Become a Game Tester for PC Gamer

PC Gamer is one of the most well-known and authoritative voice in the gaming world. The magazine was founded in Britain in 1993 by Future Publishing. While the UK version is the original, the magazine soon realized it could expand its readership by creating a US version of the magazine.

Both editions became one of the, if not the, top selling PC games magazines. A typical edition of PC Gamer will feature reviews, previews of new games, what's going on in the video game industry, and much more. A related website has also been launched that expands on the reviews and previews sections. It features live videos and interviews, podcasts, and more.

Get those reviews submitted!

The review section of PC Gamer is one of the most popular sections, and it's where the average game can get involved. The reviews are occasionally written by the magazine's writing staff, but more often, freelance writers contribute to this section. If you'd like to become a game tester for PC Gamer, it's not impossible. But there are some things you'll need to know before you send off review after review.

First, of course, send you review to the right magazine. While the US and UK versions may be owned by the same company, they are considered two different publications. If you plan on writing for the UK version, be certain to submit your credentials and sample reviews to the UK editor, not the US one.

Disappointment if you don't check

Second, you're going to need to make certain your writing is polished. When it comes to writing game reviews for a large magazine, how you say something is almost more important than what you say. Yes, your honest, clear opinion on whichever game you've tested is important, but it is also important that you can convey that opinion. Don't simply write a review and send it in for consideration. Proofread it first, then have someone else read it. Work on the piece until it shines, especially if it is the first review you've written for the magazine. Likewise, your cover letter and resume, if you're sending on in, need to be polished and error-free. Nothing will get you turned away from a magazine than a poorly written piece.

Third, write your reviews in the same style as those published by PC Gamer. Note, for example, that few reviews include large, complex words. That's not because the reviewers or editors think video game players are dumb. Far from it. However, they don't want someone to need a dictionary to read their reviews. Also note that many reviews have some humorous elements to them. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Read any of the PC Gamer reviews in their magazine or on their website and you'll see that their testers and writers write in an interesting, conversational style that pulls in the reader.

Try, try, try again!

Finally, don't be afraid to try again. If your first review isn't accepted for publication, write another. Look at PC games that haven't been reviewed, even if they're a few years old. Read and re-read posted reviews to see what works for the publication. Get as many opinions on your reviews as you can before submitting them and pay attention to comments. While some may ultimately not work for your writing style or what you want to say, it's still important to listen to what your readers are saying. All in all, keep trying, and keep reading PC Gamer magazine to see what they want.