| How to Become a Video Game Tester Posted: 16 May 2021 01:00 AM PDT If you're a gamer, working as a game tester probably seems like living the dream. After all, what could be better than playing your favorite game all day? QA testing can help you turn your gaming passion into a real career, and it's also a great way to get your foot in the door if you want to work in other gaming-related fields like design and development. We're here to answer your biggest questions about this fast-paced career! [Edit]What education do you need to be a video game tester? - You only need a high-school degree, although additional training may help. You can usually get an entry-level job as a quality assurance (QA) technician without any special education or previous experience—all you really need is a passion for gaming.[1] However, you'll have an edge if you have a bachelor's in something like computer science or game design. If that's not an option, you can also get a professional certification in QA, like the one offered by ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board).[2]
- To get certified through ISTQB, take and pass the Foundation Level exam, which will test you on basic QA knowledge. There aren't any prerequisites to take the exam, but you should study by reading through the syllabus or taking an accredited training class.[3]
- Occasionally, some studios will require these certifications or degrees, but even if they don't, having this additional training will show that you're really serious about a career in the gaming industry.
[Edit]Can I get paid to play video games all day? - Not really—you'll be doing really specific tasks that help you find glitches. When you're playing a video game, you can explore it at your own pace, working on whatever you're most interested in at the moment. As a video game tester, though, you often have to focus on a specific aspect of the game for long periods at a time. You'll go through the game methodically, trying out a variety of different options to see if anything in the game breaks.[4]
- Game testing can be kind of monotonous, but if you really enjoy grinding to level up in a game, or you like solving tough puzzles, it might be just the thing for you!
- You'll also have to do paperwork as part of your job. In addition to the actual testing, you'll also do some of the same things you would in any other office. For instance, you might spend a lot of your time attending meetings and writing emails or reports.[5]
- As you get more experience in the field, you might even be involved in fixing bugs when you find them—this position is typically known as a QA engineer.
[Edit]How do I find video game tester jobs? - Search for positions as a quality assurance (QA) technician. Most jobs won't be listed as "video game tester," so use this formal title when you're browsing. Online job boards are always a good place to start, but you might also check individual studios' websites to see if they have any open positions, as well.[6]
- To get a more competitive edge, you might start by looking for internships and summer jobs in the tech industry—they don't necessarily have to be gaming-related to start with.[7]
- If you don't live near any gaming studios, try getting experience by creating your own games, learning the tools and technology that are used in the industry, and being active in online testing communities.[8]
[Edit]Can you be a video game tester from home? - Most jobs are in-studio. You need to work closely with other testers and the dev team—and the nature of your work can be highly confidential—so most studios prefer to hire QA technicians who can work on location. Because of that, you're most likely to find a job as a tester if you live in a city with a big tech industry, like San Francisco, London, Seoul, Brisbane, or Tokyo.[9] However, more studios are offering opportunities for remote testing, so don't give up if there aren't any video game studios near you—you might be able to snag a position if you're lucky![10]
- Remote testing positions are likely to be really competitive, so try to boost your resume with certifications, beta testing experience, and knowledge about the software you'll be using in the field.[11]
[Edit]Is being a game tester a good entry into the video game industry? - Yes, it's a great way to get entry-level experience. The video game industry is extremely competitive, and it can be hard to break into fields like animation and design. QA doesn't require you to have a degree or prior experience, so it's a great way to get your foot in the door.[12]
- There's no guarantee that working in QA will lead to other jobs, so keep working to learn new skills and technologies that can help you transition into another field if that's what you hope to do.[13]
[Edit]How do you prepare for a game test interview? - Read the job description and tailor your interview to that. Check out any keywords in the job listing and think about how you can demonstrate those. For instance, if they mention "attention to detail," you might point out a cool but subtle technology you noticed in a game you've played. If you see "problem-solving skills," you might talk about a time you solved a tough problem when you were working on a project. That will help you stand out, even if you've never worked as a QA technician before.[14]
- Other qualities that are important for a QA technician include being logical, persistent, organized, patient, and creative.[15]
- If you've ever been a beta tester for a game before, definitely mention that! It's not exactly the same as QA work, but it involves a really similar approach to a game, where you're going deeper than just casually playing.
