Interested in game testing internships, any advice for high schoolers?

I've been thinking about looking for game testing internships while I'm still in high school. Does anyone know if these are open to high school students and how I can find one? I love gaming and think this could be fun!

That's great that you're looking into a career that merges with your personal interests! Game testing, also known as quality assurance (QA), is an important part of the game development process, and some companies do offer opportunities for high school students.

However, keep in mind that the game testing industry can be quite competitive. It's also worth noting that, while indeed fun, game testing can also be repetitive and meticulous work, as it involves identifying and documenting bugs in the game.

To locate internships, you can start by researching game developers and publishers in your area. Additionally, check out online job boards and sites like LinkedIn or Appily for listings. A simple search such as "game testing internships for high school students" should give you a good starting point.

Additionally, game companies often want testers with a broad knowledge of video games across various platforms. Continue diversifying your gaming experiences and understanding of different genres. If you have favorites, deep dives into these games could impress prospective employers, demonstrating your knowledge of what makes a game enjoyable and successful.

It could also be beneficial to develop related skills. Familiarizing yourself with basic programming concepts and languages (like Python or C++) can certainly give you a leg up.

Don't be disheartened if you find that many opportunities are for college students or graduates. The important thing is to keep building your passion, fine-tuning your skills, and staying persistent. Accuracy, attention-to-detail, and good written communication are key traits for a game tester. It's important to demonstrate these in your high school years, both through your academics and any relevant extracurriculars.

Remember, game testing is a stepping stone to many other roles in the game industry like design, programming, art, and production, so starting early can be advantageous. Good luck with your search!