User Researcher (Temporary) - Activision

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher (Temporary)

Company: Activision

Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States

Job Type: Temporary

Category: User Experience Research / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 Days On-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• This temporary User Researcher role at Activision focuses on gathering critical player insights for single-player game development, directly impacting product iteration and GTM strategy.

• The position requires a blend of qualitative and, ideally, quantitative research methodologies to assess player sentiment, usability, and overall game experience.

• Successful candidates will translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations for development teams, influencing game design and feature prioritization.

• This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to globally recognized gaming franchises and gain hands-on experience within a fast-paced entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "User Researcher," the context of impacting development teams and providing insights for product iteration strongly aligns it with Go-To-Market (GTM) operations support, specifically in the early stages of product development and refinement. The "Temporary" nature suggests a project-specific need, likely tied to a particular game's development cycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct and oversee comprehensive user research studies for assigned Activision projects, from initial planning through to final reporting.

• Execute a diverse range of research methodologies, including but not limited to: usability testing, appreciation playtesting, balance testing, focus group moderation, in-depth interviews, survey design and deployment, heuristic evaluations, card sorting, exploratory research, and field studies.

• Develop, author, and refine actionable research reports and surveys that clearly articulate findings and implications.

• Present and communicate summarized research results and data insights effectively to development teams, facilitating discussion and informing implementation decisions.

• Provide informed design suggestions and strategic recommendations based on observational data, research findings, and established user experience expertise.

• Occasionally travel to conduct on-site testing sessions or to serve as a dedicated research expert for specific game development needs.

• Manage stakeholder needs and expectations effectively within a dynamic game development context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "player sentiment and usability" for "single-player games" and communicating findings "directly to development teams for discussion and future implementation" highlights a crucial GTM support function. This researcher will be instrumental in ensuring the product meets player expectations, which is a key precursor to successful market introduction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in applied user research and product evaluation, specifically within the video game industry.

Required Skills:

• Professional expertise in qualitative research methods and their application in product development.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear reporting and effective team collaboration.

• Proven ability to manage professional time and multiple projects concurrently with strong project management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user testing of third-person games on console or PC platforms.

• Experience in inferential statistical analysis methods and interpretation.

• Knowledge of data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) for enhanced reporting.

• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and their application in conjunction with qualitative findings.

• Familiarity with the use of telemetry methods and tools for analyzing player behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "2-5 years of experience conducting user research for video games" and "passion for video games, especially single player adventure games" indicates a specialized role. The "extra points" for console/PC testing and statistical analysis suggest a desire for candidates who can bridge qualitative insights with quantitative data, a valuable skill in GTM operations for understanding player segmentation and impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing end-to-end user research projects, highlighting problem definition, methodology, execution, and impact.

• Evidence of translating complex qualitative data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for product teams.

• Examples of survey design and deployment, showcasing an understanding of question formulation and data collection best practices.

• Documentation of how research findings influenced product decisions, feature prioritization, or design iterations.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your process for planning and scoping user research projects, including defining research objectives and selecting appropriate methodologies.

• Provide examples of your workflow for conducting research sessions, including participant recruitment, moderation, and data collection.

• Illustrate your systematic approach to analyzing qualitative data (e.g., thematic analysis, affinity mapping) and synthesizing findings into coherent reports.

• Detail your process for presenting research insights to cross-functional teams, including development, design, and product management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a research role impacting product development and indirectly GTM, the portfolio should emphasize how research findings translate into tangible improvements that resonate with target player segments. Demonstrating the ability to articulate ROI through improved player engagement or reduced post-launch issues would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• The company offers a suite of benefits designed to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being for all employees.

• Specific benefits may include health insurance, paid time off (accrued based on contract length), and potential access to employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week.

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

• Flexibility in work hours may be possible, subject to business needs and manager approval, but the on-site requirement is firm for specified days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for User Researchers in the Los Angeles area with 2-5 years of experience, considering the temporary nature of the role which often commands a slightly higher hourly rate or project fee compared to permanent positions. The provided benefits are general; specific details for temporary roles should be confirmed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Games. Activision Blizzard is a leading global player in the development, publishing, and distribution of interactive entertainment software and services. The company operates within a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market, known for its blockbuster franchises and large, engaged player base.

