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Game Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlayStation Global

Game Test Analyst

San Diego, CA

Researching and documenting product defects and violations * Logging issues for development team ... gaming / functionality elements * Collaborating on miscellaneous QA test process related tasks ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Research & Player Empathy * Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie, Cozy, Narrative on an ongoing basis. * Develop a strong mental model of ...

TapBlaze

Game Designer, Casual F2P

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$167K/yr

Research & Player Empathy * Play and deeply analyze casual games across genres, Match-3, Time Management, Simulation, Indie, Cozy, Narrative on an ongoing basis. * Develop a strong mental model of ...

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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 30, 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:
Game Researcher jobs near you
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.
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, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 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.
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

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