My bro is a gametester for Live 2004..yay (extreme sarcasm)

[bishibashiboy]

My brother got the tour today at EA (in Burnaby, BC) today because he'll be one of the gametesters for Live 2004 (PS2 ver). Anybody that actually knows EA will know how pathetic his pay is: $x CAD per hour..for a comp sci grad from university...outrageous.

OH well..anyways, he said he'll be doing some roster stuff (not quite sure exactly what yet) but it sounds like ensuring they're all accurate or something. If he gets to do anything more "fun" or gets to actually have any REAL input into the game or if he gets to EXTENSIVELY play the pre-release version of the game, I'll let you guys know if it's good or sucks ass.

[Icebane]

Damn... Journalists get more money than that.. even ones tht just go straight out of HIGH SCHOOL... HAHAH.. What a sucka...

Well at least he gets paid to play games...

[Colin]

I'll be getting a tour soon because my Dad taught a business course and two guys from EA were there. So I'll also tell what I learn when the time comes.

EDIT: My old basketball coach (as in he sued to be not as in he's 57, he's 26) has a job testing march Madness right now, so he's pretty lucky.

[Andrew]

Any tidbits would be most appreciated.

[Tim]

Please note that posting any confidential information in a public forum can and will get people into serious trouble, so please consider that when you receive information and release it to the public.

This applies to information on the game but also to information on work conditions, salaries, etc.

[A.I.Rulez]

Please note that posting any confidential information in a public forum can and will get people into serious trouble, so please consider that when you receive information and release it to the public.

This applies to information on the game but also to information on work conditions, salaries, etc.

That's sucks ....
So, does it means he can't tell us nothing about the game, nothing ??

[BIG GREEN]

heh Tim..you sneak. You just happen to be scouting the boards when this topic arises huh?

[bishibashiboy]

Please note that posting any confidential information in a public forum can and will get people into serious trouble, so please consider that when you receive information and release it to the public.

This applies to information on the game but also to information on work conditions, salaries, etc.

Alright, granted, releasing confidential information about a game has grounds for punishment. However, IMHO the only "crime" committed here is his ridiculously low wage and a few other policies of EA. Needless to say, I'm glad I don't work there.

[Icebane]

[Andrew]

Please note that posting any confidential information in a public forum can and will get people into serious trouble, so please consider that when you receive information and release it to the public.

This applies to information on the game but also to information on work conditions, salaries, etc.

Alright, granted, releasing confidential information about a game has grounds for punishment. However, IMHO the only "crime" committed here is his ridiculously low wage and a few other policies of EA. Needless to say, I'm glad I don't work there.

Please keep the conversation away from that course. Thank you.

[bishibashiboy]

Please note that posting any confidential information in a public forum can and will get people into serious trouble, so please consider that when you receive information and release it to the public.

This applies to information on the game but also to information on work conditions, salaries, etc.

Alright, granted, releasing confidential information about a game has grounds for punishment. However, IMHO the only "crime" committed here is his ridiculously low wage and a few other policies of EA. Needless to say, I'm glad I don't work there.

Please keep the conversation away from that course. Thank you.

Sorry, Andrew. I don't mean to start a flame war about EA or anything. However, I do think I have a freedom of speech of my own opinion of EA. Just because this is a fan site for NBA Live, it by no means implies that I must love EA as a company and cannot raise issues I believe are unjust, nor should it prohibit me from speaking badly of them. No one has to listen or believe what I say, but I don't believe in censorship. I'm just giving my opinion of Tim's threat and my view of EA as a company in general. However because I also understand your position, I'll stop now out of respect for this community and for you.

[DANet]

bishibashiboy...your brother very likely signed a confidentiality agreement with EA the day he started work at EA. You are not linked to this confidentiality agreement because you never signed it BUT the knowledge you have gained is due to your brothers' violation of his contract...and in many companies divulging information like this is grounds for dismissal...

