Senior User Researcher - Activision

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher - Activision Company: Activision Blizzard, Inc. Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Research / Product Insights Date Posted: May 14, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and own user research initiatives for key Activision mobile titles, with a primary focus on Call of Duty Mobile.
• Develop and execute comprehensive research plans, employing a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to gather player insights.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations that directly influence product development decisions and enhance player experience.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, product management, and engineering, to ensure research insights are integrated effectively into the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to the advancement of user research practices within Activision by mentoring junior researchers and championing best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for understanding player sentiment, usability, and overall appreciation for mobile gaming experiences, particularly within the competitive free-to-play shooter genre. The emphasis on Call of Duty Mobile suggests a need for deep expertise in live ops, multiplayer, and battle royale dynamics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the planning, design, execution, and analysis of user research studies for mobile game projects, ensuring alignment with product goals and development roadmaps.
• Conduct a wide array of research methodologies, including but not limited to: usability testing, appreciation playtesting, balance testing, focus groups, player interviews, surveys, heuristic evaluations, card sorting, longitudinal studies, and exploratory research.
• Synthesize insights from multiple data sources, such as qualitative feedback, survey results, and player telemetry, to provide a holistic understanding of player behavior and sentiment.
• Deliver compelling and actionable research reports and presentations to development teams and stakeholders, effectively communicating findings and driving consensus on product improvements.
• Proactively identify research opportunities where insights can significantly impact product strategy, feature iteration, and player retention.
• Provide data-driven design recommendations and strategic input based on research findings, player behavior patterns, and deep domain expertise in mobile gaming.
• Actively participate in the continuous improvement of research methodologies, tools, and operational best practices within the user research team.
• Mentor and guide junior user researchers, fostering their professional development through feedback, knowledge sharing, and collaborative project work.
• Occasionally travel to support on-site testing sessions or engage directly with distributed development partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The expectation to "own" research workstreams implies a high degree of autonomy and responsibility for research projects from inception to impact. The need to integrate telemetry data suggests a hybrid qualitative/quantitative research approach, common in data-rich live service game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, or a closely related field is required.
• An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field is preferred.

Experience:

• 5–7+ years of dedicated experience conducting applied user research and product evaluation specifically for video games, with a strong emphasis on mobile free-to-play titles.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research workstreams, managing stakeholder expectations, and integrating research findings into a game development context.
• Proven track record of working on evolving products, such as live operations, feature iteration, or player retention initiatives for free-to-play or service-based games.
• A genuine passion for video games is essential; ideally, candidates will possess in-depth knowledge of Activision's titles, particularly Call of Duty.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing and executing qualitative research methods, including usability testing, interviews, and focus groups, tailored for game development contexts.
• Proficiency in synthesizing insights from diverse data sources, including qualitative findings, quantitative surveys, and player telemetry, to form cohesive and actionable insights.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple research efforts concurrently and effectively within development timelines.
• Deep understanding of mobile game design principles and player engagement mechanics, particularly within the FPS, Multiplayer, and Battle Royale genres.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex findings clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience conducting research on prototype or early-stage game development projects.
• Familiarity with user testing methodologies for console and PC first-person shooter games.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, or supporting the professional development of other researchers.
• Knowledge of data visualization software and techniques to enhance insight communication.
• Functional proficiency in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with telemetry data analysis methods and relevant tools for game performance tracking.
• Functional proficiency in Mandarin or Simplified Chinese for potential research with global player bases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "deep experience conducting and leading applied user research and product evaluation on mobile free-to-play games" combined with the explicit mention of "Call of Duty Mobile" strongly suggests that candidates with direct experience in this specific genre and platform will be highly prioritized. The advanced degree preference indicates a leaning towards candidates with a strong theoretical foundation in research methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a clear progression of research projects, detailing the problem statement, research questions, chosen methodologies, execution, and impact.
• Demonstrate experience in translating raw data (qualitative feedback, survey responses, telemetry) into actionable insights and concrete design recommendations.
• Include examples of research plans and reports, highlighting your ability to communicate complex findings effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Present case studies that illustrate how your research directly influenced product decisions, improved player experience, or contributed to key performance indicators (e.g., retention, engagement, monetization).

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have structured and documented research processes, from initial stakeholder consultation and research planning through to final reporting and follow-up.
• Illustrate your approach to integrating research findings into development workflows, including how you collaborate with design and engineering teams to implement changes.
• Showcase your methods for evaluating the success of implemented changes based on subsequent player feedback or data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior User Researcher role, the portfolio should emphasize leadership in research initiatives, strategic thinking, and demonstrable impact on product success. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the "why" behind their methodological choices and how they navigated challenges in a fast-paced development environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The standard base pay range for this role in the U.S. is $92,920.00 - $171,814.00 annually.
• This range reflects expected new hire compensation across all U.S. locations. The final compensation will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, individual performance, and work location.
• The Talent Professional will provide specific range details for the candidate's local geography during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) options.
• Healthcare Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Accounts.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term).
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Charitable donation matching initiatives.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation days, and paid sick time.
• Floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, and parental leave.
• Robust mental health and wellbeing programs, including fitness programs.
• Perks such as free and discounted games.
• Additional voluntary benefits such as supplemental life & disability, legal services, ID protection, and rental insurance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided if required for the job.

