APPLICATION:

To apply for the role of a Game User Researcher, you typically need a specific combination of education, technical skills and relevant experience. A degree in fields such as psychology provides a solid foundation for understanding human behavior and cognition, which is essential for conducting user research in the gaming industry. Additionally, taking courses or pursuing other forms of specialization in game design, game development or interactive media can be beneficial as it provides insight into the unique challenges and approaches to designing and testing video games.

Regarding technical skills, familiarity with research methodologies such as usability testing, surveys, interviews and analytics is essential. You should also be proficient in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, using software tools and programming languages commonly used in user research and game analytics. Knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as experience with game development tools and platforms, can also be advantageous. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for effectively conveying research findings, collaborating with other teams and advocating for player-centric decision-making. Additionally, a passion for gaming and an understanding of gaming culture demonstrate genuine interest and enthusiasm for this role.

INTERVIEW:

During the interview, you can expect questions that assess your knowledge, skills and experience in user research methodologies, understanding of industry trends and collaboration with various roles. In addition to Recruiters and other Game User Researchers, Game Designers and other developers or Project Managers often attend interviews. They may inquire about your experience with different research techniques, such as usability testing, surveys and data analysis, as well as examine your ability to apply these methods to enhance the player experience. Questions may also explore your understanding of player behavior, preferences and motivations, as well as how you translate research insights into useful recommendations for game design and development. Additionally, they may assess your communication skills, adaptability and passion for gaming through behavioral and situational questions. Common interview questions include:

1. Can you describe your experience conducting usability testing for video games? How do you ensure that test participants represent the target demographic of players?
2. How would you approach gathering feedback from players during different stages of game development, from alpha versions to post-launch updates?
3. Can you provide an example of a challenging research project you worked on in the past? How did you overcome obstacles?
4. In your opinion, what are some current trends or new technologies in the industry that could impact user research practices?
5. How do you collaborate with Game Designers, Programmers and Producers to integrate user research insights into the game development process? Can you provide an example of a successful collaboration you were part of?

TECHNICAL TASK:

In the technical task, you are usually required to demonstrate your expertise in applying user research methodologies to a specific scenario or problem. This may involve designing and conducting a usability test for a game prototype, where you are tasked with creating a research plan, recruiting participants, developing test scenarios or tasks and analyzing the results. You may also be assessed based on your ability to identify usability issues, provide useful recommendations for improvement and effectively communicate your findings.

Additionally, you may be asked to demonstrate your data analysis skills by analyzing a dataset or survey responses and extracting meaningful insights relevant to game design and player experience. This could include tasks such as identifying trends or patterns in player behavior, conducting statistical analysis to measure the effectiveness of features, or segmenting player feedback to understand different player personas and preferences. The technical task provides you with an opportunity to showcase your practical skills and expertise in user research while demonstrating problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.