[bishibashiboy]

bishibashiboy...your brother very likely signed a confidentiality agreement with EA the day he started work at EA. You are not linked to this confidentiality agreement because you never signed it BUT the knowledge you have gained is due to your brothers' violation of his contract...and in many companies divulging information like this is grounds for dismissal...

Firstly, I haven't been told anything yet. And second, since he hasn't officially started on anything yet, he hasn't broken any rules. Besides, if you read my last msg carefully, you would see that I completely agree that one should not post anything about an un-released game. That's a point that is well taken and was not the point of my previous post about EA. However, telling me that he should not be able to tell me how much he makes per hour (as stated in his "confidentiality agreement") is complete bull. How many ppl here have parents who don't know how much their kids make at a job? If my parents can know, I can know. And honestly, they should have every right to know if they want to. If you tell me he'll get fired cuz of that, then you're dreaming. I can see why it may be wrong for me to post (as I did earlier) how much he makes on a public board. But to say it's a violation for me to know at all, then EA can shove it because honestly, this isn't THE secret to end all secrets.

[BIG GREEN]

Censorship and freedom of speech are things that are inforced/enforced and applied in real life...in a country's democratic/communist government. However, this is a message board with rules...and no one is forced to be here. When you continue talking about things like contracts on here..and the admin (guy who makes the rules) says you should stop...there isn't an issue anymore..simply stop.

I know you said you would stop already...but i'm just making a point. No hard feelings. (y)

[benji]

How many ppl here have parents who don't know how much their kids make at a job? If my parents can know, I can know.

Parents can know because their children are minors. And because they are family members, most children would tell their parents regardless saying things like "I got a raise today!" and etc. Also because they are parents, not random people.

What do you expect your brother to make? Get a $50,000 salary? He's playing video games. From what I have been told regarding other companies these people don't work very much, they aren't going in 9-to-5 playing one game. I know Nintendo doesn't pay at all, they bring in people who want to do it just to play games before others, help out, etc. from a database. They come in play for a few hours, fill out this form and may only be called in a few times a year. They're all people living in the Seattle Area as well.

I have no idea how EA operates regarding this however. I just can't believe you would post this on a forum, ranting and raving about how you think EA is short changing one of millions of computer science graduates getting an entry level job.

Just because this is a fan site for NBA Live, it by no means implies that I must love EA as a company and cannot raise issues I believe are unjust, nor should it prohibit me from speaking badly of them

Theoretically, Andrew could institute such a policy and there's nothing you could do it about it.

Firstly, I haven't been told anything yet.

Then you must have been lying in that first post of yours.

And second, since he hasn't officially started on anything yet, he hasn't broken any rules

If he's violated a contract he's signed, doesn't matter if he hasn't started doing anything yet.

However, telling me that he should not be able to tell me how much he makes per hour (as stated in his "confidentiality agreement") is complete bull.

If the contract says he can't tell, he can't tell.

If you tell me he'll get fired cuz of that, then you're dreaming

If he's violated the contract he can be dismissed (well, he can be dismissed just because they tire of him...or you...but that'll give them a nice firm legal ground)

But to say it's a violation for me to know at all, then EA can shove it because honestly, this isn't THE secret to end all secrets.

Doesn't matter if the contract says he can't tell you what he ate for lunch, if he tells you, he's violated it.

but...ugh...nevermind...I was just irked by bishibashiboy's tirade...

[bishibashiboy]

What do you expect your brother to make? Get a $50,000 salary? He's playing video games. From what I have been told regarding other companies these people don't work very much, they aren't going in 9-to-5 playing one game. I know Nintendo doesn't pay at all, they bring in people who want to do it just to play games before others, help out, etc. from a database. They come in play for a few hours, fill out this form and may only be called in a few times a year. They're all people living in the Seattle Area as well.

Actually no I don't expect him to make $50,000 in salary. Just more than what he is now. That is all. And please stop disclosing confidential information of other company's policies as well. Thank you =)

I have no idea how EA operates regarding this however. I just can't believe you would post this on a forum, ranting and raving about how you think EA is short changing one of millions of computer science graduates getting an entry level job.