- Research the company you're interviewing with. Make sure you know the type of games the company creates—knowing a few of their previous titles definitely won't hurt. If you can find any information on projects they're currently developing, make a note of that. You might even do some research on the people who work on their games, especially if the studio has any heavy-hitters in the industry.[16]
- Even if the studio makes your favorite game of all time, try to do some research beyond that—you don't want to just seem like a gamer, but someone who's really passionate about the industry as a whole.
[Edit]What is the salary of a game tester? - Usually, it's about $10-$20 USD an hour. Being a QA technician is usually an entry-level position in the video game industry—the starting rate is usually around $10 an hour. Work can be a little sporadic, especially when you're first starting out—you may find that you're hired on near the end of a project for a few weeks of furious work, then you may be laid off after the game is released. However, if you're willing to stick with it, it can be a great way to get the experience that can lead to better jobs in the future, so don't give up if this is your dream![17]
[Edit]Is it fun to be a video game tester? - Yes, but the job can be really stressful, too. The gaming industry can be high-pressure, with tight deadlines. On top of that, QA testers are often the last line of defense against bugs that can ruin a user's experience. Because of that, working in QA can be really intense sometimes. All jobs carry some degree of stress, though, so don't let that stop you if it's what you really want to do.[18]
[Edit]Warnings - As you're looking for jobs, watch out for scams—real studios will never ask you to pay for a game that you're testing.
[Edit]References |
| How to Cope With Being Alone at Night Posted: 15 May 2021 05:00 PM PDT Whether your family is out of town, your partner is gone for the night, or you live on your own, nighttime can be a little nerve-wracking. Feeling lonely or frightened while you're alone is normal, especially after the sun goes down. However, there are tons of ways you can make your nighttime experience by yourself much better (and even get a full night's sleep). [Edit]Practicing Self-Care - Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. If you're worried about being alone at night, you might be feeling scared, anxious, or nervous. Acknowledge what you're feeling by writing it down in a journal to work through your emotions.[1]
- Making a bullet journal is a great way to track your thoughts and feelings over a long period of time.
- Turn on some soothing music. When you're home alone, you can listen to anything you want! Pick your favorite song and play it on a speaker or through headphones to dance and sing along.[2]
- If it's late and your neighbors live close to you, headphones are the way to go.
- Practice muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety. Pick a muscle group to start with, like your hands or your feet. Breathe in and clench your muscle group as hard as you can, then hold it for 5 to 10 seconds. Breathe out as you relax your muscles, then wait 10 to 20 seconds before moving onto the next muscle group.[3]
- Eventually, you can work through your entire body to relax yourself and reduce anxious thoughts.
- When you're finished with your entire body, count backwards from 5 to ground yourself again.
- Distract yourself from negative thoughts. It can be easy to get stuck in a negative thought pattern when you're alone. To avoid those thoughts, try doing something you enjoy, like:[4]
- Reading a good book
- Trying a new art or craft
- Meditating
- Cooking or baking
- Do something productive. If you don't feel like a relaxing activity will distract you enough, jump into a project that will occupy your mind. You could do some chores around the house, catch up on your to-do list, or dive into a hobby.[5]
- If you're not sure what to try, some moderate exercise can make you feel really productive. Just make sure you're not exercising too close to bedtime, or you could keep yourself awake.
[Edit]Feeling Safe - Lock all of your doors and windows before bed. Take a few minutes to walk around your home and check that everything is locked up. That way, you can head to sleep without worrying about intruders.[6]
- If you'd like some extra security, set up a camera outside of your home.
- Get to know your neighbors so they can keep an eye out for you. It's always nice to feel like you have someone to turn to in case of an emergency. Introduce yourself to the people who live around you and exchange phone numbers if you'd like to.[7]
- This is also a great way to make new friends.
- Charge your phone and keep it nearby. Putting it on your nightstand is a great way to keep it with you while you sleep. Make sure it's charged (or charging) and within arm's reach in case you need it.[8]
- Having your phone nearby can also make you feel safer as you fall asleep.
