Activision is a premier game developer that is major staple in the video game industry, having produced games such as Call of Duty, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and Guitar Hero. Activision creates and distributes games for PC and most video game consoles. The company also owns several subsidiaries, the most notable of which are Blizzard (the designers of World of Warcraft) and Infinity Ward. Due to the increasing popularity and presence of Activision within the video game industry exemplified by a reported 2.9 billion dollars in 2008 revenue, Activision will likely continue to offer various game testing jobs to both inexperienced and experienced testers alike.

Things to Know About Activision

Activision games are usually characterized by compelling graphics, a strong attention to online multiplayer modes, and diverse plot lines/character development.  Call of Duty is a notable example, with detailed graphics, a thorough history-based storyline, and a powerful first person shooter action experience. Activision-Blizzard arose as a combination between both Activision and major game developer Blizzard, and they are responsible for producing World of Warcraft; a game that happens to be the most-played online RPG to date.

Activision game testing jobs are similar to most testing jobs offered by game developers throughout the world. Potential employees will likely be required to submit detailed reports on any bugs or glitches experienced during game play, test online multiplayer capabilities of games in pre-release mode, and occasionally complete surveys on regular user game play habits. Activision regularly hires both experienced game testers for full-time positions and entry-level testers for temporary positions with the possibility of extension to full-time. Whether or not you can expect to land a full-time position will clearly depend on whether or not you are capable of proving yourself as a reliable game tester. A typical entry-level temp position can pay around 9-10 dollars per hour.

What Qualifications Should I Have?

Contrary to popular belief, a game testing job usually involves more than just spending several hours a day on the sofa playing video games and then offering a short write up to the publishing company. More often than not, candidates for a job at Activision will be required to submit detailed resumes and prove their qualifications. If you do a search for advertised Activision jobs, you will likely run into a lengthy list of criteria points. These include the requirements that candidates will possess a strong attention to detail, good work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly. Jobs will typically fall within two categories: full time staff working directly at the developing company and game testers hired on a temporary basis to test beta versions of games from home.