Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Tencent

Location: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Game Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: 8+ years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive user experience research initiatives for global gaming studios, focusing on integrating player insights into game design and development lifecycles.

• Drive player satisfaction and business growth by ensuring player needs and pain points are understood and addressed through strategic research methodologies.

• Collaborate extensively with internal game development teams, global partners, and external UX research vendors to deliver actionable recommendations.

• Champion UX best practices and foster a culture of continuous learning and data-driven decision-making within the Interactive Entertainment Group Global (IEGG).

• Conduct research with a global perspective, considering cultural nuances and regional player preferences to ensure game resonance across diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Tencent's global gaming brand, Level Infinite, and the Interactive Entertainment Group Global (IEGG). The focus is on supporting invested game studios, indicating a strategic partnership and advisory capacity rather than direct in-house studio research. The emphasis on collaboration with Shenzhen-based teams and external vendors highlights a complex, multi-stakeholder operational environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a diverse range of UX research studies, employing both qualitative (e.g., usability testing, interviews) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics) methods to evaluate player behavior, preferences, and pain points across multiple game titles.

• Provide strategic guidance to invested studios on identifying key research needs and opportunities to enhance player experience and product-market fit.

• Actively manage and collaborate with internal teams (iMur, Checkpoint) and external UX lab vendors to leverage their expertise and resources for lab-based and remote user testing initiatives.

• Foster seamless communication and alignment between Tencent HQ (Shenzhen) and invested studios, ensuring research objectives support overarching business goals and development roadmaps.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable design recommendations for game designers, product managers, and developers, influencing core game mechanics, user interfaces, and overall player journeys.

• Conduct research that rigorously accounts for cultural differences and regional player preferences, ensuring games are localized and optimized for diverse global audiences.

• Proactively share knowledge about UX research best practices, emerging trends, and innovative methodologies across IEGG and partnered studios to elevate the team's collective expertise.

• Advocate for and drive the adoption of user-centered design principles and advanced research techniques within the IEGG ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct research execution, strategic advisory, and vendor management. The role requires not only methodological expertise but also strong influencing and communication skills to drive adoption of research insights across a distributed network of studios and internal teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) Research, with a significant portion focused within the gaming or interactive entertainment industry.

• Demonstrated success in conducting research for AAA titles or complex live-service games, understanding their unique development cycles and player engagement models. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including but not limited to: usability testing (formative and summative), in-depth interviews, focus groups, surveys, diary studies, and A/B testing.

• Proven ability to design, execute, and analyze research studies that yield actionable insights into player behavior, motivations, and pain points.

• Strong understanding of game development processes, lifecycles, and common tools, coupled with a clear articulation of how and when to apply specific research methods at each stage.

• Proficiency with common UX research tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate complex research findings and strategic recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, product teams, and development staff.

• Proven experience in cross-cultural collaboration, particularly working effectively within global or distributed teams and understanding diverse user bases.

• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong ability to manage multiple concurrent research projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Mandarin, which would facilitate closer collaboration with Tencent HQ teams and provide deeper cultural insights.

• Experience working directly with game design teams to influence game mechanics, narrative, and player progression systems.

• Familiarity with data analytics platforms and the ability to integrate quantitative player data with qualitative research findings.

• Experience in research operations (R&D) or program management for research functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience and a proven track record in AAA or live-service games indicates a senior-level role demanding significant autonomy and strategic influence. The preference for Mandarin proficiency underscores the importance of bridging communication gaps within Tencent's global structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX research projects, ideally from the gaming industry, demonstrating a clear research process from problem definition to actionable insights.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, participant recruitment strategy, key findings, and the impact of those findings on product decisions or design iterations.

• Highlight projects that involved cross-functional collaboration, illustrating how research insights were communicated and integrated into development workflows.

• Include examples of how you adapted research methods to specific project constraints or unique player populations.

• Demonstrate experience with various research tools and platforms used for data collection, analysis, and collaboration. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to have a systematic approach to documenting research plans, methodologies, participant recruitment, data analysis, and final reports.

