User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher

Company: HoYoverse

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Research / Market Research / Game Development

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive user research initiatives across the entire game product lifecycle, from conception to post-launch, ensuring player-centric design and development.

• Conduct in-depth global market research and competitor analysis to identify emerging trends, understand player psychology, and inform strategic product decisions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers, to translate research findings into actionable insights and product improvements.

• Own the end-to-end execution of research projects, from defining research questions and designing methodologies to analyzing data and presenting findings to stakeholders.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes and methodologies to enhance efficiency and impact within the product development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical bridge between player needs and product development, requiring a strategic understanding of the gaming industry and a strong command of research methodologies. The emphasis on collaboration with the Shanghai office indicates a need for cross-cultural communication skills and an understanding of global market nuances.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute a variety of user research studies, including usability testing, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic research, tailored to different stages of the game development lifecycle.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify user pain points, preferences, and behaviors, and synthesize findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights for product teams.

• Develop comprehensive research reports and presentations that effectively communicate findings, implications, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including product managers, designers, engineers, and leadership.

• Conduct thorough industry and competitor analysis to identify market trends, benchmark product features, and uncover opportunities for innovation and differentiation.

• Collaborate with the Shanghai office on research projects, ensuring alignment on research objectives, methodologies, and deliverables, while also contributing to the U.S. office's research strategy.

• Advocate for the user throughout the product development process, ensuring that player needs and feedback are central to design and feature decisions.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in user research, game development, and the broader gaming industry to continuously refine research approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibility is to drive a data-informed product development process by deeply understanding player needs. The mention of "end-to-end" project ownership implies a need for strong project management skills and autonomy. Collaboration with the Shanghai office suggests a global perspective is crucial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in user research, market research, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering research projects.

• Experience within the gaming industry, particularly with anime or open-world game genres, is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to apply a variety of user research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, surveys, interviews, ethnography) to address specific product needs and research questions.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of player psychology and gaming behaviors, with a passion for games and the gaming industry.

Preferred Skills:

• In-depth understanding of anime games and/or open-world game genres.

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for data analysis, NVivo, Dovetail).

• Familiarity with game development pipelines and agile methodologies.

• Ability to communicate effectively in Chinese.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ideal candidate will possess a blend of scientific research rigor and a deep, intuitive understanding of gamer motivations. The preference for Chinese language skills suggests potential for broader collaboration and market understanding within HoYoverse's global operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of user research projects, demonstrating end-to-end ownership from research design to actionable insights.

• Case studies that highlight your process for identifying research needs, selecting appropriate methodologies, and executing studies effectively.

• Examples of how your research has directly influenced product design, feature development, or strategic decisions, ideally with measurable outcomes or impact.

• Documentation of your analytical process, including how you synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful conclusions.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a structured and organized manner.

• Examples of how you have iterated on or improved research processes based on project learnings or team feedback.

• Experience in creating and maintaining research repositories or knowledge bases to share insights across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as tangible proof of research capabilities and impact. Candidates should emphasize projects that show a clear link between their research and positive product outcomes. Demonstrating adaptability in research methodologies and a systematic approach to documentation will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base pay range for this position is $73,000 - $130,000 USD per year.

• This range is a guideline, and the actual salary will be determined by factors such as the candidate's location, relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for the employee and their dependents.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.

• 401K / RRSP plan for retirement savings.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employer-paid disability insurance.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level User Researcher in the US market. The comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums and relocation assistance, signals a strong commitment to employee well-being and attracting top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Gaming, Entertainment, Virtual Worlds, Technology

Company Size: Large (500+ employees, often much larger for global tech companies like HoYoverse). This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also potential for significant impact within specialized teams.

Founded: HoYoverse was founded in 2012. This indicates a company with significant growth and evolution, likely having refined its operational and development processes over time.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated User Experience (UX) or Product team, working closely with game designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Collaboration with a global team, specifically the Shanghai office, is a key aspect, requiring strong communication and coordination skills across different time zones and cultures.

Methodology:

• HoYoverse's commitment to "immersive virtual world experiences" and "cutting-edge game development technologies" suggests a culture that values innovation, creativity, and technical excellence.

• The emphasis on community and player engagement indicates a player-first approach, where user feedback and experience are paramount.

• Research methodologies are expected to be rigorous, data-driven, and integrated into the product development lifecycle to ensure user-centricity.

Company Website: https://www.hoyoverse.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: HoYoverse is a prominent global player in the gaming industry, known for its high-quality, immersive titles. The culture appears to be a blend of creative passion for gaming, a strong technical foundation, and a commitment to community. The emphasis on global collaboration is a defining characteristic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level User Researcher. This role is expected to independently manage research projects and contribute strategic insights, moving beyond junior-level execution. It sits within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and Product Development functions by informing product strategy and user experience.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Senior User Researcher, UX Research Lead, or a Product Manager/Director who oversees user experience. This position will also collaborate extensively with game designers, product managers, and engineers.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's insights directly influence game design, feature prioritization, monetization strategies, and overall player satisfaction, ultimately impacting user acquisition, retention, and revenue. They are a crucial part of the GTM strategy by ensuring the product resonates with the target audience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific game genres (e.g., RPG, open-world) or research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, qualitative ethnography).

• Leadership: Transition into Senior User Researcher roles, leading larger or more complex projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to research strategy.

• Product Management/Design: Leverage deep user understanding to move into product management or UX design roles, directly shaping product roadmaps and user journeys.

