my family is running out and I want to help and I’ve been playing games for years so I really want to be a tester

Gilian on April 23, 2020:

I hate quarantine that why I ended up here I’m scared that we’re gonna run out of money

Aden on April 22, 2020:

i am only eleven, what is the easiest way to get a game tester job? and where?

Arafat on February 19, 2020:

I want this job to make a party for homless

Florin calniciuc on January 02, 2020:

Can i have a job of a game tester because gaming is a big part of my life,I love gaming and i would love a job

Also im 10 years old and my parents said yes to the application

Justin on October 01, 2019:

I want to be able make money and play really good games while doing it and on top of that I’m 17

James on May 17, 2019:

i went a job

James on May 17, 2019:

how can I join you

to try the games

Xzavier Rodriguez on April 27, 2019:

I love game in ps4

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on February 15, 2019:

Hello Isaac,

It will be difficult to get a job as a game tester if you are 13. However, there are other jobs you can do to make money online and offline. You can find details here in the article above.

Hope it helps.

Peter Mendez on August 26, 2018:

I know you’re just the author and may not have the exact answer I’m looking for,but I’m currently 16 and I play on PS4(mostly FPS,rpg,and anything in between),is there any other beta testing jobs available to me?Also the link where it allows your parents to apply a job application for their teen who is 16 and below doesn’t appear to work.Thanks in advance.

Skyler George on August 04, 2018:

I am 21 years old I play games for hours a day. I have mild autism and gaming is my specialty. Unlike the other gamers I tend to think outside of the box. When everyone else is going about it one way ... I throw them off by doing things that no one else thinks about. I would love to be a beta tester and share my skills.

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 01, 2018:

I'm not sure what you mean Travis. Do you mean can you test new video games on a ps4?

Ethan Jones on June 24, 2018:

Do you have to be good at the games or are you just testing them and giving your opinion on them?

Miracle on May 31, 2018:

I dont have a comment

Lum Nchifor on May 21, 2018:

I am 13 and I love playing games but am scared that I won't be given the job because of the distance of my country

Tyrell on May 08, 2018:

I love gaming more than anything but I only have a iPad,Xbox and PS4 the best thing about playing games is the graffics the way the game is based how it feels play games

Tyral inderjeeth on April 27, 2018:

I would be a good game tester because I am responsible I won't let you down

I am 12 years old I live in south Africa Gauteng , Johannesburg

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on April 17, 2018:

You are welcome @Simon.

Simon Alex Jahannson on April 17, 2018:

I am glad that I read this, just by reading this makes me know more about online game tester. I am really glad to hear that even kids can do this job and I think It will be easy to them to do this. Thanks for posting information ma'am

Ashley on March 29, 2018:

Hi i want to be a game tester to get a Xbox one s Minecraft limited edition

Gamer pro on March 25, 2018:

I play almost 7 to 8 hours a day I'm twelve I want to make money testing video

Games

Hunter Runions on March 24, 2018:

Im 12 i want to test game mostly play war games

Wyatt Edward Baumann on March 09, 2018:

HI im 12 and hoping to test some fps games and racing games and i really want to get payed doing what i love

Braeden Duggins on November 16, 2017:

Hi I'm 13 I'm hoping to test some games maybe get paid i want to play games since I have a lot of free time please send me application or whatever to sign up

Jeditwo on June 20, 2017:

Hi I am twelve, and I was wondering what sites are hiring now and if they would be open to me.

liv douglas on June 05, 2017:

I just wanna know where to place an application, or jobs that are hiring.

Quality Assurance Worker on April 21, 2017:

Hi there,

I read all of your post and since I've worked for Nexon, I know what is meaning working as a Quality Assurance in a serious place. It's not just playing the game... Sometimes it could be very tiring, especially when you are forced to test a game that you don't like for over 1 or more years. Otherwise, I wish to you all a huge luck for your future experience as a Game Tester/QA.

William on November 15, 2016:

Hi guys

I REALLY want to be a game tester as I love video games so much.

I'm one of those people who 100% complete games without any guides so yeah. You can probably see why I want to be a game tester. However my game time is limited because of school and cadets (yep I go to a military school) please help!

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on May 31, 2016:

Im sorry for the late response. You can start off by Googling "How to apply to become a game tester for Microsoft Beta games".

Hope this helps Anjulina

Anjulina on May 05, 2016:

I'm 24 and have been searching everywhere for an online game testing or game reviewing position. Are there any specific sites to check?

