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Subject: Bungie Tester - How do I begin?

Hey, I'm Dark_Farlane. What's up?
I'm a Brony and a big Whovian and is in Beatlemania.
BUNGIE 7/7 FOREVER

I've noticed that on the homepage now I could work with Bungie as a tester. Then it said I had to be required at least 2 years of Software Testing.

So now, I ask the question....how do I begin as a software tester?

  • 06.19.2012 3:13 PM PDT
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Are you serious?

  • 06.19.2012 3:15 PM PDT

Hey, I'm Dark_Farlane. What's up?
I'm a Brony and a big Whovian and is in Beatlemania.
BUNGIE 7/7 FOREVER


Posted by: HotHead
Are you serious?
What?

  • 06.19.2012 3:20 PM PDT

Yes, I'm sure someone is needed to test the quality of the takeout food.

Oh, software testing, can't help there.

[Edited on 06.19.2012 3:21 PM PDT]

  • 06.19.2012 3:20 PM PDT
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I'm gonna finish it. Just like Jigga did to the pyramid.

I'd say look in here for employee interviews, they might have some advice for you. Also study computer science at college/university and you'd be well on your way to becoming a software tester.

  • 06.19.2012 3:33 PM PDT
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These seem to be good sources of information, at a glance:
http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/716229/how-to-become-a-v ideo-game-tester-g4u/
http://techland.time.com/2010/12/29/so-you-want-to-be-a-video -game-tester/
http://www.bungie.net/inside/content_viewer.aspx?link=about_c areers#32127
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_testing

[Edited on 06.19.2012 3:53 PM PDT]

  • 06.19.2012 3:47 PM PDT

Fight your way out; only scrubs and mashers jump out of the corner

Check your area for vocational or computer schools that offer programs in software testing. A lot of them exist and have services to help you get a job after you finish your classes.

There are also plenty of books and online resources available, you might take a look at the QA Stack Exchange for more in depth recommendations on where to find resources, what to study, and how to approach certain testing problems.

As a former software tester ( I'm a software engineer now ), I can't stress enough the importance of organization and strong communication skills. You'll need to be able to work fairly autonomously, so organizing your tasks and managing your time are paramount. Communication skills are key, as you'll be spending a lot of time describing abnormal behavior, the state the environment is in, steps to reproduce, and possibly your analysis of the nature of the bug ( if you're really familiar with the system, you may be able to provide insight on where the bug exists in the code )

A knowledge of programming languages and how they work is definitely a plus. From a conversation I had with Jon at Bungie a few months ago ( fund raiser event ), they really value testers who are able to understand the code and its implications. If you can see weak areas to test against, or think of conditions to try from reading code, all the better. Plus it often helps to be able to automate or script certain tasks; from fully automated regression test suites to simple cleanup or deployment scripts.

You'll also want to get in the habit of detaching yourself from things a bit; it's really helpful when you're able to frame a defect from the point of view of a third party. Testers and developers can get REALLY close to a project, making it difficult to see or appreciate defects. Having strong skills at looking at a defect objectively will help prevent this.

Finally, borrowing from one of the more recent Breaking In articles ( I forget which one and will try to add it later ) - start thinking critically about the games you play and applications you use. Find defects and report them ( many companies have ways for receiving bug reports ). Do your best to stay on top of them and help them come to a resolution, and document the correspondence. Start acting and thinking like a tester :)

[Edited on 06.19.2012 4:02 PM PDT]

  • 06.19.2012 4:01 PM PDT

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Here's my twitter, in the off-chance you want that too.

Community Joe Interview: defnop552
Bye.

You can sign up for the Microsoft Playtest. Simply fill out the online signup form. Then they'll contact you when there's a study that's a good fit for you. You'll get to experience new and unreleased games, make them better with your input, and Microsoft provide you with a software gratuity as a thank you for your time and feedback.

Seems like a good place to start. :-)

  • 06.19.2012 4:05 PM PDT

Fight your way out; only scrubs and mashers jump out of the corner

By the way, if your goal is to work at Bungie, you need to remember: testing video games does not mean playing them all day for money.

It means a lot of mundane tasks; an example is jumping in the same spot 10,000 times to make sure it doesn't crash the game ( see? scripting, right here :p )

Sure there are times where you're almost playing, but you're always putting the hunt for defects first.

