Senior User Researcher (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Senior User Researcher (Gamedev): Leading user research for high-profile mobile franchises, primarily Call of Duty Mobile, with an accent on player sentiment, usability, and live ops. Focus on translating complex research insights into actionable development decisions to optimize player retention and gameplay.

Location: Sherman Oaks, California. Must follow an onsite work schedule of three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

Salary: $92,920 - $171,814 per year

Company

A leading worldwide developer and publisher of iconic gaming franchises including Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

What you will do

• Lead and own end-to-end user research for mobile-focused projects, from planning to execution.
• Develop strategic research plans aligned with product goals and development timelines.
• Execute a variety of methods including usability testing, playtesting, focus groups, interviews, and longitudinal studies.
• Integrate qualitative findings, survey data, and telemetry to deliver robust, actionable insights.
• Provide design recommendations based on research findings and player behavior.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the evolution of research tools and best practices.

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of experience conducting user research specifically for video games.
• Deep experience with mobile free-to-play games and live ops (feature iteration, player retention).
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, HCI, statistics, computer science, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in qualitative research methods and study design for game development.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to Sherman Oaks, California.

Nice to have

• Experience with research on prototype or early development game projects.
• Experience testing console and PC first-person shooters (FPS).
• Knowledge of data visualization software and quantitative/telemetric tools.
• Functional proficiency in Mandarin or Simplified Chinese.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and health savings accounts.
• 401(k) with company match and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
• Mental health and wellbeing programs, plus fitness programs.
• Free and discounted games.
• Relocation assistance may be provided if the company requires a geographic move.