- Plan an escape route in case of an emergency. While it's not likely that anything will happen, planning out your route can make you feel less anxious. Make sure you know how to leave your home in case of a fire or an emergency.[9]
- You should know where the fire escapes are in your building if you have them, too.
[Edit]Sleeping Well - Turn off your technology 1 hour before bed. Phones, computers, and tablets can trick our brains into thinking that it's day time. Try to unplug yourself from technology about an hour before you want to go to sleep.[10]
- You can read a book, do a crossword puzzle, or try crafting as you wind down for bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed. Both of these substances can keep you awake, even if you're tired. If you'd like a hot drink before bed, try herbal tea without caffeine.[11]
- Chocolate can also keep you awake, so you may want to stick to savory snacks before bed.
- Relax with a warm bath or a good book. Anything that winds you down and gets you into a calm mood is perfect. Set aside about 30 minutes to chill out before you head to bed.[12]
- A hot shower, a face mask, or a fun skincare routine are also options!
- Make your bedroom comfortable. Turn the lights down, wear your favorite pajamas, and put your softest sheets on the bed. Use an ambient noise generator or a fan if you don't want to sleep in silence, or wear earplugs if you don't like noise. Make sure the temperature stays cool but not cold to help you get to sleep.[13]
- If you find yourself tossing and turning, get out of bed and go do something else, like reading, until you feel sleepy.
- Go to sleep around the same time every night. This will help your body fall into a bedtime routine on its own. If you can, try to keep a regular sleep schedule so it's easier to fall and stay asleep.[14]
- It's okay to deviate from your schedule a little bit, so don't beat yourself up if you end up going to bed an hour later than usual.
[Edit]Connecting with Others - Socialize regularly during the day. Schedule regular social activities with friends throughout the week. This will give you structure, keep you connected to others, and help improve your mood. If you stay busy enough interacting with others during the weekday hours, chances are you'll be less likely to notice feeling alone at night.[15]
- If you and your friends have busy schedules, it could be hard to find times to meet up. Try scheduling a weekly or monthly hangout time to get it on the schedule before everyone gets too busy.
- Connect with friends or family online or on the phone. If you have friends who live far away, consider keeping in touch with them through email, Facebook, Twitter, or Skype. Schedule regular phone calls or text messages with friends for when you come home at night.[16]
- Texts and calls are nice, but face-to-face interaction can't be beat. Try video chatting or FaceTiming with your loved ones for a stronger connection.
- Volunteer, take a class, or join a club in your community. This could help keep you from feeling too lonely, give you more structure, shift your mood, give you increased self-confidence, and help you meet more diverse people in your community. By the time you get home at night, you'll feel tired and less alone because you've spent the day meaningfully connecting with others.[17]
- This may feel uncomfortable at first, and you might have to try several different clubs or organizations before you find one where you feel more at home.
- Adopt a pet if you have the means to. A furry companion can help keep you company at night and make you feel safer. Dogs, cats, hamsters, lizards, bunnies, and guinea pigs are all great options to choose from.[18]
- Puppies and kittens can be a little tough to deal with. Consider adopting an older pet from your local shelter instead.
- When you're alone, you can do whatever you want without distracting or annoying someone else!
- While you can cope with loneliness on your own, if it feels overwhelming, seek out a mental health professional.[19]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Recycle Aluminum Posted: 15 May 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you're looking for an easy way to help the environment at home, recycling your aluminum is a great way to start. Everything from soda cans, food containers, car parts, and appliances are made from aluminum and can be reused again and again to make new materials. While it might seem like a straightforward process, there are few things to keep in mind when you want to recycle aluminum. [Edit]Is all aluminum recyclable? - Yes, all aluminum can be reused to make new products. Extracting new aluminum from the ground creates pollution and burns a lot of energy, but reusing recycled aluminum can prevent it. Since aluminum doesn't corrode either, you can recycle it multiple times without losing any of the material.[1]
- Aluminum is the most valuable material that you can recycle and 75% of aluminum made in the United States is still being used today.