  • 06.19.2012 4:13 PM PDT

“Oh, it’s a little bit of everything, it’s the mountains, it’s the fog, it’s the news at six o’clock, it’s the death of my first dog, it’s the angels up above me, it’s the song that they don’t sing, It’s a little bit of everything.”
- Dawes, A little bit of everything


Posted by: defnop552
You can sign up for the Microsoft Playtest. Simply fill out the online signup form. Then they'll contact you when there's a study that's a good fit for you. You'll get to experience new and unreleased games, make them better with your input, and Microsoft provide you with a software gratuity as a thank you for your time and feedback.

Seems like a good place to start. :-)
Thank you for the link there. I was active in their old program with MGS and was unaware of the new one. -edit- Actually, my bad. I hadn't read what the Playtest was and thought it was the new MGS Beta Program. OP, if you haven't looked into the MGS Beta Program, I would recommend it. I think it would provide some basic experience in game testing.

On an unrelated note, the Server Security position seems to have been filled (I had been watching that one since it appeared, somewhat hoping it would be available once I graduated). Whoever filled that, if you're reading this, do you need an intern?

[Edited on 06.19.2012 4:26 PM PDT]

  • 06.19.2012 4:20 PM PDT

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Posted by: Deus_Ex_Machina
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MGS has a ton of entry-level positions. Even getting a QA job for any kind of software is good. Just build up your experience.

But let me warn you. This isn't a job where you "test" the game, say it's of good quality, then go home. You will go insane after jumping on a platform for two hours, trying to reproduce a very destructive bug. A game's music will run through your head as you sleep. During crunch, you will work well over 40 hours a week, with little sleep.

QA can really suck.

  • 06.19.2012 4:21 PM PDT

Check out my Soundcloud account to hear some of my music.
Here's my twitter, in the off-chance you want that too.

Community Joe Interview: defnop552
Bye.

No problem. I think I've advertised the Playtest site every year since I joined the Bungie community.
[Darn Edit] Could you give a little description of what the MSG program was like when you took part? Was it hardcore testing? Did you play till you puked? Or was it an enjoyable experience overall?

Posted by: Kickimanjaro
On an unrelated note, the Server Security position seems to have been filled. Whoever filled that, if you're reading this, do you need an intern?
Hahahah. I hope you get hired from that post. :-)


>>Microsoft Game Studios Beta Program<<

[Edited on 06.19.2012 4:32 PM PDT]

  • 06.19.2012 4:28 PM PDT

“Oh, it’s a little bit of everything, it’s the mountains, it’s the fog, it’s the news at six o’clock, it’s the death of my first dog, it’s the angels up above me, it’s the song that they don’t sing, It’s a little bit of everything.”
- Dawes, A little bit of everything

MGS Betas - Microsoft Connect

More information can be found in the link above, however they don't say much. From my experience, emails don't go out too often, and you're not guaranteed a spot in once you receive an email.

I've had a blast testing games with MGS. You are not obligated to go anywhere as the games are either shipped to you or you're given a code to download them. Participation isn't really mandatory, although if you want to participate in future tests then you really should offer some feedback. I wouldn't say it's hardcore testing either as the whole program seems pretty laid back.

Testing Kinect was definitely a highlight and it was rewarding to feel like the small bugs I found were being fixed and that it mattered. If anything, I'd recommend signing up for it as emails (at least for myself) seem few and far between.

  • 06.19.2012 4:49 PM PDT

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I should also point out as Bungie is no longer affiliated with Microsoft they probably use 3rd party QA along with in house QA teams. There are 9 positions open in testing Just remember its not all playing games, Most of the time you'll be sent into one specific part of the level and told to jump on every part of the map, or see how many times you can press x before it breaks. And that will be your job. from 9-whenever they want you to leave.

  • 06.19.2012 6:27 PM PDT

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Posted by: ALI217
I'd say look in here for employee interviews, they might have some advice for you. Also study computer science at college/university and you'd be well on your way to becoming a software tester.

  • 06.19.2012 8:13 PM PDT

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Yep. You basically have to play through the game doing weird things that might cause bugs just to see if there are any.

You barely enjoy the game you're playing. Imagine replaying the first mission of Halo 3 for 3 hours straight.


