Senior User Researcher (GameDev)

TL;DR

Senior User Researcher (GameDev): Designing and executing user research activities for critically acclaimed games with an accent on understanding player behavior, motivation, and experience. Focus on establishing research practices, synthesizing actionable insights for development teams, and advocating for the player's voice.

Location: Hybrid position based at our studio in Santa Monica, CA, United States.

Salary: $135,000–$168,000 USD

Company

hirify.global crafts best-selling, critically acclaimed games, known for evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail.

What you will do

• Collaborate with developers to understand research needs and create actionable study plans aligned with development goals.
• Design and execute research activities supporting the creation and refinement of games, from usability testing to player experience evaluation.
• Moderate playtests, analyze findings, and synthesize actionable insights for development teams.
• Present findings clearly and persuasively to developers at all levels, fostering player understanding.
• Help evolve research methods, tools, and processes for future titles and UXR department growth.
• Mentor junior researchers and advocate for the voice of the player throughout the studio.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in user research, UX research, or related fields within the games industry or interactive media.
• Proven expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (e.g., usability studies, interviews, surveys, analytics interpretation).
• Strong ability to translate complex data into clear, concise, and actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting findings to multi-disciplinary audiences.
• Exceptional collaboration and influencing skills, able to work effectively with creative, technical, and production partners.
• Solid leadership skills, able to help mentor more junior colleagues and advocate for the UR department.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Interaction Design, or a related field.
• Familiarity with narrative, single player game research and player experience evaluation.
• Experience mentoring other researchers and/or building new research capabilities within a studio.
• Familiarity with data visualization, statistical analysis, or UX telemetry tools.
• Prior experience with AAA console or PC game development.

Culture & Benefits

• Join a new User Experience Research (UXR) department committed to ensuring the highest level of excellence in players' experience.
• Work with a studio that values innovation and welcomes diverse candidates.
• Contribute to world-class gaming experiences for PlayStation Studios.
• Engage in a collaborative, learning-focused environment.
• Be part of a team committed to craft and excellence in game development.