Game UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game UX Researcher

Company: Techland S.A.

Location: Wrocław, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game User Experience (UX) Research & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between game mechanics and player experience by conducting comprehensive UX research throughout the development lifecycle.

• You will be responsible for managing end-to-end research projects, ensuring that playtest findings translate into actionable insights for game iteration.

• The position requires a strong command of diverse UX research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative techniques, to diagnose usability and engagement issues.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Game Design, Data Analytics, and QA is critical to integrate research findings seamlessly into the development sprints and advocate for a player-centric approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Game Development industry, specifically focusing on User Experience (UX) Research. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on data-driven insights, process management, and cross-functional collaboration aligns with core operations principles. The "operations" aspect here pertains to the systematic and data-informed processes required to optimize the player experience and, by extension, product success and player retention.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End Research Management: Lead and execute the entire UX research lifecycle for game titles, from initial study design and participant recruitment to moderation, data analysis, and final reporting.

• Research Brief Development: Collaborate closely with stakeholders (Game Designers, Producers, Analysts) to translate high-level development questions and hypotheses into structured, testable research objectives and protocols.

• Methodology Application: Employ a diverse array of research methods, including but not limited to usability testing, 1-on-1 interviews, focus groups, surveys, telemetry analysis, and eye-tracking studies, to thoroughly understand player behavior and sentiment.

• Insight Synthesis & Delivery: Analyze and synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and actionable reports that directly inform product iteration decisions and drive player experience improvements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with Game Design, Data Analytics, QA, and other relevant teams to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into the development pipeline and sprint cycles.

• Player Advocacy: Act as a dedicated advocate for the player within the studio, consistently championing player needs and perspectives backed by robust research data and established industry best practices.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities to refine and optimize UX research processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured, process-driven approach to research, mirroring operational disciplines. The "end-to-end management" and "synthesis of complex data into actionable reports" highlight the operational efficiency and output expected from this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) Research, with a significant portion ideally gained within the video game industry or a closely related interactive entertainment field.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Expertise: Profound understanding of UX research principles, methodologies, and best practices, with the ability to select and apply the most appropriate techniques for diverse research questions.

• Study Design & Execution: Proven ability to design rigorous research studies, develop test protocols, and effectively moderate playtest sessions and interviews.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Strong analytical skills to extract meaningful patterns and insights from various data sources, including qualitative feedback, behavioral data, survey results, and telemetry.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Player-Centric Mindset: A genuine passion for video games and a deep understanding of player motivations, behaviors, and the unique aspects of game development and play.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Gaming Industry Experience: Direct experience conducting UX research on AAA or significant game titles.

• Telemetry Analysis: Familiarity with analyzing player telemetry data to identify trends and issues.

• Eyetracking Expertise: Experience using and interpreting eye-tracking data for usability and attention studies.

• Quantitative Methods: Proficiency in statistical analysis and quantitative research methods.

• Agile/Scrum Experience: Understanding of agile development methodologies and how UX research integrates into sprint cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "track record of running studies from start to finish," "deep understanding of UX research practices," and "extract meaningful patterns" points to an expectation of robust process management and analytical rigor, akin to operational roles that require methodical problem-solving.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating your end-to-end UX research process. Each case study should detail a specific research project, including the research question, chosen methodology, execution, analysis, and, most importantly, the actionable insights delivered and their impact on product iteration.

• Methodology Diversity: Evidence of applying a variety of research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, telemetry analysis) to address different types of player experience challenges.

• Data Synthesis Examples: Clear examples of how you have synthesized complex qualitative and quantitative data into digestible, impactful reports and recommendations for stakeholders.

• Impact Demonstration: Quantifiable or qualitative evidence of how your research findings led to specific, positive changes in game design or player experience.

• Tools & Techniques: Familiarity with common UX research tools and platforms, which may be highlighted in your project examples.

Process Documentation:

• Research Design Documentation: Examples of well-structured research plans, test scripts, and interview guides.

• Analysis Frameworks: Demonstrations of how you approach data analysis, including thematic analysis for qualitative data and statistical interpretation for quantitative data.