• Cross-functional roles: Opportunities to work more closely with marketing, community, or analytics teams to provide a holistic view of the player.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of game user research or adjacent product development roles. The company's global presence and focus on innovation provide ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the gaming and entertainment sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This implies a traditional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): While the role is listed as "United States," specific office locations within the US are not detailed. HoYoverse has offices in Los Angeles, Montreal, and other areas, suggesting potential hubs for this role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The environment likely fosters close collaboration with design, product, and engineering teams, involving frequent meetings, brainstorming sessions, and co-creation activities.

• Tech-Enabled: Access to industry-standard research tools, gaming hardware, and potentially specialized labs for user testing.

• Dynamic: Working within the fast-paced gaming industry means adapting to evolving project needs, tight deadlines, and continuous innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, though flexibility might be expected during critical project phases or for international collaboration. The on-site nature suggests a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests an emphasis on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct access to resources. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment that encourages real-time interaction and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deep dive into experience, research methodologies, and understanding of the gaming industry. This is where your passion for games will be assessed.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present 1-2 selected research projects, detailing their process, findings, and impact. Prepare to discuss your approach to specific challenges and how you translated insights into action.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with potential colleagues (designers, product managers, engineers) to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact on product decisions. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to game development.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your research approach, the methodology chosen and why, key findings, and the resulting recommendations/impact. Quantify impact where possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process behind methodology selection, data analysis, and synthesizing insights. Demonstrate how you navigated challenges.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled conflicting feedback, what you would do differently, and your understanding of player psychology in gaming.

• Highlight Game Passion: Weave in your genuine enthusiasm for games and the industry throughout your presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential take-home assignments or live exercises that might simulate a research task (e.g., analyzing a dataset, outlining a research plan for a hypothetical feature).

• Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely and persuasively.

• Prepare thoughtful questions about HoYoverse's current games, player community, and their approach to user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a critical component. Candidates should prepare thoroughly, focusing on demonstrating not just research execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to drive product decisions through user insights, with a strong emphasis on game-specific contexts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Lookback).

• Data Analysis Software: Statistical software for quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python with libraries like Pandas, NumPy), and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, ATLAS.ti).

• Collaboration Tools: Project management and communication software (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams).

• Design Tools (Familiarity): Understanding of design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to better interpret design artifacts and collaborate with designers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: For creating reports and dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker).

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data might integrate with CRM or marketing automation platforms for player segmentation and engagement could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of research tools is essential. The ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, and to present findings effectively using visualization tools, will be highly valued. Familiarity with game development-specific tools or pipelines is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the player experience in all aspects of game development.

• Innovation & Excellence: Striving for cutting-edge technology and creative solutions to deliver immersive and high-quality virtual worlds.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where teams work together effectively across departments and geographies to achieve common goals.

• Passion for Games: A genuine love for gaming that fuels dedication, creativity, and a desire to build engaging experiences.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research insights and analytics to inform strategic choices and optimize product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnerships with game designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially marketing and community teams.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is shared openly and respectfully to improve research processes and product outcomes.

• Global Mindset: Ability to collaborate effectively with international teams, appreciating diverse perspectives and working styles.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research findings and best practices to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values creativity, technical prowess, and a shared passion for gaming. The emphasis on global collaboration and data-driven insights suggests a sophisticated approach to product development, where user research plays a pivotal role in shaping the player experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Research: Coordinating research efforts across different regions (e.g., U.S. and Shanghai) with varying cultural nuances, player behaviors, and market dynamics.

• Fast-Paced Development Cycles: Adapting research methodologies and timelines to meet the rapid pace of game development, ensuring timely insights without compromising rigor.

• Translating Insights into Action: Effectively communicating complex findings and advocating for user needs within a team that may have differing priorities or perspectives.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of user research on key game metrics (e.g., player retention, engagement, monetization) can be challenging but is crucial for demonstrating value.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply advanced research techniques, including longitudinal studies, diary studies, or advanced statistical modeling.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the cutting edge of game development and the global gaming market.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Collaborating closely with diverse disciplines (design, engineering, marketing) to broaden understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior researchers or leaders within HoYoverse's global UX/Product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges in a dynamic industry. Success will require adaptability, strong communication, and a strategic approach to research. The opportunities for learning and growth are significant, particularly for those passionate about shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence product decisions with your research findings. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data, and impact.)

• "How would you approach user research for a new feature in an existing game like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail?" (Demonstrate understanding of game genres, player psychology, and research planning.)

• "How do you balance the need for rigorous research with tight development deadlines?" (Showcase your project management and prioritization skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of HoYoverse's games appeal to you most from a user research perspective?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of their products.)

• "How would you collaborate with a research team based in a different country and time zone?" (Highlight your communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Problem -> Research Questions -> Methodology -> Execution -> Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (screenshots, charts, quotes) to support your narrative. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving approach and the value you delivered.

• Quantify: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your research (e.g., "identified a usability issue that affected X% of users," "recommendations led to a Y% increase in feature adoption").

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific methodological choices, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing both your technical research skills and your strategic thinking. Demonstrating a passion for games and an understanding of HoYoverse's specific titles will be crucial. The ability to articulate research impact clearly is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided job link on Greenhouse.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in user research, market research, game development, and specific methodologies. Use keywords from the job description, such as "user research," "market research," "methodology design," "stakeholder communication," and "player psychology." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 1-2 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, analytical skills, and ability to drive product decisions. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF, personal website).

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and prepare concise, impactful answers to common interview questions, especially those related to game research and collaboration.

• Research HoYoverse: Familiarize yourself with their games, company mission, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

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