Researcher

2K; San Francisco (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

2K is seeking a User Experience Researcher to conduct player-centric research for upcoming titles. You will design and run playtests, analyze feedback, and produce reports that inform game development decisions.

Ideal candidates bring 2+ years of UX research experience, strong communication, and a passion for games. This role supports hybrid work in the United States and involves collaboration with multiple studios and departments.

Qualifications

• History of conducting UX and usability research.
• Understanding of mixed-methods research frameworks and processes.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using survey software and qualitative analysis tools.
• Ability to summarize large amounts of feedback and data and derive insights.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passion for video games and gaming.

Responsibilities

• Conduct video game playtests in lab or remote settings.
• Create and implement research plans, briefs and study designs.
• Analyze and summarize player survey and verbal feedback.
• Collaborate with Research & Insights, Data Science, Community and QA teams.
• Author research reports for partner audiences.
• Maintain research repositories and dashboards.
• Build relationships with development studios and publishing partners.
• Become familiar with mechanics and features of in-development game titles.
• Conduct competitive analyses and design teardowns.

Skills

UX Research

Usability

Qualitative analysis

Survey design

Education

BA/BS in Cognitive Science

Tools

Qualtrics

Alchemer

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Docs

Job description

Who We Are

At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA® 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®, and XCOM®, as well as fan favorites WWE® 2K, TopSpin®, and PGA TOUR® 2K. We build unforgettable experiences by pushing the boundaries of creativity, authenticity and innovation across every genre.

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab create world-class experiences across platforms.

But what truly powers 2K is our people.

We believe the best ideas come from teams that feel empowered, supported, and inspired. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to come as they are and do their best work.

What We Need

2K is seeking a User Experience Researcher to conduct player-centric research. Primary responsibilities include designing and implementing playtests and other UX research efforts, analyzing data, and authoring summaries and reports.

If you have knowledge of or interest in video games and want to help conduct impactful research that informs game development, then this position might be for you!

What You Will Do

• Conduct video game playtests in a lab or remote setting.
• Create and implement research plans, study designs, briefs, and other tactical components critical to UX games research.
• Analyze and summarize player survey and/or verbal feedback and other qualitative playtest data.
• Collaborate with other members of the Research & Insights, Data Science, Community and QA teams to gain a complete understanding of player behavior.
• Author research reports for a variety of partner audiences.
• Support maintenance of research repositories and dashboards.
• Build and develop relationships with development studios and publishing partners.
• Become deeply familiar with mechanics and features of in-development game titles.
• Conduct competitive analyses and design teardowns.

Basic Qualifications

• A history of conducting User Experience (UX) and Usability Research.
• An understanding of mixed-research methods, frameworks and processes.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel/Powerpoint/Word or Google Sheets/Slides/Docs.
• Ability to summarize, analyze, and communicate large amounts of written feedback and qualitative data, and derive insights and recommendations.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and/or objectives simultaneously.
• Passion for video games and gaming.

Who We Think Will Be A Great Fit

• BA/BS or equivalent experience in Cognitive Science, Experimental/Cognitive Psychology, or related field.
• 2+ years of UX or other social science research experience.
• Experience with survey software (e.g. Qualtrics, Alchemer) and qualitative analysis tools.
• Proficiency with PC hardware and current-generation game consoles.
• Experience in accessibility, inclusion, and/or representation in games.
• Strong emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams through the product lifecycle.
• Eagerness to learn and connect the dots between various disciplines and methodologies.
• Travel, both domestic and international, may be needed.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

Please note that 2K Publishing & 2KSDS is unable to provide visa sponsorship or assistance for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in United States without requiring current or future employer sponsorship.

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