• Reporting Standards: Examples of clear, concise, and visually appealing research reports tailored for different stakeholder groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio with detailed case studies emphasizing process, analysis, and impact directly mirrors the expectations for operations professionals who must demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and optimize processes with measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Game UX Researcher with 3+ years of experience in Wrocław, Poland, the estimated salary range is PLN 8,000 - PLN 12,000 gross per month. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and negotiation.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for UX Researchers in comparable European markets and specific Polish tech hubs, considering the role's mid-to-senior level and the specialized nature of game UX research. Data sources typically include Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and local recruitment agency reports for the tech and gaming sectors in Poland.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness:

  • Private medical care for employees and potentially family members.
  • Life insurance coverage.
  • Pro-health campaigns and initiatives to promote employee well-being.

• Financial & Occasional Perks:

  • Gifts for various life occasions and holidays.

• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility:

  • Flexible working hours to accommodate personal schedules.
  • A "no dress code" policy fostering a relaxed environment.

• Professional Development:

  • A dedicated annual development budget for each employee to pursue training, conferences, or certifications.
  • Two additional paid days off specifically for training and CSR activities.
  • Financing for English and Polish language classes.
  • Clear career paths and opportunities for advancement within the company.

• Support & Resources:

  • Dedicated HR Business Partner support for individual needs.
  • Extensive internal and external training programs.

• Office Amenities:

  • State-of-the-art office facilities designed for comfort and productivity.
  • Dedicated chillout zones for relaxation and informal collaboration.
  • A fully equipped kitchen.
  • On-site gym (in the Wrocław office) for employee fitness.

Working Hours:

• Typically based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexible working hours offered to allow employees to manage their schedules effectively, provided project deadlines and team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed benefits package, especially the development budget and flexible hours, is highly attractive for operations professionals who value continuous learning and work-life balance. The salary estimation is based on regional benchmarks for a specialized role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Techland S.A. operates within the highly competitive and dynamic global video game industry, known for its demanding production cycles, emphasis on innovation, and strong community engagement.

Company Size: Over 500 talented professionals. This indicates a mid-to-large-sized company, offering the stability and resources of an established player while potentially retaining some of the agility and collaborative spirit of a smaller organization. For operations professionals, this size typically means established processes but also opportunities to influence and improve them.

Founded: Over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. Techland's long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven ability to adapt and succeed through multiple industry shifts. This longevity suggests a company with a strong foundation and a commitment to its long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The UX Research role is embedded within the development cycle, requiring close collaboration with Game Design, Data Analytics, and QA teams. This structure promotes a holistic approach to game development, where player experience is a shared responsibility.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, UX Researchers typically report into a Head of UX, Director of Product, or a similar senior role overseeing player experience and research functions. This reporting line ensures that research insights are elevated and acted upon.

• Collaboration Dynamics: The emphasis on being the "voice of the player" suggests a culture where feedback and data-driven insights are valued. Collaboration is expected to be proactive, with researchers actively seeking input and integrating findings into team workflows.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role is fundamentally about generating data and insights to inform decisions, indicating a company culture that values evidence-based iteration over pure intuition.

• Player-Centric Development: Techland's commitment to "unforgettable experiences" and community engagement underscores a player-first philosophy, which the UX Researcher is tasked with upholding and driving through systematic research.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Integration into "sprint cycles" points to the use of agile or agile-like development methodologies, where continuous feedback and iterative improvements are standard practice.

Company Website: https://www.techland.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's experience, size, and industry position suggest a mature operational framework. The emphasis on player-centricity and data-driven decisions aligns well with the core tenets of operations management, even in a creative field like game development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level. It requires significant experience in UX research methodology and execution, with the autonomy to manage research projects independently. It's a specialist role focused on deep expertise within UX research, contributing to the broader operational goal of product excellence.

Reporting Structure: The Game UX Researcher will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher, UX Manager, or a Director overseeing Product Development and Player Experience. This structure ensures visibility and direct influence on product decisions, with potential to interact with higher-level stakeholders like Game Directors or Executive Producers.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue or sales pipelines, the UX Researcher's impact is critical for player retention, engagement, and overall product success. By ensuring a positive and intuitive player experience, this role directly contributes to player satisfaction, positive word-of-mouth, and ultimately, sustained sales and community growth. This is a crucial facet of GTM strategy, focusing on product-market fit from a user perspective.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced telemetry analysis, psychophysiological measures like EEG/fNIRS, AI-driven player behavior analysis).