• The portfolio should reflect a structured approach to managing research projects, including timeline management, stakeholder communication, and budget considerations (if applicable).

• Evidence of creating and maintaining research repositories or knowledge bases to share insights across teams is a strong plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a Senior User Researcher role almost always requires a portfolio that demonstrates not just research execution but also strategic thinking, impact, and the ability to influence product direction. The prompt's emphasis on "process" suggests that the how and why behind the research are as important as the what.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior level (8+ years of experience), location in Helsinki, Finland, and the industry (gaming/tech), a competitive salary is expected. For a Senior User Researcher in Helsinki, the estimated annual salary range is typically between €70,000 and €95,000 gross, depending on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of responsibilities. This estimate is based on general market data for senior UX research roles in major European tech hubs and adjusted for the Finnish market.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, covering medical, dental, and vision care.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance, training, and access to research resources.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options.

• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Finland.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental and emotional well-being.

• Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge gaming technology and work on globally recognized titles. Working Hours:

The standard work week is typically 40 hours, Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours, depending on project needs and team agreements. Some flexibility might be required for coordinating research with teams in different time zones (e.g., Asia).

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Helsinki, Finland, and industry benchmarks. Benefits are standard for senior tech roles in the region and within a large global company like Tencent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment, Gaming, Technology. Tencent is a global leader in video games, social media, and digital content, with Level Infinite focusing specifically on global game publishing. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, high player engagement, and a competitive landscape.

Company Size: Tencent is a massive global corporation, employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Level Infinite, as a global brand, operates with a significant international footprint, engaging with numerous studios and teams across different regions. This scale offers extensive resources and opportunities but also requires navigating complex organizational structures.

Founded: Tencent was founded in 1998. Level Infinite was established more recently to consolidate and expand Tencent's global gaming presence. This history signifies a company with deep roots in the tech and digital space, continuously evolving to meet market demands.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated UX research function within IEGG or a broader product/design organization supporting Level Infinite.

• This team is expected to be relatively small and specialized, focusing on providing high-level strategic research support to a portfolio of game studios.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Research Lead, Head of Research, or a senior product/design leader within IEGG.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, involving close partnerships with game designers, product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and potentially legal and localization departments across various geographic locations. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a strong emphasis on leveraging player insights to inform game design, development, and live operations strategies.

• Research methodologies will span the entire product lifecycle, from early concept validation to post-launch analysis and iterative improvements.

• A key methodology will be understanding and integrating player feedback from diverse cultural backgrounds to ensure global appeal and market success.

• Collaboration will be facilitated through a mix of digital tools and potentially in-person meetings, aiming for efficient knowledge sharing and alignment.

Company Website: https://www.tencent.com/ and https://www.levelinfinite.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely a blend of a large corporate structure with the dynamic, fast-paced environment typical of the gaming industry. The emphasis on global collaboration suggests a need for adaptability and strong intercultural communication skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a high degree of autonomy, strategic responsibility, and the expectation to act as a thought leader in user research for the gaming sector. The role requires not just execution but also the ability to define research strategy, mentor junior researchers, and influence product roadmaps at a significant level.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will report to a senior leader within the IEGG or Level Infinite organization, likely a Head of UX Research, Director of Product, or a similar role. This placement suggests that UX research is valued as a critical component of product strategy and development. The role will also involve significant dotted-line reporting or advisory relationships with the leadership of the partnered game studios.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the success of the games published by Level Infinite. By ensuring that player insights are deeply integrated into the design and development process, the Senior UX Researcher directly contributes to:

• Increased player satisfaction and retention.

• Improved game quality and market competitiveness.

• Optimized monetization strategies through a better understanding of player willingness to pay and engagement drivers.

• Reduced development risk by identifying and mitigating potential player experience issues early on.

• Enhanced brand reputation and community engagement for Level Infinite. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives for major game titles, and potentially grow into a management role overseeing a research team or function.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, player behavior analysis within the gaming context, or emerging research areas like AI-driven player experience.