Company Size: Activision Blizzard is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals globally. This size offers opportunities for significant impact, access to extensive resources, and exposure to diverse projects, but may also mean navigating larger organizational structures.

Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, with Blizzard Entertainment merging with Activision in 2008 to form Activision Blizzard. This long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a legacy of successful game development.

Team Structure:

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

• Researchers typically report to a User Research Manager or a Lead UX Designer.

• Collaboration is expected with game designers, engineers, producers, artists, and marketing teams to integrate player feedback effectively.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, leveraging both qualitative player feedback and, where applicable, quantitative telemetry data.

• Research methodologies are applied rigorously to understand player behavior, preferences, and pain points.

• A focus on iterative development, where research findings inform continuous improvements to the game experience.

• Emphasis on user-centric design principles throughout the game development lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "epic entertainment" and connecting "hundreds of millions of monthly active users" underscores the significance of user research in ensuring product-market fit and player satisfaction, which are critical for GTM success. The mention of diversity and inclusion is also a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level User Researcher. It requires independent execution of research tasks under managerial guidance, with the expectation of managing smaller projects or significant components of larger ones. It's a hands-on role focused on direct research application rather than strategic oversight, but it provides a foundation for more senior research positions.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will report to a Manager or Lead within the User Research department. This structure allows for mentorship, guidance on research design, and support in navigating stakeholder relationships within the development teams.

Operations Impact: The direct impact of this role is on the quality and player experience of Activision's games. By identifying usability issues and player sentiment, the researcher helps refine the product before it reaches a wider audience, thereby contributing to successful GTM launches, positive player reception, and sustained engagement, which are critical for revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced statistical analysis, biometrics, telemetry analysis) or game genres.

• Project Leadership: With successful performance, opportunities to lead research for larger or more complex game features or projects may arise.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience across multiple Activision titles and potentially different development studios within the company.

• Full-Time Conversion: Depending on business needs and performance, temporary roles can sometimes convert to full-time positions, offering further career progression within Activision Blizzard.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a temporary role, "growth" is often measured by the breadth of experience gained and the development of specialized skills that make the candidate more marketable for future permanent positions in the gaming or operations sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "onsite" with a hybrid arrangement, meaning the primary work environment is a professional office setting. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for team interaction and focused work.

Office Location(s):

• The primary office location is Sherman Oaks, California. This area is part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region, known for its entertainment industry presence.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office amenities and technology necessary for user research, such as testing labs or dedicated areas for observation.

• Opportunities for collaboration with designers, developers, and other researchers will be inherent in the office setting.

Work Schedule:

• A hybrid work schedule of 3 days in the office (Tuesday-Thursday) and 2 days remote is standard.

• The typical work week is 40 hours. Specific daily start and end times may be flexible, subject to team coordination and manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is common in the tech and entertainment industries, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work. For a researcher, the office days are crucial for in-person testing, team syncs, and direct observation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, showcasing relevant user research projects. This may involve a live presentation or a detailed walkthrough of case studies, focusing on methodology, findings, and impact. Expect questions about specific projects, challenges faced, and how you translated findings into actionable insights.

• On-site/Virtual Interview: This stage typically involves interviews with team members, including potential peers and the hiring manager. Questions will delve deeper into research skills, problem-solving abilities, game knowledge, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Potential Practical Exercise: A short research-related task or case study may be assigned to assess practical application of skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem addressed, the methodology used, the key findings, and, most importantly, the impact of your research on the product. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "identified Y critical usability issues").

• Showcase Process: Detail your research process, from defining objectives and designing studies to data analysis and reporting. Demonstrate your ability to adapt methodologies to different project needs.

• Game Relevance: Emphasize projects related to gaming, especially single-player titles, and showcase your understanding of player behavior within this context.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present information clearly and concisely, using visuals (charts, graphs, screenshots) to support your narrative. Be prepared to discuss your work in detail and answer in-depth questions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Expertise: Be prepared to discuss various research methods and when to apply them. Understand the trade-offs between qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate hypothetical research scenarios related to game development and be ready to outline how you would approach them.

