Games User Researcher

Keywords Studios is the ultimate destination for talent in the AAA game development world. We're a dominant force in gaming, distinguished by our global network of 70+ studios spanning 26+ countries, each with its unique identity, culture, and specialized capabilities. Our collaborative approach positions us as the top technical and creative service provider to celebrated console and mobile developers worldwide. We take pride in offering industry-leading solutions including game development, art services, marketing, globalization, quality assurance, player support and more. Our vast service portfolio, global hiring reach, impressive client roster, and unwavering commitment to excellence make us a peerless employer.

Image more for your career and become part of our thriving Games Talent Community.

About Player Research:

At Player Research we want the world to experience brilliant games; ones full of adventure, surprise and intrigue – the ones you can’t put down, and those you talk about for days.

Across the world we partner with game development teams to realise their creative visions by providing meaningful insight into how real players experience play.

We are the premier partner for game user research. From our Brighton and Montreal studios, we design and conduct award-winning UX research for video games: usability testing, expert reviews, engagement diaries, training courses… and so much more.

We work with game developers, publishers, platform owners, incubators, universities… As an external research studio, we collaborate far and wide. Around one-third of our projects are commissioned by game user research teams inside studios or publishers.

About the role:

We’re looking for experienced games user researchers with a passion for games, psychology and user research to join our teams in the UK.

Our Games User Researchers ensure the smooth execution of studies that help developers and publishers understand their audience and improve video games. As an experienced GUR you will take on responsibility for project ownership, mentorship of peers, research strategy, consultancy with clients, methodology design and personal specialization.

Our team are a healthy mix of expert practitioners and ex-academics which brings unique perspectives and learnings to help us grow, and offer rich insight to our client studios.

You’ll benefit from the long-term relationships we’ve forged with our key partners, while also having opportunities to develop fresh relationships with studios taking their first steps in player-centric development.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A passionate interest video games and applying research techniques to gaming is essential.
• Previous commercial experience of usability testing is desirable
• Good negotiation and influencing skills and be able to work well with cross-functional teams – e.g. game designers, producers, engineers, and artists.
• An understanding of the game development process & the role & limitations of usability testing at each development stage is an advantage but not essential
• For applicants with an existing legal right to work in the UK: One or more years of experience in user research.
• For applicants without an existing right to work in the UK: Two or more years of industry research experience plus professional-level spoken and written English (further information on immigration to the UK).

Benefits

Keywords Studios is truly unique, and what sets us apart is our distinctive structure. We take great pride in our talented Keywordians and the multitude of independent studios across the globe. So, while the benefits vary from studio to studio, as a rule, working at Keywords comes with a wide range of exceptional perks designed to create a rewarding and enjoyable work experience, such as:

• Earn a competitive salary and benefits package
• Engage in projects tailored to your skill set in an environment that has been recognised and celebrated for its excellence
• Collaborate with industry giants (you'll have the chance to work on AAA titles and be part of a talented team of passionate individuals)
• Access to a multitude of professional opportunities for growth
• Enjoy flexible working environments
• Utilize relocation and visa applications as necessary.
• Prioritize diversity and inclusion (our studios champion these initiatives)
• Benefit from additional perks that can include cycle-to-work and IT schemes, pension contributions, healthcare benefits, on-office entertainment, social events, holidays, bonuses, and pet-friendly environments.

Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Commitment:

Keywords Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. If you require any adjustments during the process please let us know in your application. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation. We especially welcome applications from candidates of underrepresented groups in the industry.