First of all, I was not "ranting and raving." I expressed my opinion in a way that I thought was appropriate. I did not go "**** EA!" I said I think the amount they pay was ridiculously low. That is all. That is my opinion and if you don't like it, too bad.

Just because this is a fan site for NBA Live, it by no means implies that I must love EA as a company and cannot raise issues I believe are unjust, nor should it prohibit me from speaking badly of them

Theoretically, Andrew could institute such a policy and there's nothing you could do it about it.

How wrong you are. Of course there's something I can do. I could choose not to post on this forum then. I doubt Andrew would do such a thing, because I believe him to be a reasonable administrator. As I stated earlier, I do not intend to start a flame war about EA as a company. But to kiss their @$$ and treat them like saints as if they do no wrong is just plain stupid. If you become banned for speaking badly of EA, then this is a dictatorship and MANY others here should be banned as well from the hate msgs I've read here about people's dislike of EA's production of Live 2003.

Firstly, I haven't been told anything yet.

Then you must have been lying in that first post of yours.

Did I ever say I HAD been told of anything pertaining to confidential information in the game yet? Re-read my first post before you accuse people of lying.

but...ugh...nevermind...I was just irked by bishibashiboy's tirade...

hmm..tirade is not the right word. Annoyance is better.

Oh and on a side-note, it's good to finally hear from you Ben. Your reputation definitely precedes you on this board.

[Se7en>>Dimension]

*walks on pretending I believe him*

[Ceasar121]

Actually some companies do pay well for video game testing. The company I work for, requires you to sign a secrecy statement as well. I don't work in the testing division, I'm tech support. But we have a full staff of 35 people in testing, and the lowest paid one makes $24,000. They literally play games and test software 9 to 5. And almost all computer graduates start off making less than the schooling makes them worth. I graduated UM with a 3.9 GPA in computer Science, and I only make $28,000 a year (so far). His salary will increase as he gains experience, and he will probably not get a job doing what he really wants to for maybe 2 years or more.

[ReggieMiller31]

Actually some companies do pay well for video game testing. The company I work for, requires you to sign a secrecy statement as well. I don't work in the testing division, I'm tech support. But we have a full staff of 35 people in testing, and the lowest paid one makes $24,000. They literally play games and test software 9 to 5. And almost all computer graduates start off making less than the schooling makes them worth. I graduated UM with a 3.9 GPA in computer Science, and I only make $28,000 a year (so far). His salary will increase as he gains experience, and he will probably not get a job doing what he really wants to for maybe 2 years or more.

What company do you work for, some software companies do pay allright for testers, but its usually used as a stepping stone to get t oa higher job

[sixerfan03]

Please note that posting any confidential information in a public forum can and will get people into serious trouble, so please consider that when you receive information and release it to the public.

This applies to information on the game but also to information on work conditions, salaries, etc.

This is when a chat feature would be usefull.

[Ceasar121]

My company name is confidential because we do outsourcing for several well known companies. But some of the testers have been here for 2 years or more, obviously their raises are only like a quarter or fifty cents a year, but IF you can survive off $2 G's a month(i.e. college student or lifetime weed head), it's not bad... I wanted to be a game tester as my first industry job, but they offered me a Tech Support position(and the extra $4,000 a year that comes with it), a well, I can play Live on my work machine in between support calls so... You can guess what I did.

[ReggieMiller31]

My company name is confidential because we do outsourcing for several well known companies. But some of the testers have been here for 2 years or more, obviously their raises are only like a quarter or fifty cents a year, but IF you can survive off $2 G's a month(i.e. college student or lifetime weed head), it's not bad... I wanted to be a game tester as my first industry job, but they offered me a Tech Support position(and the extra $4,000 a year that comes with it), a well, I can play Live on my work machine in between support calls so... You can guess what I did.

LOL, can I get a job wiht confedential

I live in NO VA,s o there are no companys. If i neededa job in college, I guess being a tester would be ok


BTW my aunts companys pay a lot for the testers, but it is a new company, 1 yr new, and htey also create cpu software, a little different than cpu games