Working Hours:

• This position follows a standard 40-hour work week.
• The role operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring 3 days per week in the Sherman Oaks, California office (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Work arrangement flexibility may be adjusted based on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior User Researcher role in the gaming industry, particularly in a high-cost-of-living area like Southern California. The extensive benefits package underscores Activision Blizzard's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, with specific perks relevant to the gaming industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Games (specifically, AAA game development and publishing). Company Size: Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a large, publicly traded company, employing thousands of individuals globally. This scale offers opportunities for broad impact and exposure to various aspects of game development and business operations. Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, and Activision Blizzard was formed in 2008 through the merger of Activision and Blizzard Entertainment. This long history signifies stability, extensive experience in the industry, and a deep understanding of player communities.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is likely integrated within the product development structure, working closely with game studios and specific franchise teams.
• As a Senior researcher, you would likely report to a User Research Lead or Manager, with a matrixed relationship to the product leads of the games you support.
• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving close partnerships with Game Designers, Producers, Product Managers, Engineers, and other insight-generating disciplines (e.g., Data Analysts, Community Managers).

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is central, leveraging both qualitative player feedback and quantitative telemetry to inform product strategy.
• A strong emphasis is placed on understanding player sentiment, usability, and overall player experience throughout the game lifecycle, especially for live service titles.
• Agile research practices are likely employed to accommodate the fast-paced nature of game development, requiring adaptability and efficient execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision Blizzard's culture is characterized by a drive for creating iconic entertainment experiences and a focus on player satisfaction. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as stated in their job posting, suggests an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds, which is beneficial for understanding diverse player bases.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a mid-to-senior level position requiring a significant degree of autonomy, expertise, and leadership. A Senior User Researcher is expected to independently manage complex research projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute strategically to research processes and product development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will likely report to a User Research Lead or Manager, and will collaborate closely with game directors, producers, and product managers for specific titles. This structure allows for both specialized guidance within the research discipline and direct integration into game development teams.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the success of Activision's mobile titles, particularly Call of Duty Mobile. By providing critical player insights, the Senior User Researcher directly influences game design, feature development, monetization strategies, and live operations, ultimately shaping the player experience and driving engagement, retention, and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific game genres (e.g., mobile FPS, battle royale) or research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative methods, longitudinal studies).
• Leadership: Progress into a Lead User Researcher or User Research Manager role, managing a team of researchers and overseeing larger research programs.
• Cross-Disciplinary: Transition into related roles such as Product Management, Game Design, or Data Analytics, leveraging a strong understanding of player behavior and product development.
• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior researchers and contributing to the formal training and development programs within the research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a pathway to leadership within the User Research discipline or a move into broader product roles. The company's focus on iconic brands and continuous innovation suggests ample opportunities for growth and impact for dedicated professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Sherman Oaks, California office, which is part of Activision Blizzard's physical presence. This indicates a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are encouraged.

Office Location(s): Sherman Oaks, California, United States. This location is within the greater Los Angeles area, a hub for the entertainment and gaming industries.

Workspace Context:

• The User Research Center in Sherman Oaks is likely equipped with facilities for conducting in-person usability testing and playtesting sessions.
• You can expect access to standard office technology and potentially specialized research equipment.
• The hybrid work model (3 days in-office) is designed to balance focused individual work with collaborative team activities, fostering a dynamic yet structured environment.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with development teams and fellow researchers will be prevalent during in-office days.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with specific days designated for in-office presence (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). This structure allows for focused work at home and collaborative engagement in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a deliberate effort to combine the benefits of remote flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration, which is particularly valuable for research roles that benefit from spontaneous discussions and team brainstorming.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, research philosophy, and suitability for the Senior role.
• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage where you will present a selection of your best work, demonstrating your research process, impact, and ability to translate insights into action. Expect detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making, and stakeholder management. This may include a practical exercise or case study relevant to mobile game research.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with other researchers, game designers, producers, or product managers to assess your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into the development team.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the product or research organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your Senior-level capabilities, focusing on impact and leadership. Tailor your selections to highlight experience with mobile games, live ops, and FPS/multiplayer genres.
• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the research questions, your chosen methodologies, key findings, actionable recommendations, and – most importantly – the impact of your research on the product. Use visuals where appropriate.
• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased player retention by Y%", "identified critical usability issue that was fixed, leading to Z positive sentiment shift").
• Be Ready to Discuss Trade-offs: Explain why you chose specific methodologies, what challenges you faced, and how you navigated them. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and influenced decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case study questions or a take-home assignment that requires you to outline a research plan for a hypothetical game feature or problem.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and apply your research expertise to new scenarios.
• Prepare to discuss common challenges in game user research, such as working with limited data, tight deadlines, or conflicting stakeholder opinions, and how you would address them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should treat it as an opportunity to narrate their expertise and demonstrate their strategic value to Activision's product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for remote moderated and unmoderated usability testing, playtesting, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, PlaytestCloud, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Software for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo), spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets), and potentially statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python).
• Collaboration & Communication: Standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace), video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Telemetry Integration: Familiarity with accessing and interpreting player telemetry data from game analytics platforms (specific tools may vary, but understanding the data is key).
• Data Visualization: Tools for creating clear and impactful charts and dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker).

