ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekday AI

3D Game Developer - Panda3D

Enable users and researchers to innovate and experiment by developing customized tools and gameplay systems. Requirements Key Responsibilities * Create, develop, and enhance 3D game and simulation ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Part of working with our team may involve looking at our latest research results, and figuring out how to best apply it into the game. You will be at the literal cutting edge of what is possible with ...

Spellbrush

Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Part of working with our team may involve looking at our latest research results, and figuring out how to best apply it into the game. You will be at the literal cutting edge of what is possible with ...

Qualcomm

Director of Game Product Management

San Diego, CA · On-site

$196K - $294K/yr

Drive new development of gaming R&D around Game AI and game engines. * Develop detailed product plans, execution plans and drive delivery progress to market. * Timely communication with key OEMs and ...

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing concepts on your own and with other designers * Provide feedback for and develop pitches from external inventors * Facilitate or participate in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Research Jobs

Game Research information

See salary details

$8

$41

$67

How much do game research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for game research in the United States is $41.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $56.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Game Research job?

A Game Research job involves studying player behavior, market trends, and game design principles to improve game development and user experience. Researchers analyze data from playtesting, surveys, and industry reports to provide insights that help developers make informed decisions. This role often combines psychology, data analysis, and game design expertise. Game researchers may work for game studios, academic institutions, or consulting firms to enhance gameplay, engagement, and monetization strategies.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Game Research professional on a development team?

Game Research professionals typically conduct user testing, analyze player data, and gather feedback to inform game design and mechanics. They work closely with designers, artists, and developers to translate player insights into practical improvements for gameplay and user experience. Day-to-day tasks may include planning and running playtests, designing surveys, analyzing player behavior metrics, and presenting findings to stakeholders. This role is collaborative and research-driven, making it ideal for those who enjoy blending creativity with data analysis to shape successful games.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Game Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Research, you need a strong background in game design theory, user experience (UX) research, data analysis, and a related degree like psychology, human-computer interaction, or computer science. Familiarity with analytics platforms, usability testing software, and experience using programming or statistical tools such as R or Python is often required. Standout game researchers demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with developers and designers. These capabilities are crucial for generating actionable insights that inform game development and enhance player engagement.

More about Game Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Research jobs? Cities with the most Game Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Research jobs? The most popular types of Game Research jobs are:
What states have the most Game Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Research jobs are:
Game Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,265 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Senior Technical Game Designer - Unpublished R&D Product

Senior Technical Game Designer - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

All Game Designers at Riot have a base set of skills: you design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and surprise players.
As a Senior Technical Game Designer specializing in core gameplay on an unpublished R&D product, you excel in designing mechanics and systems for gameplay-centric experiences. You will also help designers and engineers build and expand our engine capabilities creating powerful tools that can empower other designers to make satisfying core gameplay. You will partner closely with designers and engineers to translate ambitious creative visions into actionable, technically sound designs. Through a mix of mentorship and content reviews, you also ensure that local designers are building the game with strong technical rigor. Reporting directly to the Lead Technical Game Designer, your contributions will elevate the capabilities of the entire team on this ambitious project.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and implement content as a vanguard in the most technical areas of player actions, game mechanics, and systems
  • Build out solutions to design problems that require a deep level of technical expertise and consistently advance the team's knowledge of how to work in those spaces in the future.
  • Playtest the game regularly, constructively providing and processing feedback to identify and drive ongoing improvements.
  • Collaborate with engineering to define the technical strategy and execution of gameplay systems and gameplay mechanics.
  • Develop, advocate, and enforce a system of organizational excellence in content creation that allows for the long-term sustainability of software while supporting a rapid prototyping culture.
  • Implement gameplay workflows within Unreal Engine to enable designers to rapidly prototype and iterate.
  • Proactively identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and communicate clearly with team leadership and stakeholders.
  • Ensure high-quality implementation of complex gameplay systems, promoting performance, scalability, and maintainability.

Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in professional Technical Game Design or related Tech Design or Engineering roles
  • 2+ years of experience in either gameplay mechanics or gameplay feel in real-time games
  • Proven experience shipping high-quality titles using Unreal Engine, demonstrating expertise in Blueprints, scripting, and technical workflows
  • Experience with C++ or C#
  • Deep understanding of gameplay system architecture, online networking, and gameplay mechanics
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with experience working cross-functionally between engineering, test, production, art, and design

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working on a live product
  • Experience with technical optimization and performance profiling within Unreal Engine.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
  • (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $185,200.00 - $258,000.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Riot Games Jobs

Apply