Microsoft wants YOU… to test video games

Ever wanted to test video games and touch unreleased hardware? Microsoft may have the perfect solution for you. The giant software company is looking for game testers and is accepting applications online at its Playtest homepage.

Apparently there is no age limit for the program – kids under 12 can apply with their parent’s permission. While MS won’t pay you cold hard cash for testing their games, they will reward you with software. For free. As for location, most tests are done around Microsoft’s HQ in Redmond, Washington USA (near Seattle) so of course it helps to live there. But – sometimes the company conducts tests in other locations, including in Vancouver, BC on the sixth and seventh of May. Signing up is free, after all, so there really isn’t anything to lose.

When you apply, you’ll be asked what kind of games you’re interested in and general stuff like that, so Microsoft can match you up with software you’d be sure to enjoy. Most test sessions are two to three hours long, and testers will enjoy hands-on experience with the latest Microsoft games and hardware before anyone can buy them – as long as you keep everything secret. That’s right, Microsoft will get you to sign a non-disclosure agreement which means you cannot talk about the test or anything else about the whole ordeal afterward – kind of sucks cause naturally you’d want to either blog or tell your friends about the experience. Ah well. You can take tests every two months after the first time if you want.

Will I apply for this? Maybe, maybe not. I don’t play many games but I suppose this would be an interesting experience – even if I do have to wait until the month of May to do it. You can check out Microsoft’s Playtest site here.