Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: CD PROJEKT RED

Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead UX research initiatives for major story-driven RPG projects, ensuring player experience is paramount in development.

• Develop and execute comprehensive UX research strategies, translating game vision into actionable insights for design and development teams.

• Conduct a variety of qualitative research methodologies to uncover player needs, pain points, and behaviors.

• Drive data-informed decision-making by synthesizing complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

• Mentor junior UX researchers, fostering a culture of rigorous research practices and continuous improvement within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for a company renowned for its deep narrative and immersive open-world RPGs. The Senior UX Researcher will be instrumental in maintaining and elevating the player experience that defines CD PROJEKT RED's franchises, requiring a blend of strong research acumen and strategic influence within game development cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own stakeholder management for assigned projects, establishing and maintaining a clear UX research strategy throughout the entire development lifecycle.

• Define critical research questions, hypotheses, and success criteria that align directly with game vision and design intent, ensuring research efforts directly support decision-making.

• Design, plan, and execute a range of qualitative UX research studies, including in-depth playtesting sessions, player interviews, focus groups, and surveys, selecting the most appropriate methods for specific project needs.

• Create or meticulously review study protocols, moderator guides, and all necessary research materials to ensure study integrity and effectiveness.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative research data to identify key patterns, player pain points, usability issues, and actionable insights.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and compelling reports and presentations tailored for diverse audiences, including game teams, product managers, and project leadership.

• Foster and maintain effective collaboration and communication channels with cross-functional teams throughout the research process, ensuring insights are understood and validated with subsequent builds.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Game Design, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX research.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in a wide array of qualitative research methodologies, including usability testing, playtesting, in-depth player interviews, focus groups, and survey design and implementation.

• Strong command of behavioral and cognitive analysis techniques to understand player motivations and decision-making processes.

• Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder management, research planning, data interpretation, and the creation of impactful research reports.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• A genuine passion for game design and a deep understanding of player experience in the context of story-driven, open-world RPGs.

• Familiarity with game development pipelines, agile methodologies, and the iterative nature of game creation.

• Proficiency in quantitative research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools.

• Experience supporting multiple concurrent projects or large franchises, ensuring research alignment and consistency across development teams.

• Proven ability to partner effectively with cross-functional research contributors (e.g., data analysts, other researchers) to meet comprehensive stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights the need for a candidate who is not only a seasoned researcher but also possesses a passion for gaming and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within game development. The emphasis on stakeholder management and experience with multiple projects indicates a need for strategic thinking and project leadership capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX research projects, ideally within the gaming or interactive entertainment industry, demonstrating a progression of skills and responsibilities.

• For each project, clearly outline the research objectives, methodologies employed, your specific role and contributions, key findings, and the impact of your research on design decisions and player experience.

• Include examples of research deliverables such as study plans, moderator guides, survey instruments, and synthesized reports or presentations.

• Demonstrate experience in translating research insights into concrete, actionable recommendations that led to measurable improvements in player satisfaction or gameplay.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of creating and adhering to research processes that ensure rigor, efficiency, and scalability.

• Document examples of how you have iterated on or improved existing research methodologies or workflows to better serve project needs.

• Showcase your ability to manage the end-to-end research process, from initial scoping and planning through to analysis, reporting, and follow-up validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just the ability to conduct research but also the strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and leadership skills necessary to influence game development. The emphasis should be on showcasing impact and the ability to navigate complex project environments typical of AAA game development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 17,800 - 27,800 PLN gross monthly. Note: This range is based on the provided estimated pay and is subject to final offers determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, and the specific demands of the role within the project.

Benefits:

• Relocation Support: Comprehensive package including flight tickets, company apartment for the first month, support for relocating pets and family, and shipping of belongings.

• Relocation Assistance: Assistance with legalization processes and tax settlements for a smooth transition.

• Language Support: Polish language lessons for foreign employees and their partners.

• Paid Leave: 20-26 days of holiday per year, plus paid sick leave.

• Health & Well-Being:

  • Private medical healthcare with dental care and rehabilitation options, extendable to partner and relatives.
  • Life insurance and comprehensive pension plans.
  • Annual cancer prevention screenings.
  • Free psychological and psychiatrist care, with various well-being initiatives.
  • Sports card providing access to numerous fitness facilities.
  • Menstrual leave for employees experiencing period pain.
  • RED Parents Network offering childcare benefits and family events.
  • RED Summer Camp for Kids (partially company-paid).

• Perks & Professional Growth:

  • Welcome pack with company goodies.
  • Access to trainings, lectures, workshops, online tutorials, and e-learning classes for continuous learning.
  • Cafeteria platform for subscription benefits, additional medical packages, and vouchers for shops, cinemas, and public transport reimbursement.
  • Gifts for new parents and company swag.

• Office & Social:

  • Dog-friendly office environment.

  • Regular social events for team bonding and relaxation.

  • Healthy food options available in canteens.

  • International working environment fostering diversity.