Posted by: cortana 5
MGS has a ton of entry-level positions. Even getting a QA job for any kind of software is good. Just build up your experience.

But let me warn you. This isn't a job where you "test" the game, say it's of good quality, then go home. You will go insane after jumping on a platform for two hours, trying to reproduce a very destructive bug. A game's music will run through your head as you sleep. During crunch, you will work well over 40 hours a week, with little sleep.

QA can really suck.

  • 06.19.2012 8:23 PM PDT

Error 404:
-Error not found.


Posted by: The Sage Of Halo
I should also point out as Bungie is no longer affiliated with Microsoft they probably use 3rd party QA along with in house QA teams. There are 9 positions open in testing Just remember its not all playing games, Most of the time you'll be sent into one specific part of the level and told to jump on every part of the map, or see how many times you can press x before it breaks. And that will be your job. from 9-whenever they want you to leave.

This is true.

Especially bad for... not being paid?

  • 06.19.2012 8:31 PM PDT

Hey, I'm Dark_Farlane. What's up?
I'm a Brony and a big Whovian and is in Beatlemania.
BUNGIE 7/7 FOREVER


Posted by: Krimm117
By the way, if your goal is to work at Bungie, you need to remember: testing video games does not mean playing them all day for money.

It means a lot of mundane tasks; an example is jumping in the same spot 10,000 times to make sure it doesn't crash the game ( see? scripting, right here :p )

Sure there are times where you're almost playing, but you're always putting the hunt for defects first.
I know, but I already read about some of the negative stuff. This was good anyways.

  • 06.19.2012 11:17 PM PDT

Owning Noobs Since 05

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Jim Harkins


Posted by: defnop552
Microsoft Playtest


Dang it sounds like to be in the playtest program you have to be in WA which sucks!

Posted by: defnop552
Microsoft Game Studios Beta Program<<


That program seems more accessible I might give it a try.

  • 06.19.2012 11:39 PM PDT

Fight your way out; only scrubs and mashers jump out of the corner

There's a difference between play testing, beta testing, and testing as a career. While it's good to participate in play testing and beta testing, you're not going to get the kind of skill and experience to get a full time testing job with just these.

Play testing is usually sourced to a general audience; people who aren't professional testers but average Joes and Janes. The purpose of play testing is to get an idea for what the average player experience is for things like pacing and difficulty, not to find bugs.

Beta testing is more focused on finding bugs and proving the stability of a system, but is also as ephemeral as play testing. You test something for a short amount of time then it's released. Unless you're for all intents and purposes a full time beta tester, there's not a lot of career building experience to be had here.

These kind of activities largely only become career building opportunities when you already have the skill and experience to make it as a career tester.

  • 06.20.2012 10:02 AM PDT

Posted by: AngryBrute1
Oh yeah, since somebody does not believe what YOU believe; that makes us vapid...
I cannot grasp that what you call "Something happened to nothing, and that nothing became something, and it was smaller than than a period."

Look for companies that need a software tester, quit after 2 years, and get hired at Bungie?

  • 06.20.2012 10:05 AM PDT

Man of God. Fan of Bungie. Eater of many Jr. Bacon cheeseburgers.


Posted by: defnop552
You can sign up for the Microsoft Playtest. Simply fill out the online signup form. Then they'll contact you when there's a study that's a good fit for you. You'll get to experience new and unreleased games, make them better with your input, and Microsoft provide you with a software gratuity as a thank you for your time and feedback.

Seems like a good place to start. :-)


Thanks for that.

  • 06.20.2012 12:24 PM PDT


Posted by: cortana 5
You will go insane after jumping on a platform for two hours, trying to reproduce a very destructive bug. A game's music will run through your head as you sleep. During crunch, you will work well over 40 hours a week, with little sleep.

Sounds like my kind of fun.

  • 06.20.2012 9:20 PM PDT

Nate - Project Tool Designer

Don't forget, our Studio President even came from test.

  • 06.20.2012 9:39 PM PDT

if(!now){when();}
Bungie Favorite Author : Iris::1
Map

The more you know about the inner workings of the product, the easier it is to spot, locate, and eliminate bugs.

I always preferred clear box testing over black box testing.

  • 06.20.2012 10:03 PM PDT

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