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 07, 2015:

Hi Jake B

At 13 i don't think you'll find video tester jobs just yet.

Read more about beta game testing, enjoy more games and in a few years you can try.

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 07, 2015:

Hello Gloria, I'm sorry for the late reply.

My advice to you is to search for forums online where you can mingle with the community, read their posts, ask questions, etc... You'll get the best information that way.

Search from Google, for example lets say you are searching for "video game testing", in the Google search box, type in:

video game testing+forums and hit the search button.

Or in the case of videography, type in: videography+forums and hit the search button

Read through the results and check some out. Take it from there.

I hope this helps Gloria.

Gloria on July 27, 2015:

Hey! My name is Gloria and I'm 16. I am not exactly interested in video game beta testing. I'm more interested in like IMVU or Second life; Virtual worlds and such. I'm also interested in different types of software like music production, videography, photography and graphic design as well as art studio software and ect. I was wondering if you guys could help. I have been looking everywhere!

Thanks!

Jake B on July 22, 2015:

Hey My name is jake blackman im 13 i love playing video games ive been researching to find a job for me and this suits my life i was wondering if theres jobs left and how is the game supposed to be sent to you or do u have to go somewhere to work :) Thank you

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 08, 2014:

Cool Guy, like you rightly observed, it's mainly for 18 years old and above. You are still too young to get a chance of a job in video game testing. Competition is very tough.

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 08, 2014:

Cool Guy, like you rightly observed, it's mainly for 18 years old and above. You are still too young to get a chance of a job in video game testing. Competition is very tough.

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on August 08, 2014:

Hi Kit,

You will have a better chance of getting a game tester job when you are 18 and above. Hope this helps.

Cool Guy on August 08, 2014:

Hello Im well i wont give personal information but Im 11 and i would like to get a Job and be able to play Xbox 360 Wii u games i heard you have to be 18 and aré you guys in san diego and i would lije to play Games like minecraft starwars pokémon Zelda ocarina marvel vs capcom please answer

Kit on July 26, 2014:

Hi I'm a 13 year old female love video games I have a 2ds n th playstation 2 and 3 I am looking to be a game tester any game I just need money to go on a trip

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on May 17, 2014:

Hello Sam,

Join forums of game testers (Google search . . . gametesters+forums). You should get some leads and suggestions from other members if/when you become a part of the community.

sam on May 17, 2014:

hi I'm 19 and I have been looking non stop for a game testing job can u help me

Erica on March 06, 2014:

I'm a fourteen, almost fifteen, year old girl, and I really want to at least try video game testing. It sounds really enjoyable. I'm in high school, and I play lots of video games anyways. So getting paid for it would be kind of fun. Email me at animeawesomenesslover@gmail.com

JoshCastorillo on December 07, 2013:

Hello , Im a 15 year old teen that would like to get into the game testing industry. I have good teamwork and also leadership communication skills. The consoles that I have are an Ipod 4th gen. Xbox 360, and an apple computer. I play about 9 hours a day on the weekdays and 19 on weekends. Though I would prefer an at home job cause I am currently in highschool. I would really like some feedback or maybe some job opportunities thanks also I am very good at locating glitches and will provide a very detailed report on every one I find. Please email me at jcastorillo@gmail.com .

taty on July 09, 2013:

im 13 and i was wondering if there were any spots open for this job. im a girl and i love video games have a nice day

Eric Lee on June 30, 2013:

As you can see at the top left hand corner that my name is Eric. Im 13 years old and have a deep desire to get a job and make good money fast. I play video games on a regular basis and have a tendency to get stuff done cleanly and quickly. I had my eye on video game testing for quite a while now and also thinking about going further than that in the gaming industry such as coming up with ideas and things they need to fix or put in. As if they can use my imagination to use. For now video game testing. Im hoping to get some information on where I can start and not whether im too young or not.

Thank you for the valuable information

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on May 05, 2013:

Hi Kimble,

You can start by joining forums that discuss game testing. Depending on your age, you can register and become part of their community. You should gain more insight on where to find jobs there.

Hope this helps.

kimble on May 02, 2013:

does anybody know were to go to actually get a job like this because im old enough but i don't know how to find a job to do

webwatcher on April 26, 2013:

Your blog site is really insanely impressive! I am certainly thankful I had been able to successfully come across such proficiency on the web. Reg Zooka

Faith on April 18, 2013:

Is this Actually real? I'm 19 and I love Video Games and i dropped out o School when i was 18, I didn't want to but i had to. To be able to help my Mom and i Promise i did't want to but it was my only choice and now i'm reading about this and shocked me.