  • On-site gym with a climbing wall, daily gym assistant support, yoga, and boxing classes.

  • Bicycle parking, repair equipment, and showers.

  • No dress code policy. Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid model requiring at least 3 days per week in the Warsaw office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation package is highly competitive, especially considering the extensive relocation and well-being benefits, which are significant draws for international candidates. The hybrid work model is clearly defined, and the benefits package is exceptionally robust, catering to holistic employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, specifically focusing on story-driven, open-world Role-Playing Games (RPGs). CD PROJEKT RED is a globally recognized studio known for its critically acclaimed franchises like The Witcher and Cyberpunk.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, CD PROJEKT RED is a large, established game development studio, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals.

Founded: CD PROJEKT RED was founded in 2002, giving it over two decades of experience in the gaming industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team operates within the broader product development structure, likely collaborating closely with Game Design, Product Management, Art, and Engineering departments.

• As a Senior UX Researcher, you will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher, Head of UX, or a Director of Product/Design.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Development: CD PROJEKT RED emphasizes creating deeply engaging experiences, which inherently requires understanding player behavior and preferences through research.

• Iterative Design: The game development process is iterative, with UX research playing a vital role in providing feedback at various stages to refine gameplay, narrative, and overall player experience.

• Player-Centricity: The company's mission to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that resonate with players underscores a commitment to understanding and prioritizing the player experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CD PROJEKT RED has a strong reputation for quality and player engagement. The culture is likely driven by a passion for creating immersive gaming experiences, demanding a high level of craftsmanship and dedication from its employees. The international aspect of the workforce is also a key cultural characteristic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the UX Research discipline. It signifies a move beyond executing research tasks to owning research strategy, managing stakeholders, and mentoring junior team members. The role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to influence project direction.

Reporting Structure: Senior UX Researchers typically report to a Lead UX Researcher, UX Manager, or a Director overseeing Product or Design. They will work closely with Game Designers, Product Managers, and other development leads.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher's impact is direct and significant, influencing the core player experience of flagship game titles. By translating player needs and behaviors into actionable insights, they help shape gameplay mechanics, narrative delivery, interface design, and overall game accessibility, directly contributing to player satisfaction, critical reception, and commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead research for entire game franchises or major features, taking on more strategic responsibilities and potentially managing larger research initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of game UX research, such as player psychology, narrative design research, or complex system usability.

• Mentorship: Formal or informal opportunities to mentor junior researchers, developing leadership and coaching skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to various facets of game development, fostering a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle and enabling contributions to broader product strategy discussions.

• Potential for management roles: With demonstrated leadership and strategic impact, progression into a UX Research Manager or similar leadership position is a potential long-term career path.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a highly respected game development studio. The emphasis on strategic influence and mentorship positions the Senior UX Researcher for significant career advancement, either through increased leadership scope or specialized expertise within the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CD PROJEKT RED operates a modern, well-equipped office space in Warsaw, Poland, designed to foster creativity and collaboration. The environment is described as dog-friendly and casual, reflecting a culture that values employee comfort and well-being.

Office Location(s): The primary work location for this role is Warsaw, Poland, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring at least three days per week in the office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely includes various meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan zones to facilitate team collaboration and cross-functional interaction.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary research tools, software, and hardware for conducting studies, analyzing data, and presenting findings will be provided. This includes potential access to development builds of games.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model ensures regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues, fostering strong team cohesion and facilitating spontaneous discussions crucial for iterative game development. The dog-friendly policy adds a unique, relaxed element to the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility of the hybrid model allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work. The nature of game development may occasionally require extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model at CD PROJEKT RED balances the need for in-office collaboration essential for game development with the flexibility of remote work. The office environment is designed to be supportive and engaging, with amenities that cater to both professional needs and personal well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: An in-depth discussion covering your background, research philosophy, stakeholder management experience, and specific project examples from your portfolio. This stage will likely include behavioral questions.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or participate in a live exercise where you analyze a dataset, propose a research plan for a hypothetical game scenario, or critique existing game mechanics from a UX perspective.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers and stakeholders (e.g., Game Designers, Product Managers) to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the existing team dynamics.

• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership to discuss your strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with CD PROJEKT RED's culture and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. Use clear headings for each project, detailing the problem, your role, methodology, findings, and impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visual examples where possible – mock-ups, user flows, key data visualizations, or even short video clips demonstrating research in action or its outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research. For example, "Research led to a 15% reduction in player frustration with the tutorial," or "Implemented changes based on findings resulted in a 10% increase in quest completion rates."

• Highlight Stakeholder Management: Explicitly describe how you managed stakeholder expectations, communicated findings, and navigated feedback to drive adoption of your recommendations.

• Tailor to Gaming: If possible, emphasize projects that relate to game design, player engagement, or interactive entertainment. Showcase understanding of game-specific research nuances.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Game Context: Research CD PROJEKT RED's games, their design philosophies, and common player feedback. Think about potential UX challenges in RPGs.