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Researcher role, mentoring junior researchers, managing larger research programs, and influencing research strategy.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Transition into related roles such as Game Design, Product Management, or Data Analytics, leveraging a strong understanding of player behavior and product development.

• Methodology Innovation: Drive the adoption of new research tools and techniques within Techland, becoming an internal expert and thought leader in game UX research.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to higher-level product strategy discussions, advising on player experience aspects that can shape future game development priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth paths highlight opportunities for skill advancement and strategic influence, common motivators for operations professionals seeking impactful careers. The role's focus on player experience directly ties into business outcomes like retention and market success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Techland operates state-of-the-art offices designed for a creative and collaborative environment. The Wrocław office includes a gym and chillout zones, suggesting an emphasis on employee well-being and a comfortable workspace conducive to focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary location specified is Wrocław, Poland, at Jana Szczyrki 11. Techland also has studios in Warsaw. This indicates a company with established physical infrastructure supporting its workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The presence of chillout zones and the nature of game development foster an environment where informal collaboration and idea-sharing are encouraged.

• Technology-Rich: As a game development studio, the environment is expected to be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including necessary hardware and software for UX research (e.g., playtesting labs, analysis software, potentially VR/AR equipment).

• Team Interaction: The role requires constant interaction with diverse teams, suggesting an open-plan or flexible office layout that facilitates communication and teamwork.

Work Schedule:

• The position is full-time, with flexible working hours indicated. This flexibility is crucial for operations roles that often require deep focus and analytical time, allowing individuals to structure their day around peak productivity while ensuring availability for critical team syncs and stakeholder meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and provided amenities suggest a structured work environment that supports focused, collaborative work, typical for roles requiring deep integration with development teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and qualifications.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussions about your UX research methodologies, experience with specific tools, and how you approach common research challenges. You may be asked to walk through a past project from your portfolio.

• Case Study/Take-Home Assignment: Potentially a practical exercise where you are given a game-related problem or dataset to analyze and present findings, simulating real-world tasks.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you would integrate into the existing team structure. Discussion about your player advocacy approach and understanding of game development.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit within Techland.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem/objective, your role and responsibilities, the methodology used, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the impact of your work (quantified if possible).

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Showcase your methodical approach to research design, data collection, and analysis. Highlight how you ensured the validity and reliability of your findings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value your research brought – e.g., "reduced critical usability issues by X%," "improved player retention by Y%," "led to Z design changes that increased player satisfaction scores."

• Tailor to Gaming: Emphasize your understanding of game mechanics, player psychology in gaming contexts, and how you apply UX research principles specifically within the unique constraints and opportunities of game development.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your findings are presented clearly, avoiding excessive jargon.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Application: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach researching specific game mechanics or features. Think about the types of data you would collect and how you would analyze it.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you handle conflicting feedback, challenging stakeholders, or unexpected research outcomes. Focus on your ability to remain objective and data-driven.

• Player Advocacy: Practice articulating how you champion the player's perspective while balancing it with business and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and case studies is a direct parallel to operations roles where demonstrating process implementation and outcome measurement is critical. The preparation tips are geared towards showcasing methodological rigor and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Survey Platforms: Tools like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, or specialized UX survey tools for collecting player feedback.

• Interview & Moderation Tools: Platforms for conducting remote interviews and usability tests (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, specialized playtesting platforms).

• Data Analysis Software: Statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, R, Python with libraries like Pandas/NumPy) for quantitative analysis, and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) for thematic analysis of interview data.

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch might be beneficial for understanding prototypes being tested or for creating wireframes for testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Telemetry Analysis Tools: Experience with game-specific analytics platforms or tools that process player telemetry data (e.g., GameAnalytics, Unity Analytics, custom internal tools).

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in creating clear and impactful data visualizations using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets functions.