Can i really Get paid for something i enjoy doing? This will be Helpful for me if i could play and get paid while i'm finishing my GED and i am really good with Computers and Consoles.

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on March 05, 2013:

Thank you for your comments Athena. Its been difficult trying to let the very young ones know that its almost impossible for them to get these beta game testing jobs in the comments.

I appreciate your suggestion and think i will write it out boldly for the 11 to 14 year olds that its a hard feat. I have already explained the best ways for them to approach it in https://viryabo.hubpages.com/hub/5-ways-of-finding...

I hope they read that.

BTW congrats on you and your friends achievements. You will certainly go far. Best wishes

Athena on March 05, 2013:

Jeez, some of the kids commenting here really can't type well. Either that or they're not good at English. You know it isn't all just fun and games you have to have some English skills because you have to write well detailed reports. You aren't just playing the game you have to analyze it and see where the bugs are or where are the rough patches and then report them to the company. I don't think that this kind of job is for 11 or 13 year olds. I think maybe you should explain that in your article above. This is coming from a 17 year old who has tested and now I make small games with a group of friends. (we're just learning the programs right now). Learning to program is a pain in the butt, but I think rather than small kids looking for jobs in video game testing, I think they should be encouraged to learn more about the games they love. You guys are to young. It bothers me just how many of you believe it is just getting paid to play when it isn't. Well those are just my two cents.

lucas on March 04, 2013:

Hi, I'm 14 years old and have just finished building my own gaming PC, and I was wondering if anyone could link me to, or tell me about a site for game testing for under 18s.

I spend a fair amount of time playing games, and any opportunity to get played for it, and help the gaming community would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Tyler on February 26, 2013:

Can anyone help me out Im really into this type of job and looking hard for employment but i cant seem to find one for my age (14) so please can someone tell me hoe to get this job

Michael on February 23, 2013:

hey I'm looking for a game tester job (go figure) and I was wondering if there are any sites that you could refer me to that you trust or any tips as to help me on this since my parents are telling me not to trust any of the game tester job sites that are out there even though there have been some that I feel are acceptable.

viryabo (author) from Lagos, Nigeria. on February 17, 2013:

Hi Accoma, Kaleb, Sam, CC , and Bryant, i wrote an article "How to find jobs as beta game testers". You will find the link above.

That article will point you in the right direction as to how to start working towards your dreams.

I hope it helps.

Brant on February 17, 2013:

Hi my name is Brant and like anyone else here im looking for a game testing job to make big bucks. I'm 11 but before you stop reading this I want to tell you that I would make a great emplouye. A job like this is my dream and I'm not gonna sit around and wait for it to happen. I'm gonna make it happen. I just really hope that you can find the right sight for me to go on to and find a job like this.

CC on February 14, 2013:

Hi. I just turned 14 and yes I'm a girl but love gaming. I'm looking for a job testing new games. I don't know what site to go on. Do you have any suggestions?

Sam on February 06, 2013:

Hi I am already thirteen and a half, and I don't exactly know any sites where I could sign up...

Kaleb on February 05, 2013:

im turning 13 in a couple months if thats how long i have to wait

Kaleb on February 05, 2013:

hey i was wondering if i could get a job like this while im 12. I would love to get payed doing my favorite thing ever

Accoma on October 21, 2012:

I'm 19 and am interested in becoming a beta game tester. Would someone please point me in the right direction?

Connor W. on September 27, 2012:

I am 16 years old and have played video games since I was 4, I love video games and have consistantely keeping up with them, I have recentely been looking for a source of income to buy my first car and thougth I would start here, where do I go to sign up for video game testing?

Rory on September 04, 2012:

Hey I'm 20 years old and still haven't found my first job. Since I can't find a serious job how can become a game tester I love video games to death.

kris on August 12, 2012:

Hi im 11 and ive been going crazy looking for jobs like this and no help how u get job

Frank on August 02, 2012:

Hey I am 17 turning 18 in October and would love to test games. I have spent days trying to find game testing jobs but I still am looking. I play Xbox 360 about 30 to 36 hours a week. I would like it if I could become a game tester for the Xbox can you help we're can I sing up for one?

Daniel on July 25, 2012:

hello I am a straight A student who loves to play vidio games, I have been researching on testing jobs for months.I am currently 13 and would like to know if a testing job is available for me. My 1st recommended game to test would be minecraft:xbox 360 addition