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Game Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... game experience and business goals-helping define target players, test objectives, success criteria, and participant sourcing strategies aligned to product and content priorities. • Apply a range ...

Conduct user research throughout game development, from prototype to late stages (alpha and beta). * Stand up and manage user research testing - including moderated/unmoderated, large/small scaled ...

Conduct user research throughout game development, from prototype to late stages (alpha and beta). * Stand up and manage user research testing - including moderated/unmoderated, large/small scaled ...

Conduct user research throughout game development, from prototype to late stages (alpha and beta). Stand up and manage user research testing - including moderated/unmoderated, large/small scaled ...

Conduct user research throughout game development, from prototype to late stages (alpha and beta). * Stand up and manage user research testing - including moderated/unmoderated, large/small scaled ...

Act as a connector between game experience and business goals-helping define target players, test ... Apply a range of research and playtesting methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys ...

Act as a connector between game experience and business goals-helping define target players, test ... Apply a range of research and playtesting methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys ...

Director of Game Product Management

San Diego, CA · On-site

$247K - $259K/yr

Responsibilities : • Collaborate closely with multiple functional technology teams to define gaming requirements • Drive new development of gaming R&D around Game AI and game engines. • Develop ...

As an early member of this team, you will have significant artistic and research freedom to shape ... You have independently developed a 3D narrative game in Unity Bonus points if the game is first ...

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Game Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do game researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for game researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can video games lower cortisol?

Game Researchers studying the effects of video games have found that playing certain types of games can reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with stress. Engaging in relaxing or enjoyable games may help lower stress hormones, but individual responses vary. Monitoring stress levels and choosing appropriate game types are important for potential benefits.

What does a game researcher do?

A game researcher studies player behavior, preferences, and engagement to inform game design and development. They analyze data, conduct user testing, and use tools like surveys and analytics software to improve game quality and player experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Researcher, you need a solid background in game design theory, analytics, and user research methods, often supported by a degree in psychology, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or Tableau), playtesting platforms, and usability testing software is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and curiosity help Game Researchers translate player feedback into actionable insights for development teams. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, user-centered games that meet player expectations and drive industry innovation.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Game Researchers, like many entry-level roles, face challenges such as high competition, limited entry-level positions, and the need for specialized skills like data analysis and familiarity with gaming platforms. Additionally, employers often seek candidates with relevant experience, certifications, or a strong understanding of industry trends, which can be difficult for new entrants to demonstrate.

What is the difference between Game Researcher vs Game Designer?

AspectGame ResearcherGame Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in game design, psychology, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in game design, computer science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, game studios, user testing environmentsCreative teams, development studios, design departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to inform game development through user research and testingCreates game concepts, mechanics, and overall design
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in game developmentUnderstanding design roles in game development

Game Researchers focus on studying player behavior, preferences, and testing to inform game development. Game Designers create the gameplay, mechanics, and overall experience. Both roles are essential in the game industry but serve different functions within the development process.

What are some common challenges faced by Game Researchers when collaborating with development teams?

Game Researchers often encounter challenges in effectively communicating complex player data and research findings to development teams with diverse backgrounds. Balancing the needs and timelines of designers, artists, and programmers can be demanding, as research insights may call for changes late in the development process. Additionally, researchers must ensure their studies are relevant and actionable, translating player feedback and analytics into clear recommendations that align with project goals. Building strong relationships and maintaining open communication channels are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the highest paying job in the gaming industry?

In the gaming industry, executive roles such as Chief Creative Officer or Vice President of Game Development tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries or more. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of game design, production, and business management.

What are Game Researchers?

Game Researchers are professionals who study various aspects of video games, including player behavior, game design, storytelling, and technology. They may work in academia, for gaming companies, or as independent consultants, using research methods such as data analysis, user testing, and surveys. Their findings help improve gameplay experiences, inform game development, and contribute to our understanding of games as a cultural phenomenon.
More about Game Researcher jobs
What states have the most Game Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Researcher jobs are:
Infographic showing various Game Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 66% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Games Researcher, Amazon Games

Games Researcher, Amazon Games

Amazon

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,910 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Amazon Games is looking for a Games Researcher to help us build exciting new mass market games with a multiplayer component. This role sits at the intersection of player insights, playtesting, and product development - and will work directly with designers, producers and technical leads to build great games that are fun and engaging for players of all experience levels. We think big and work with some of the biggest and most beloved global IP licenses. We are customer-obsessed and build our games with a focus on innovation and quality to nurture long-term relationships with our global customers and partners.
The opportunity to shape how millions of players engage with games on Luna is significant-but it also requires navigating new territory. You should be comfortable operating in a space with high ambiguity, where speed, judgment, and a strong player instinct are as important as methodological rigor. In this role, you'll lead thinking on how to best understand and represent the player-designing and running gameplay tests, identifying patterns in player behavior, and translating those into clear, actionable insights. You'll also help define how and when we scale testing, partnering with external vendors to support larger titles while maintaining a high bar for quality and consistency.
Key job responsibilities
• Design and execute gameplay user research tests across development stages in partnership with gamedesigners-from early prototypes through pre-launch validation-using both lightweight, rapid playtests and more structured approaches to evaluate onboarding, controls, difficulty, and engagement loops.
• Conduct comparative gameplay assessments across third-party titles and platforms to benchmark player experience and identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Act as a connector between game experience and business goals-helping define target players, test objectives, success criteria, and participant sourcing strategies aligned to product and content priorities.
• Apply a range of research and playtesting methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, concept testing, closed and open playtests) and adapt level of rigor to the stage and scale of development.
• Identify patterns in player behavior and feedback, and translate them into clear, actionable insights that inform product, design, and content decisions.
• Partner with third-party playtesting and research vendors for larger-scale studies; define scope and ensure quality and consistency of outputs across internal and external testing.
• Work closely with game developers, product managers, and business teams to influence game design and iteration decisions through player-centric insights.
• Continuously improve and scale playtesting approaches to increase speed, efficiency, and impact.
About the team
Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service that makes it easy for anyone to play high-quality games on the devices they already own-including Fire TV and tablet devices, smartphones, tablets, web browsers, select smart televisions from LG and Samsung, and morewith no need to purchase new gaming consoles or equipment. Luna brings more than 50 games to Prime members at no additional cost, including GameNight, an evolving collection of more than 25 approachable, local multiplayer games designed to bring friends and family together in the living room. To play GameNight titles, simply scan a QR code on your TV and your smartphone becomes your controller. With simple and responsive touchscreen inputs and support for multiple local players, GameNight offers and easy and approachable way to play whether you're an experienced gamer of a casual fan.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Games Industry (supporting title Development, Release, or Live Ops)
- Experience conducting sophisticated and creative analysis of complex data and translate the results into actionable deliverables, messages, and presentations
- Experience working with cross-functional teams across business development, marketing, operations, product development, legal, etc.
- 5+ years of experience in playtesting, game UX, user research, or related roles
- Experience designing and running gameplay user research tests or user studies, including a mix of prototype testing, usability testing, surveys, and player feedback collection
- Familiarity with core gameplay systems (onboarding, controls, progression, difficulty, engagement loops)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in third party vendor/research partner management contract negotiation
- Experience in the games industry (studio, publisher, platform)
- Background in casual, mobile or accessible game research
- Comfort operating in a fast-moving, ambiguous environments with lightweight processes
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, WA, Seattle - 98,900.00 - 173,100.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US