• Reporting Software: Expertise in generating comprehensive reports, potentially using presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides) or dedicated reporting frameworks.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, understanding how player data is managed and how feedback loops are automated within the game development pipeline could be advantageous. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) is essential for integrating into sprint cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting specific tool categories like "Survey Platforms," "Data Analysis Software," and "Telemetry Analysis Tools" is crucial for operations-minded candidates who understand the importance of the technology stack in enabling efficient and effective processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A fundamental value where player needs, feedback, and experience are paramount in all development decisions. This translates to a rigorous approach to understanding and responding to player sentiment.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using empirical evidence and analytics to inform design choices and product strategy, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Collaboration & Communication: An open and communicative environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively, valuing diverse perspectives and constructive feedback.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that embraces iteration, learning from mistakes, and constantly seeks to enhance both the game product and the development processes.

• Passion for Games: A shared enthusiasm for video games that drives motivation, creativity, and a deep understanding of the player experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Researchers are expected to be active participants within development teams, not isolated observers. This involves regular syncs, contributing to design discussions, and working alongside designers and analysts.

• Evidence-Based Advocacy: Collaboration is built on presenting research findings clearly and persuasively, using data to support arguments and facilitate consensus-driven decisions.

• Feedback Loops: An environment that encourages constructive feedback, both in giving and receiving, to refine research methodologies, analysis, and ultimately, the game itself.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing values like "Data-Driven Decision Making" and "Continuous Improvement" directly resonates with core operational principles and should appeal to candidates with an operations background.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of player desires against technical limitations, budget constraints, and business objectives. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Subjectivity in Game Design: Addressing subjective feedback and preferences in a creative field, while grounding recommendations in objective data.

• Fast-Paced Production Cycles: Ensuring timely delivery of research insights within demanding game development schedules and sprint cycles.

• Evolving Player Expectations: Keeping pace with rapidly changing player trends, technologies, and expectations in the dynamic gaming landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and implement cutting-edge UX research techniques relevant to interactive entertainment, such as AI-driven player behavior analysis, advanced psychophysiological measurement, or VR/AR usability testing.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to budgets for attending major UX and game development conferences (e.g., GDC, UXPA, CHI) and specialized training courses.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior researchers or design leads within Techland, fostering career growth and skill development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to game design, data analytics, and production processes, offering a broad understanding of game development operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting challenges and growth opportunities provides a realistic outlook and showcases the company's investment in employee development, which is a key consideration for operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a design decision based on your research findings, especially when there was initial resistance." (Focus on your communication, data persuasion, and player advocacy skills.)

• "How would you approach researching the optimal difficulty curve for a new open-world RPG? What methods would you use, and what key metrics would you track?" (Demonstrate your ability to translate a game concept into a researchable problem and outline a process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your favorite games, and what makes their UX stand out to you?" (Show genuine passion and analytical thinking about games.)

• "How do you see UX research contributing to Techland's success and its player community?" (Connect your role to the company's stated goals and values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process and Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the "why," "what," and "so what." Explain the problem, your process, your findings, and the tangible impact on the game.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, and how you handled specific challenges within each project.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Present your findings as if you were briefing the development team. Be clear, concise, and engaging. Use visuals effectively.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you adapt your research approach to different game genres, development stages, and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview preparation points are designed to help candidates showcase not just their technical UX skills but also their operational mindset: structured thinking, data-driven problem-solving, and effective communication of complex processes and outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Game UX Researcher position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided application link on SmartRecruiters. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to highlight your UX research experience, particularly within the gaming context.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that clearly showcases your end-to-end UX research process, including detailed case studies. Focus on demonstrating your methodology, analytical skills, and the impact of your research on product improvements. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your resume or application).

• Craft a Compelling Resume: Highlight keywords relevant to UX research, game development, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify your achievements wherever possible, emphasizing the outcomes of your research efforts.

• Research Techland: Familiarize yourself with Techland's games, company mission, and recent news. Understand their player base and any known UX challenges or successes in their titles. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting one or two key case studies from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your process, findings, and recommendations clearly and concisely, anticipating potential questions from a technical and non-technical audience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.