Yesterday, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that its first PSN-exclusive reality show, “The Tester,” will be going live on February 18.

“The Tester” will feature 11 gamers vying for a Sony testing job and a $5,000 signing bonus. Contestants will be judged by comedian Hal Sparks. Contestants are reported to compete in games of skill that supposedly measure things like dexterity and communication skills. Who knew that spending time in a giant hamster ball would be good for spending time as a game tester? Not me.

New episodes will be available for free every Thursday on PSN. In PlayStation Home, you can watch the latest episode with other people in the Home Theatre as well as buy items related to your favorite cast member.

For more information, including a trailer and cast list, go to http://www.thetester.com.