[Edit]Can I put aluminum in the recycle bin? - Contact your local recycling facility to find any restrictions in your area. Even though all aluminum is recyclable, that doesn't mean your local collection facility can accept everything for curbside pickup. Find the facility's number and call them to ask if you can put your aluminum pieces in the bin for collection. Let them know about specific appliance pieces or other forms of aluminum you're trying to recycle so you know for sure.[2]
- You can find recycling centers near you here: https://search.earth911.com/?utm_source=earth911-header/.
- The types of aluminum your facility accepts depends on your city and county since some areas may not have access to sorting machines or aluminum markets. You're usually safe recycling cans and aluminum food containers.
[Edit]Where can I take aluminum to get recycled? - You can bring aluminum directly to a recycling facility for quick disposal. If you don't want to wait for curbside collection, look up the nearest collection center that accepts drop-offs. Pack your aluminum recyclables into your vehicle and bring them to the collection center so they can immediately get sorted and processed.[3]
- Some recycling facilities will collect pieces of aluminum you aren't allowed to put into curbside pickup. If you have a piece of aluminum that you aren't sure about, call ahead to see if they accept it.
- Take any aluminum that wasn't accepted to a scrap metal recycler. Since scrap metal can damage recycling equipment, you may need to find a scrap metal recycler for aluminum pipes, appliances, car parts, or radiators. Search for local places online and call them to ask about what types of aluminum they collect. They should be able to take it off your hands to reuse or resell the aluminum to someone else.[4]
- Ask your local recycling facility if they have contact information for scrap metal recyclers in your area.
[Edit]How do I prepare aluminum for recycling? - Rinse off any food residue. If you're recycling an old aluminum container, soda can, or pie plate, run it underneath some water to clean it off. Scrub off any stuck-on bits of food as best as you can. It doesn't have to be perfectly clean, but try to remove as much as possible before you toss it in with your recyclables.[5]
- Food residue can contaminate recycling centers and make it more difficult to reuse the material.
- Cleaning off your aluminum also helps prevent bugs and odors.
[Edit]Should I crush aluminum cans before recycling? - Leave cans intact if you're recycling them with other materials. Since many locations mix all recyclables together, crushed cans might not get picked up by separators or sorting machines. When you recycle your cans, keep them in their original shape so it's easier for the facility to process them.[6]
- Check with your local recycling facility to see if they have a preference. Some areas may be strict about leaving cans intact but others might accept crushed cans as well.
- Crush your cans if you're separating them from other recyclables. Since you're already sorting the cans out from your other recyclables, it doesn't matter if you crush them or leave them intact. If you want to save space in your home and collect as many cans as possible, then feel free to crush them.[7]
- Don't put the crushed cans out with your regular recycling collection since they might get mistakenly mixed with your other recyclables. Instead, take them directly to a recycling facility so they don't get missorted.
[Edit]Can I put aluminum foil in my recycling bin? - You can usually recycle aluminum foil as long as you crumple it. Always check with your local recycling facility to confirm you can put it in the bin with your other recyclables. If they do allow it, crumple the piece of aluminum into a loose ball so it doesn't accidentally get sorted with paper and cardboard at the recycling facility.[8]
- Make sure to clean off any food waste that's on the aluminum foil so you don't contaminate other recyclables.[9]
[Edit]How much do scrap yards pay for aluminum? - Aluminum can earn you around $0.30–0.90 USD per . Search online for scrap yards or recyclers in your area that offer payment for aluminum. Bring all of the aluminum you want to get rid of to the scrap yard and let them weigh it on a scale. When they find out how much aluminum you have, they'll pay you a set rate per pound.[10]
- The amount you get paid varies between scrap yards. Contact a few places to find out their rates so you can find the one that will give you the most money.
- Some recycling centers pay $0.05 USD for every aluminum can. Look on your state's or city's website to see if they offer a cash refund value on aluminum cans. If your area participates in the program, keep your aluminum cans separate from your other recyclables and bring them to the facility. When you want to cash in, bring your cans to a facility that accepts drop-offs.[11]
- Look for a refund value listed on the can's label to see how much each can is worth. Check for the phrase "CRV" or "Redemption Value" somewhere on the can.
- Whenever you're in doubt, reach out to your local recycling facility to see if you can bring aluminum there.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid throwing aluminum away if there's still food residue on it since it could contaminate the recyclables.[12]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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