• Strategic Influence: Gain significant influence over product strategy and game design decisions for a portfolio of global titles, shaping the future direction of Level Infinite's offerings.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a broad understanding of game development, product management, and business operations within a leading global gaming company.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to high-profile games that reach millions of players worldwide, building a strong professional reputation within the gaming and UX research communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are substantial, reflecting the senior nature of the role and the high-impact area it serves within Tencent's gaming division. The blend of methodological leadership and strategic influence is key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," meaning it requires the employee to work from a Tencent office location. This environment typically fosters strong team cohesion, facilitates spontaneous collaboration, and provides access to dedicated resources. Given the global nature of the role, there may be opportunities for international travel to visit partnered studios.

Office Location(s): The job posting specifies "Sweden" as the location, with derived locations pointing to "Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland." This suggests that the primary office base will be in Helsinki, Finland, which is a growing hub for technology and gaming in Northern Europe. However, the role involves supporting studios in North America and Europe, implying potential travel or remote collaboration with these entities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace in Helsinki will likely be a modern office environment designed for collaboration, featuring meeting rooms, quiet zones, and shared workspaces.

• Access to necessary UX research tools, software licenses, and potentially dedicated testing facilities or equipment will be provided.

• The team environment will encourage a culture of open communication, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, with regular team meetings and check-ins.

• Opportunities for interaction with other Tencent employees and professionals in the Helsinki tech scene may also be available. Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is expected to be 40 hours per week, typically from Monday to Friday. However, given the global nature of the role and the need to collaborate with teams in different time zones (e.g., Shenzhen, North America), some flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate meetings and project deadlines. This could involve occasional early morning or late afternoon calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation in Helsinki, Finland, combined with the global scope of work, highlights a hybrid operational reality where the individual is based in one location but connects with many others. This necessitates strong remote collaboration skills alongside on-site presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience in UX research, gaming, and senior-level responsibilities.

• Technical Interview(s): Candidates will likely undergo one or more interviews with senior members of the UX research team or product leadership. These will delve into methodological expertise, problem-solving skills, and understanding of gaming-specific research challenges. Expect questions on how you would approach specific research scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their work. This is a critical stage to assess the quality of research, strategic thinking, communication of findings, and demonstrated impact. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail.

• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with stakeholders from game design, product management, or development teams to assess collaboration skills, ability to translate research into actionable insights, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the role's strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your senior-level experience, showcasing a range of methodologies and demonstrating significant impact on product decisions or player experience. Prioritize gaming-related projects if possible.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly define the problem/objective, your role, the methodology, the process, key findings, and, most importantly, the impact and outcome. Use visuals and data where appropriate.

• Highlight Process and Impact: Emphasize your thought process, how you navigated challenges, and how your research directly influenced design or business outcomes. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in player retention," "identified critical usability issues that were resolved before launch").

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making, and how you handled challenging stakeholders or unexpected findings.

• Showcase Collaboration: Illustrate how you worked with cross-functional teams, translating research into language they understand and driving adoption of your insights.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach research for a new game concept, a specific feature, or a live-service game facing retention issues.

• Methodology Justification: Explain why you would choose certain methods over others for a given research question and development stage.

• Translating Insights: Practice articulating how you would present complex findings to a non-research audience (e.g., game designers, producers) to ensure buy-in and action.

• Cultural Considerations: Prepare examples of how you have accounted for cultural differences in past research or how you would approach this for global markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is central to assessing a Senior UX Researcher. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, impact, and the ability to communicate complex research effectively to diverse, often non-research-oriented, stakeholders in the gaming industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform for survey creation and remote usability testing.

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, ATLAS.ti) and quantitative analysis (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Collaboration Tools: Experience with Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for project management and documentation; Slack, Microsoft Teams for communication.

• Design/Prototyping Tools (Familiarity): Understanding of tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Unity, Unreal Engine to better interpret prototypes and design discussions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel to integrate behavioral data with qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools for creating compelling reports and dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how player data is managed and utilized within game platforms or community management tools can be beneficial.

