Senior User Researcher - Activision

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Activision Blizzard

Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States

Job Type: Other (Full-time)

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and own end-to-end user research initiatives for critical mobile gaming titles, ensuring player-centric development.

• Drive the strategic integration of qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform product iteration and live operations.

• Translate complex player feedback and data into actionable insights that directly influence game design and development decisions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, product management, and engineering, to champion player needs.

• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the advancement of user research best practices within a leading gaming organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on user research within the gaming industry, with a strong emphasis on mobile free-to-play titles, particularly "Call of Duty Mobile." The hybrid work model requires significant in-office presence for collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and lead the planning, execution, and reporting of user research studies for assigned mobile game projects, from concept to live operations.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive research roadmaps aligned with product objectives, development cycles, and live service strategies.

• Employ a diverse range of research methodologies, including usability testing, appreciation playtesting, balance testing, focus groups, interviews, surveys, heuristic evaluations, card sorting, longitudinal studies, and exploratory research.

• Synthesize insights from qualitative findings, survey data, and game telemetry to provide a holistic understanding of player behavior and sentiment.

• Deliver clear, concise, and actionable research reports and presentations to development teams and leadership, effectively influencing product direction and design choices.

• Proactively identify opportunities where user research can add significant value, collaborating with stakeholders to define key research questions and priorities.

• Provide data-driven design recommendations based on research findings, player behavior patterns, and deep domain expertise in mobile gaming.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research methodologies, tools, and best practices within the user research team.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers, fostering their professional development through feedback, knowledge sharing, and collaborative project work.

• Occasionally travel to conduct on-site testing sessions or engage directly with development partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean into applied research within a fast-paced game development environment, requiring a strong understanding of mobile game mechanics, player psychology, and live service operations. The expectation is to not just conduct research but to actively drive product decisions based on those findings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• 5–7+ years of dedicated experience conducting applied user research and product evaluation specifically for video games, with a significant focus on mobile free-to-play titles.

• Proven experience owning research workstreams, managing stakeholder expectations, and integrating research seamlessly into development processes.

• Hands-on experience with evolving products, such as live operations management, feature iteration, and player retention strategies in a game development context.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing and executing a wide array of qualitative research methods, tailored for game development contexts.

• Proficient in integrating insights from multiple data sources, including qualitative findings, survey results, and game telemetry.

• Strong project management capabilities with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent research efforts effectively.

• Deep understanding of mobile game genres, player engagement loops, and the free-to-play monetization model.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings to diverse 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 mentoring or actively supporting the professional development of other researchers.

• Knowledge of data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.

• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis is beneficial.

• Understanding of telemetry methods and associated tools for game analytics.

• Functional proficiency in Mandarin, Simplified Chinese, or other relevant spoken and written languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement emphasizes applied research within the gaming sector, specifically mobile F2P, and the ability to manage research autonomously. The preferred skills highlight a desire for candidates who can contribute beyond core research, such as quantitative analysis, data viz, and team mentorship.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable evidence of leading and executing user research studies from planning through to actionable insights and impact on product development.

• Case studies showcasing the application of diverse research methodologies (usability testing, playtesting, surveys, interviews, etc.) on mobile games.

• Examples of how research findings were translated into specific design recommendations or product improvements, with measurable outcomes.

• Documentation of experience integrating qualitative data with quantitative data (e.g., telemetry, survey results) for robust analysis.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your systematic approach to defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and designing study protocols.

• Provide examples of how you manage research projects, including timelines, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation.

• Illustrate your methods for analyzing research data, synthesizing findings, and generating clear, actionable recommendations.

• Demonstrate your experience in presenting research findings to development teams and leadership, driving alignment and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to have a robust portfolio that clearly articulates their research process, methodology, and, most importantly, the tangible impact their work has had on game development and player experience. A strong emphasis will be placed on demonstrating strategic thinking and the ability to influence product decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The standard base pay range for this role in the U.S. is estimated between $92,920.00 and $171,814.00 annually.

• This range reflects the expected base pay for new hires across all U.S. locations.

• The final salary offer will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, individual performance, and specific work location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) options.

• Healthcare Spending Accounts (HSAs) and Dependent Care Spending Accounts (DCAs).

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Disability insurance.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.

• Tuition reimbursement program and charitable donation matching.

• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time, plus floating holidays.

• Compassion and bereavement leaves, and parental leave.

• Robust mental health and wellbeing programs, including fitness programs.

• Access to free and discounted Activision Blizzard games.

• A variety of voluntary benefit programs such as legal services, identity protection, and rental insurance.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week.

• The work arrangement is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the Sherman Oaks, California office (specifically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a broad estimate for U.S. positions and can vary significantly by location and candidate qualifications. Activision Blizzard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being across multiple dimensions. The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the role's structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Game Development & Publishing. Activision Blizzard is a major player in the global gaming market, known for developing and publishing some of the most popular and enduring video game franchises.

Company Size: Activision Blizzard is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals globally, indicating a structured environment with established processes and ample resources.

Founded: Activision Blizzard has a long-standing legacy in the industry, with its roots tracing back to the early days of video game development. This history suggests a culture that values innovation while respecting established expertise.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is likely part of a larger Product Development or Player Experience division.

• This role will involve close collaboration with game designers, producers, engineers, and other research specialists.

Methodology:

• The team employs a data-driven approach, integrating qualitative research findings with quantitative data (telemetry) and player feedback to inform development.

• Research is conducted iteratively throughout the development lifecycle, from early prototyping to post-launch live operations.

• A strong emphasis is placed on translating research insights into tangible product improvements and strategic decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision Blizzard operates within a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. The company culture likely balances creative freedom with rigorous, data-informed decision-making. As a large organization, expect structured processes and opportunities for significant impact on globally recognized brands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior User Researcher position, indicating a mid-to-senior level of expertise. The role requires independent ownership of research projects, strategic planning, and the ability to mentor junior team members. It signifies a professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will report to a User Research Manager or Lead within Activision Blizzard. They will work closely with project teams, including game directors, producers, designers, and engineers, acting as a key player in the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the player experience and product quality of Activision's mobile gaming titles. By providing critical insights into player behavior, preferences, and pain points, the Senior User Researcher directly influences game design, feature development, monetization strategies, and overall player satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the commercial success of the games.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific game genres (e.g., FPS, Battle Royale) or research methodologies (e.g., advanced analytics, longitudinal studies).

• Leadership: Progress to a Lead User Researcher or Managerial role, overseeing larger research initiatives, managing teams, and setting research strategy for entire product lines.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into related roles such as Product Management, Game Design, or Player Experience Strategy, leveraging deep player understanding.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn and apply new research techniques, tools, and engage with emerging technologies in game development and player interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within user research, with opportunities for increased scope, leadership, and specialization. The impact on highly visible, globally recognized game franchises provides a strong foundation for future growth within the gaming industry or related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment, requiring 3 days per week onsite at the Sherman Oaks, California location. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Sherman Oaks, California, a suburban area within the greater Los Angeles region, known for its accessibility and proximity to entertainment industry hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model (3 days in-office) is designed to foster in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct communication with development teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard research tools, game development software, and potentially internal analytics platforms will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse group of game developers, researchers, and product stakeholders, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with specific in-office days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and flexibility for remote work on other days, subject to business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key characteristic of this role, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration within a studio environment. Candidates should be comfortable working from the Sherman Oaks office for a significant portion of the week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, research philosophy, and alignment with the team's needs, particularly regarding mobile game research.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: You may be asked to analyze a game feature, propose a research plan for a specific problem, or present a past project in detail, demonstrating your research process, analytical skills, and ability to derive actionable insights.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues and stakeholders (e.g., designers, producers) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Impact-Focused: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the insights derived, and the tangible impact your research had on the game or product. Quantify results where possible.

• Methodology Showcase: Demonstrate your versatility by including examples of different research methods applied to relevant problems.

• Mobile Game Specialization: Highlight specific experience with mobile free-to-play games, live ops, and player sentiment analysis.

• Clarity & Conciseness: Structure your portfolio for easy navigation and understanding. Use visuals and concise narratives to tell the story of your research projects.

• Call of Duty Relevance: If possible, draw parallels or showcase transferable skills relevant to the Call of Duty franchise or similar genres.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Be prepared to outline a research plan for a hypothetical or real game feature, including objectives, target audience, methodology, and key metrics.

