To create The Tester, SCEA teamed up with 51 Minds, the dynamic production company that is the force behind hit series such as The Surreal Life, Rock of Love, For the Love of Ray J, and many more popular TV shows. The Tester will follow contestants over eight episodes as emotions run high, alliances form and they battle with brain and brawn. While donning giant slingshots, paintball guns, and human hamster balls, contestants will be put to the test in a series of elimination challenges shaped around the skills necessary to be a game tester, including dexterity, communication skills and mental prowess. Cast members range in age from 22 – 36 years-old and stem from all walks of life -- from a student, to a paramedic, to a used car salesman.
"Connecting PS3 and PSP owners to great entertainment options and original digital content experiences such as Flower, flOw and Fat Princess has always been a cornerstone of our vision for PlayStation Network," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PlayStation Network. "With the addition of the original series, The Tester, we further establish PlayStation Network as the preeminent destination for digital entertainment in the living room or in the palm of your hand."
The Tester will be hosted by Meredith Molinari, model and host of multiple online music shows. Contestants will be judged by Sparks and Brent Gocke, Release Manager, First Party QA at Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), as well weekly guest panelists such as David Jaffe, Director and Lead Designer of God of War and Twisted Metal, and founder of the game company Eat Sleep Play; John Hight, Director, Product Development, for God of War; and Petro Piaseckyj, Managing Producer, International Software at SCE.
New episodes of The Tester will be available on PlayStation Store for free each Thursday from February 18 through April 8. PS3 owners can also view the latest episode of The Tester with other gamers in the PlayStation Home Theatre every Thursday, as well as purchase a variety of The Tester virtual items relating to scenes from the show or their favorite cast member.
Since announcing the open casting call in September 2009, SCEA received thousands of videos from gamers across the country, all hoping to be the next PlayStation game tester and an integral part of the first-party development process at SCEA. The winner of The Tester will start their job as an official game tester at the San Diego offices of SCEA following the conclusion of the program.