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Game Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

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 ...

Berklee

Video Game Scoring Department Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$16.97/hr

Student Assistants with Video Game Scoring technical skills required to assist with file and resource organization, game research, and template updating for the video game scoring curriculum. We are ...

Tencent

Multimodal Games Research Scientist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$182K - $343K/yr

We are a leading global platform for game development, operations and publishing, and the largest online game community in China. Responsible for the R&D, operation, and development of the company ...

Tencent

Multimodal Games Research Scientist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$182K - $343K/yr

We are a leading global platform for game development, operations and publishing, and the largest online game community in China. Responsible for the R&D, operation, and development of the company ...

Scopely

Scopely is hiring a Senior Researcher to join our Research & Insights team to be responsible for ... We are a global team of game lovers who develop, publish, and innovate in the mobile games industry ...

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

A passion for video games, especially FPS, PvE, PvP, Action/Adventure, Strategy, Simulation ... Experience with research on prototype or early development game projects. * Experience with user ...

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

The ideal candidate is a motivated and experienced researcher familiar with testing Single Player games for player sentiment and usability. This role is based in our Sherman Oaks office and follows ...

Spellbrush

AI Anime Researcher - LLM

San Francisco, CA · On-site

tl;dr: We're building a 3D first-person adventure game where an AI companion is the core of the ... As an early member of this team, you will have significant artistic and research freedom to shape ...

Spellbrush

AI Anime Researcher - LLM

San Francisco, CA · On-site

tl;dr: We're building a 3D first-person adventure game where an AI companion is the core of the ... As an early member of this team, you will have significant artistic and research freedom to shape ...

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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 7, 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.

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.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

High-paying roles for game researchers or related specialized positions can reach $400 an hour, typically involving expert-level skills, extensive experience, or consulting work. Such rates are often seen in freelance consulting, industry experts, or those with unique expertise in game development, data analysis, or user experience research. These positions usually require advanced knowledge, a strong portfolio, and sometimes certification or a reputation in the field.

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 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:
Game Researcher jobs near you

Game Research & Development Intern, Engine Research

Tencent

Los Angeles, CA

$28.27 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Business UnitAbout the Hiring TeamLightspeed Tech Center is a R&D department under Lightspeed Studios which develop PUBG Mobile and other high-quality games. Our Tech Center leads the research, exploration, and discovery of innovative technologies and provides technical services for all games during all phases of life cycle, including engine, audio, QA, AI, next generation game, technical cooperation, etc.What the Role Entails

Working with scientists to research and develop advanced techniques in the following topics:

  • 3D geometric learning,
  • Re-meshing and UV optimization,
  • Physically-based animation and simulation
  • Machine learning for computer graphics
  • Motion planning in virtual city
  • Character locomotion and control
  • realistic image synthesis and real-time rendering techniques
  • Researching and developing tools and pipelines to facilitate the use of technologies in the game development environment
Who We Look For
  • Strong coding skills in one of following programming languages: C++, python, TensorFlow/Torch
  • Solid knowledge in calculus, linear algebra, basic numerical analysis
  • A strong sense of responsibility and good communication skills

Plus:

  • Graduate students in a master or Ph.D. level program
  • Publications on computer graphics/vision, machine learning, and robotics
  • Familiarity with game engine, graphics APIs, and GPU programming

Location State(s)

US-California-Los AngelesThe expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $28.27 to $60.00 per hour. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position will be eligible for 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and up to 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, full-time interns are also eligible to enroll in the Company-sponsored medical plan.Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

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