• Automation tools for survey distribution or basic data processing may be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack for a Senior UX Researcher in gaming is broad, encompassing specialized research tools, general data analysis software, and collaboration platforms. Proficiency in integrating quantitative player data with qualitative insights is increasingly crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the player experience above all else, ensuring games are enjoyable, accessible, and engaging.

• Data-Driven Excellence: A dedication to using rigorous research methods and data analysis to inform decisions, validate hypotheses, and measure impact.

• Collaboration and Transparency: A belief in open communication, knowledge sharing, and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation and Adaptability: A proactive approach to exploring new research methodologies, technologies, and adapting to the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: A commitment to ensuring research considers diverse player populations and that games are designed to be welcoming and accessible to all.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working as a trusted advisor to game studios, embedding research insights directly into their development processes.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating research findings into the workflows of game designers, producers, product managers, and engineers.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Fostering a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of both games and research practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in internal forums, presentations, and documentation to disseminate research knowledge and best practices across the IEGG.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style reflect a modern, agile approach to game development, where user research is a proactive, integrated part of the creation process, not an afterthought.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Studio Diversity: Navigating the unique cultures, development processes, and research maturity levels of various invested game studios across different regions.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Development Speed: Ensuring high-quality research is conducted efficiently within fast-paced game development timelines, often requiring creative methodological solutions.

• Translating Insights Across Cultures: Effectively communicating research findings and recommendations to diverse international teams, accounting for language barriers and cultural nuances.

• Advocating for UX in a Creative Field: Championing user-centered design principles and research-backed decisions in a creative environment where artistic vision and player feedback must be skillfully balanced.

• Measuring Long-Term Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of UX research on game success metrics (e.g., player retention, monetization, community sentiment) over extended live-service periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques, such as AI-driven player analytics, VR/AR user testing, or advanced psychometric modeling.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Support for attending major UX and gaming industry conferences (e.g., GDC, CHI Play) and pursuing relevant certifications.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Tencent's global operations and research teams, fostering leadership and strategic thinking.

• Specialized Game Research: Deepening expertise in specific genres or player demographics to become a subject matter expert within the gaming research domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity of working in a global, multi-studio environment within the dynamic gaming industry. Growth opportunities focus on both methodological advancement and strategic leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach conducting a pre-launch usability study for a new AAA open-world RPG, considering both core mechanics and player onboarding?" (Focus on methodology selection, participant recruitment, and reporting for a complex game.)

• "Imagine a live-service game is experiencing declining player retention. What research plan would you propose to identify the root causes and recommend solutions?" (Demonstrate understanding of live-service dynamics, iterative research, and linking findings to player behavior.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence a game designer or producer to change their approach based on your research findings. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Assess communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Tencent and Level Infinite, specifically within the gaming industry?" (Show genuine interest in the company, brand, and sector.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with teams in different time zones and cultural backgrounds?" (Highlight your cross-cultural communication and adaptability.)

• "How do you ensure your research remains objective while working closely with development teams who have strong opinions about their games?" (Demonstrate ability to maintain research integrity and manage biases.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each chosen project, start with the "why" (the problem/opportunity), then the "how" (your approach/methodology), followed by the "what" (key insights/findings), and crucially, the "so what" (the impact/outcome).

• Focus on Your Role and Contribution: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the tangible results of your research (e.g., improvements in engagement, conversion, satisfaction scores).

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with visuals (e.g., screenshots, charts, personas) to illustrate your points. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, data analysis, and how you handled any challenges or limitations encountered during the research process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, methodological rigor, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the gaming industry's unique research challenges and opportunities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position at Tencent:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in UX research within the gaming industry, specifically mentioning AAA titles or live-service games. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description (e.g., qualitative/quantitative research, usability testing, player behavior analysis, cross-cultural collaboration).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects, ideally from the gaming sector. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, methodology, key findings, and demonstrated impact. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research Tencent & Level Infinite: Familiarize yourself with Tencent's gaming portfolio, Level Infinite's mission, and their recent game releases. Understand their approach to player engagement and global markets.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare thoughtful answers to common UX research, behavioral, and situational interview questions, and practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely and impactfully.

⚠️ 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.