CRM & Automation:

• While not core to user research, familiarity with CRM concepts for managing stakeholder communications or project tracking tools might be beneficial.
• Automation in research might refer to survey distribution, data collection, or basic scripting for data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies proficiency in a broad range of research methodologies and the ability to adapt to various platforms. The emphasis on integrating telemetry data means experience with or a strong understanding of game analytics pipelines is highly desirable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is understanding and prioritizing the player experience, ensuring that games are fun, engaging, and accessible.
• Excellence & Innovation: A drive to create best-in-class entertainment experiences through continuous innovation in gameplay, technology, and player engagement.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using data and insights to inform strategic choices and product development.
• Inclusivity: A dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all voices are valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers are expected to work seamlessly with design, production, engineering, and marketing teams, acting as a bridge between player needs and development efforts.
• Open Communication: An environment where feedback is encouraged, and insights are shared openly to foster continuous improvement.
• Agile & Adaptable: The ability to work effectively within fast-paced, iterative development cycles, adapting research plans as needed to meet evolving project requirements.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior members to guide and support junior colleagues, fostering collective growth and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision Blizzard's stated values of Player-Centricity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Inclusivity are key indicators of the expected work environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate alignment with these principles in their approach to research and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Development Cycles: Game development, especially for live service titles, moves quickly. Research must be efficient and adaptable, often requiring rapid iteration on methodologies and deliverables.
• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Synthesizing diverse player feedback while aligning with business objectives, monetization strategies, and technical constraints can be complex.
• Subjectivity in Game Design: User research findings must be presented in a way that effectively influences subjective creative decisions within the development team.
• Data Integration Complexity: Effectively combining qualitative insights with quantitative telemetry data requires strong analytical skills and a clear understanding of both data types.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in quantitative research, statistical analysis, or experimental design for games.
• Cross-Studio/Franchise Exposure: The potential to work on different Activision franchises or contribute to research across various platforms (e.g., mobile, console, PC).
• Leadership Development: Clear pathways for career progression into lead or management roles, with opportunities for formal leadership training.
• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences, participate in workshops, and stay abreast of the latest trends in game user research and player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of the gaming industry and offer significant opportunities for skill development. A proactive researcher who can navigate these complexities will find ample room for growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex research project for a mobile game. What was your approach, what were the key challenges, and what was the ultimate impact of your research?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on ownership and impact.)
• "How do you balance diverse player feedback with the business objectives and creative vision of a game development team?" (Focus on your communication and negotiation skills, and how you present data-driven recommendations.)
• "Imagine a new feature is being developed for Call of Duty Mobile. Outline your proposed research plan to evaluate its usability and player reception before launch." (Demonstrate your ability to design appropriate research methodologies and align them with development timelines.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Activision and the Call of Duty franchise specifically?" (Research the latest CoD Mobile updates, player sentiment, and Activision's mission.)
• "How do you approach building relationships and collaborating with game designers, producers, and engineers?" (Emphasize your communication style, empathy, and ability to translate research into actionable insights for different disciplines.)
• "Describe a situation where your research findings challenged existing assumptions or plans within a development team. How did you handle it?" (Highlight your ability to present findings persuasively and professionally, even when they are difficult.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation as a story for each project, clearly defining the problem, your role, the methods used, the insights gained, and the impact achieved.
• Visual Aids: Use screenshots, mockups, data visualizations, and short video clips (if permissible) to make your presentation engaging and illustrative.
• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, be ready to explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and detail how your research directly led to product improvements or influenced decisions. Quantify impact whenever possible.
• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared for deep dives into your methodology, data interpretation, and how you navigated challenges. Practice concise and clear explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples from their experience that directly align with the responsibilities and preferred qualifications of a Senior User Researcher in the mobile gaming space, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating leadership and measurable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.
• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in mobile game user research, specific methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements. Ensure keywords from the job description are naturally integrated.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 impactful projects that showcase your leadership, research process, and ability to drive product decisions. Prepare a clear narrative for each, focusing on problem, process, insights, and impact.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your research philosophy, collaboration style, and passion for gaming.
• Research Activision: Familiarize yourself with Activision Blizzard's mission, values, and recent developments, particularly regarding the Call of Duty franchise and their mobile gaming strategy. Understand their player base and competitive landscape.

⚠️ 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.