• Insight Synthesis: Practice synthesizing mock data (qualitative or quantitative) into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Communication: Rehearse presenting your findings and recommendations persuasively, anticipating questions about trade-offs and strategic implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical research skills, strategic thinking, and ability to translate findings into impactful product decisions within the gaming context. A well-curated portfolio that showcases this is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with various user research platforms for study management, participant recruitment, and data collection (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics).

• Survey Tools: Proficiency in survey creation and analysis tools like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms.

• Prototyping/Testing Tools: Experience with tools that facilitate interactive testing of game concepts or features.

• Collaboration Suites: Platforms like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Integration: Ability to work with and integrate data from multiple sources, including qualitative findings, survey responses, and game telemetry.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar for creating compelling research reports and presentations.

• Data Visualization (Preferred): Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Excel for visualizing quantitative data and trends.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user feedback integrates into broader player data systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with game telemetry platforms and data analysis pipelines is a strong plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific proprietary tools may be used internally, the emphasis is on a strong foundation in general user research methodologies and tools, with a particular advantage for those familiar with game telemetry and data integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the player experience is paramount. Decisions are driven by player needs and feedback.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research insights, both qualitative and quantitative, are valued as critical inputs for product strategy and development.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Innovation & Iteration: A willingness to experiment with new research methods, embrace iterative development processes, and adapt to the evolving gaming landscape.

• Passion for Games: A genuine enthusiasm for video games and the player community is a significant cultural driver.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partners with game designers, producers, engineers, and marketing to ensure research is integrated throughout the development lifecycle.

• Feedback & Iteration: Fosters a culture of constructive feedback, both in giving and receiving, to continuously improve research processes and product outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Enthusiastically shares research findings, best practices, and learnings across teams to elevate the collective understanding of the player base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision Blizzard's culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative passion for gaming with a rigorous, data-informed approach. Collaboration and a player-first mindset are fundamental to success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Development: The fast-paced nature of game development, especially for live service titles, requires agility and the ability to conduct research efficiently without sacrificing rigor.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating diverse stakeholder priorities and ensuring research effectively addresses key development questions while aligning with broader product strategy.

• Translating Complex Data: Synthesizing insights from multiple, potentially disparate, data sources (qualitative, quantitative, telemetry) into clear, actionable recommendations for a broad audience.

• Evolving Player Expectations: Keeping pace with rapidly changing player preferences, market trends, and technological advancements in the mobile gaming space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research techniques relevant to gaming, such as advanced statistical analysis, behavioral economics, or longitudinal player journey mapping.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences (e.g., GDC, Meaningful Play) and engage with leading researchers and developers.

• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from experienced researchers and leaders within Activision Blizzard, fostering professional growth.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as design, production, or data science, broadening your understanding of the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex research challenges within a high-impact environment, with ample avenues for professional development and specialization within the dynamic gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product decision with research findings that conflicted with a strong internal opinion. How did you approach it?" - Prepare a case study focusing on your persuasion skills, data presentation, and stakeholder management.

• "How would you design a research study to evaluate the player experience of a new Battle Royale feature in Call of Duty Mobile?" - Outline your methodology, target participants, key metrics, and potential challenges.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your favorite mobile games, and what makes their user experience stand out (or fall short)?" - Demonstrate your passion for gaming and analytical eye for player experience.

• "How do you see user research contributing to the success of a live service game like Call of Duty Mobile?" - Articulate your understanding of live ops research needs and impact.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly define the problem, your approach (methodology), the key findings, and the resulting impact on the product.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "research led to a 15% improvement in task completion," "identified critical usability issues that were resolved prior to launch").

• Highlight Mobile Expertise: Emphasize your experience with mobile platforms, free-to-play models, and live operations.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, methodological choices, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not just your research skills, but your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how you can directly contribute to the success of Activision's flagship mobile titles through player-centric insights.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Activision Blizzard Careers portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your most relevant experience in mobile game user research, focusing on free-to-play models, live operations, and specific genres like FPS or Battle Royale. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your research process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description such as "mobile free-to-play games," "live ops," "usability testing," "telemetry," and "Call of Duty" where applicable. Quantify achievements and responsibilities to showcase your impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your work using specific examples. Prepare to discuss your passion for gaming and how you contribute to a collaborative team environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Activision Blizzard's current game portfolio, particularly Call of Duty Mobile, and understand their business objectives and player community. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.