With over $35 Billion in sales annually, the video game industry is on fire, and a huge player in global media entertainment. So it goes without saying that jobs in the video game industry are on the rise. But where does someone get in the door?

Starting as a
video game tester, or beta tester, may be the perfect way for budding enthusiasts to get their feet wet and learn the inner workings of video game development and publishing.

Be warned, the pay is not all that great, and it is definitely not all fun and games. game testing requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, extreme attention to detail, and the ability to work with strict deadlines in place.

Be prepared to work long hours, and to repeat games and levels over and over and over to make sure that all bugs are documented thoroughly. Meaning, when it happens, where it happens, how it happens, and the resulting error. It is like being a detective, and your trying to find a spy that is out to ruin the video game. Well, thats a little over dramatic, but you get the picture.

Seem rewarding? Maybe not, but look at the big picture. A job in game design and development, can mean fame and fortune. Well not really, but it can lead to a pretty decent salary and the ability to do something that you love and interests you.

My advice would be to get in as a video game tester while you are seeking your degree in game development or design. Remember, when it comes to the video game industry their is something for everyone. Game programmers, project managers, conceptual artists, character designers, music designers, marketers, public relations, not to mention normal day to day business positions, and executive positions. We are talking about a huge industry, with a product like nothing else. Video Games are not going anywhere, they continue to entertain and delight and perplex people of all ages. As technology grows we can expect gamers to find whole new ways to immerse themselves into the action, and game publishing companies will find new and exciting ways to grow the customer base to such far reach places as the living room of your grandparents, winter home in Florida. C'mon you know your grandmother would totally love shuffle board on the Wii.

So be on the lookout for video game testing jobs.';