• Methodology Fluency: Be prepared to justify your choice of research methods for different scenarios. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative vs. quantitative approaches in game development.

• Problem-Solving: Practice thinking through hypothetical game design problems and how you would approach them with UX research. Focus on identifying user needs and translating them into design solutions.

• Communication: Rehearse presenting your findings clearly and concisely, anticipating potential questions from game designers or producers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Researcher at a company like CD PROJEKT RED will be rigorous, focusing on both research expertise and the ability to operate effectively within a complex, creative, and collaborative game development environment. A strong, well-documented portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with various platforms for remote usability testing, playtesting, surveys, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Maze).

• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: While not primary research tools, understanding tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Axure is beneficial for comprehending design artifacts and communicating feedback effectively.

• Game Engines (Familiarity): Awareness of game engines like Unreal Engine or proprietary engines used by CD PROJEKT RED can provide context for development constraints and opportunities.

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for presenting data and insights.

• In-Game Analytics: Understanding of how in-game telemetry and analytics are used to track player behavior and identify trends.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing research tasks and collaborating with development teams.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace for communication and document sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, a Senior UX Researcher is expected to be adaptable and proficient with a range of industry-standard research and analysis tools. Familiarity with tools common in game development environments, such as game engines and project management software, is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the player's needs and experience above all else. This means research directly informs decisions that enhance player satisfaction and immersion.

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality work, whether in research execution, analysis, or reporting, reflecting the company's own commitment to game development excellence.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where research insights are shared openly and constructively, working closely with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Passion: Encouraging creative problem-solving and a genuine passion for gaming, driving the team to explore new research methods and contribute to groundbreaking game experiences.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, refining methodologies, and adapting to the evolving landscape of UX research and game development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with game designers, narrative designers, producers, artists, and engineers to ensure research is relevant and integrated into the development pipeline.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing well-reasoned, data-backed feedback that helps teams iterate effectively, while also being receptive to feedback on research processes and findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in internal workshops, sharing best practices, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the UX team and the wider studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at CD PROJEKT RED likely emphasizes a shared passion for gaming and a dedication to creating meaningful player experiences. The values promote a collaborative, player-focused environment where high-quality research is integral to game development success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business/Design Goals: Navigating situations where player preferences might conflict with design vision or technical constraints, requiring strong negotiation and communication skills to find optimal solutions.

• Researching Complex Systems: Understanding and effectively researching intricate RPG mechanics, narrative branching, and open-world systems presents a unique analytical challenge.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating the scope, limitations, and value of UX research to diverse stakeholders who may have varying levels of familiarity with research methodologies.

• Adapting to Iterative Development: Conducting research within fast-paced, iterative development cycles, ensuring timely insights without compromising research rigor.

• Maintaining Objectivity: Remaining objective and unbiased when dealing with passionate development teams and highly anticipated game projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Game UX Research: Opportunities to specialize in cutting-edge game UX research techniques, player psychology within interactive narratives, and emergent gameplay analysis.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Support for attending major gaming and UX conferences (e.g., GDC, CHI) to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship & Leadership Training: Formal and informal opportunities to develop leadership skills through mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research streams for major projects.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into other areas of game development, such as narrative design, technical implementation, or live-ops, broadening your understanding of the entire product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior roles in game development, requiring strategic thinking and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for specialization, leadership, and continuous professional development within a leading game studio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop a UX research strategy for a new open-world RPG from its initial concept stages through post-launch support?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence a design decision based on research findings when stakeholders initially disagreed. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of CD PROJEKT RED's games appeal to you from a UX research perspective?"

• "How do you ensure your research aligns with a studio's specific culture and development methodology, such as an agile approach?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives. Begin with the challenge or goal, detail your journey (methodology), highlight key discoveries (insights), and conclude with the resolution and impact.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the "so what?" – how did your research directly benefit the game or player experience? Use quantifiable results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Walk interviewers through your thought process: how you selected methods, how you analyzed data, and how you translated findings into actionable recommendations.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, data analysis, and decision-making within each project. Be ready to defend your choices and discuss trade-offs.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you collaborated effectively with designers, producers, or other team members to achieve research goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust research methodologies, strong communication skills, and a genuine understanding of game development and player experience. Your portfolio is your primary tool; ensure it is polished, impactful, and well-rehearsed.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position at CD PROJEKT RED:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a link to your comprehensive UX research portfolio, through the provided application portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects relevant to game design, player experience, and complex system research. Tailor the presentation to showcase your stakeholder management skills and research impact.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of UX research experience, emphasizing the 2+ years in the games industry. Use keywords from the job description like "stakeholder management," "qualitative research," "playtesting," and "behavioral analysis."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions, especially those related to influencing stakeholders and problem-solving in game development contexts.

• Company Research: Deeply understand CD PROJEKT RED's games, their player base, and their known commitment to narrative and player experience. Research their company culture and values to articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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.