Summer 2027 | Game Researcher Intern

Nex (Playground); Hong Kong; Hybrid; HKD 89,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Nex Playground in Hong Kong is seeking a curious intern to support playtesting and gameplay research efforts. This hands-on role offers exposure to how games are tested, analyzed, and refined, while contributing directly to projects in development.

You will learn from producers and studios across the organization and gain insight into the broader gaming industry. As an undergraduate or graduate student, you will capture observations, draft notes, and help compile actionable reports.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
• Strong interest in gameplay research, game development, playtesting, or a related field.
• Strong communication and writing skills, with a passion for understanding player behavior.
• Ability to observe carefully, analyze findings, and provide actionable insights.
• A genuine interest in games and familiarity with a range of game genres and platforms.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support and observe playtesting sessions for our in-development games, capturing detailed notes on player behavior, reactions, and feedback.
• Analyze playtest results and compile reports on gameplay effectiveness, player satisfaction, and areas for improvement.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating playtesting sessions, including working with part-time staff and playtesters.
• Collaborate with internal studios and producers to understand testing needs and align on priorities.
• Conduct competitive research on external games, analyzing their mechanics, design decisions, and player experience.
• Benchmark findings against our own games to identify best practices and opportunities for adaptation to our platform.
• Compile clear, actionable research reports and share findings with internal studios and producers.
• Handle additional operational tasks as needed to support the content team.

Skills

Gameplay research

Playtesting

Data analysis

Communication

Observation & insight

Education

Active university student

Job description

Nex is on a mission to help families rediscover the joy of movement. Created by parents for parents, Nex combines technology and play to deliver fun, social, and interactive experiences powered by natural body motion, encouraging kids and adults to move more, play more, and have fun together. Nex Playground, the company’s award-winning active play system, is purpose-built to get families moving year-round, with safety and privacy as core considerations in its intentional design. It is certified kidSAFE+ COPPA compliant and built to support healthy, active play for all ages and abilities.

Nex Playground features a growing library of 50+ experiences, including motion and dance games, fitness and educational experiences, and Nex Originals. Content includes collaborations with partners like Hasbro, Sesame Workshop, and NBCUniversal. Nex has been recognized by Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, TIME’s Best Inventions, and Parents’ Best Entertainment System for Families, and has earned Red Dot, IDEA, and Core77 international design awards. We encourage you to explore Have Funand Is Motion Gaming Back?, as they offer a deeper look into our culture, values, and explain how our approach to motion gaming differs from previous generations.

Important Notice: To protect yourself from recruitment scams, please note that Nex communicates through official company emails ending in @nex.inc. If you receive a suspicious email or message, please do not respond and report it immediately to us.

Location: Hong Kong

Type: Full Time Internship (June 1, 2027 - August 31, 2027)

The Role

At Nex, we move fast. As a dynamic, growth-oriented company at the forefront of interactive gaming technology, we're looking for a curious and detail-oriented intern to support our playtesting and gameplay research efforts. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how games are tested, analyzed, and improved - contributing directly to the games we're building while gaining exposure to the wider gaming industry. If you love games and want to understand what makes them fun, this role is for you.

What You Will Do

• Support and observe playtesting sessions for our in-development games, capturing detailed notes on player behavior, reactions, and feedback.
• Analyze playtest results and compile reports on gameplay effectiveness, player satisfaction, and areas for improvement.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating playtesting sessions, including working with part-time staff and playtesters.
• Collaborate with internal studios and producers to understand testing needs and align on priorities.
• Conduct competitive research on external games, analyzing their mechanics, design decisions, and player experience. Benchmark findings against our own games to identify best practices, opportunities for improvement, and mechanics with potential for adaptation to our platform.
• Compile clear, actionable research reports and share findings with internal studios and producers.
• Handle additional operational tasks as needed to support the content team.

Should Have

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
• Strong interest in gameplay research, game development, playtesting, or a related field.
• Strong communication and writing skills, with a passion for understanding player behavior.
• Ability to observe carefully, analyze findings, and provide actionable insights.
• A genuine interest in games and familiarity with a range of game genres and platforms.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies in the evolving gaming field.
• A front-row seat to how games are developed, tested, and refined.
• A product-driven culture that treasures talent and individual growth.
• Mentorship and the opportunity to grow within the content team.

We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Flexible working hours and vacation policy.
• Product-driven culture that treasures talents and individual growth.
• Front-row seat and hands-on experience with cutting edge technologies in the evolving gaming field

Nex is located inSan Jose, California, USAandHongKong. Learn more about us at https://www.nexplayground.com/about.
We encourage applications even if you don’t meet more than 50% of the requirements — we believe that experience comes in many forms!

Nex is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all individuals at every stage of the employment relationship, including all current and prospective employees, and covers all employment decisions including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline and termination.

We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.