• Communication: Practice articulating complex research concepts and findings in a clear, accessible manner for diverse audiences (developers, designers, managers).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific research methods suggests that candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just their understanding of research principles, but their practical application and ability to deliver tangible value to a development team. The "temporary" nature implies a need for candidates who can quickly integrate and contribute.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with tools for online surveys, participant recruitment, and remote usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, specialized game testing platforms).

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) or statistical software for quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python with libraries like Pandas, SciPy).

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with project management and collaboration software (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams) for team communication and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker to create compelling visual representations of research data.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating professional, actionable reports using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how player data is managed and how research insights can inform CRM strategies or marketing automation for player engagement is a plus. Familiarity with how telemetry data is collected and used is also advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Extra Points" section specifically mentions "Knowledge of data visualization software" and "Familiarity with quantitative research methods." This indicates that while qualitative skills are primary, candidates with a broader technical toolkit will be more competitive.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep understanding of and commitment to representing the player's perspective throughout the development process.

• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing empirical evidence and rigorous analysis to inform decisions, avoiding assumptions and biases.

• Collaboration & Communication: Openness to sharing findings, receiving feedback, and working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure research is integrated effectively.

• Impact & Actionability: A focus on delivering research that is not only insightful but also practical and actionable for development teams.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared towards iterative refinement of both the product and the research processes themselves.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with game designers, producers, engineers, and marketing to ensure research goals align with project objectives and GTM strategies.

• Transparent Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on research progress, findings, and recommendations.

• Feedback Loop: Encouraging constructive feedback on research designs, reports, and presentations to foster continuous learning and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices, tools, and insights are shared amongst researchers and development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "player sentiment," "usability," and direct communication with "development teams" highlights a culture that values direct user feedback as a critical component of product development, directly influencing the success of GTM efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to rapidly changing project priorities and development cycles inherent in the gaming industry. Mitigation: Develop strong organizational skills, prioritize tasks effectively, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders.

• Subjectivity in Gaming: Balancing objective research findings with the subjective nature of player enjoyment and artistic vision in game design. Mitigation: Employ mixed-methods approaches, clearly delineate objective findings from subjective interpretations, and facilitate open discussions with design teams.

• Temporary Contract Limitations: Navigating project scope and integration as a temporary team member, ensuring maximum impact within a defined timeframe. Mitigation: Quickly establish rapport, understand project goals, and focus on delivering high-value, actionable insights from the outset.

• Evolving Research Methods: Staying current with new technologies and methodologies in user research, particularly in areas like biometrics and advanced telemetry. Mitigation: Proactively engage in continuous learning through industry publications, conferences, and internal training.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Game Research: Gaining in-depth experience with user research specifically for single-player console and PC games.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to work with and learn about advanced techniques like telemetry analysis, biometrics, and inferential statistics if desired.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to the user research practices of a major global game publisher, understanding how research integrates into AAA game development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning how research findings are utilized by various departments, from design and engineering to marketing and player support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "challenges" section acknowledges the unique pressures of a temporary role in a fast-paced industry, emphasizing the need for adaptability and clear communication, which are vital for any operations-adjacent role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to identify a critical usability issue in a game. What was your process, and how did your findings impact the development team's decisions?" (Focus on methodological rigor, data analysis, and communication of actionable insights.)

• "How would you approach researching player sentiment for a new feature in a single-player adventure game? What methods would you prioritize, and why?" (Assess understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and method selection.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working as a User Researcher for Activision, and specifically on our single-player titles?" (Demonstrate genuine passion for gaming and understanding of Activision's portfolio.)

• "How do you see user research contributing to the overall success of a game's launch and its long-term player engagement?" (Connect research to GTM objectives and player retention.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as narratives, highlighting the problem, your role, the solution (research process), and the outcome (impact on the product).

• Visuals: Use clear, impactful visuals (screenshots, charts, graphs) to illustrate your points and make data easier to understand.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on key takeaways and demonstrating your ability to deliver actionable insights.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your methodology, choices, challenges, and the business impact of your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight how a User Researcher's skills directly support GTM objectives by ensuring product-market fit and player satisfaction, which are crucial for successful product launches.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Activision Blizzard careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in video game user research, qualitative methodologies, and any experience with single-player genres. Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and showcases your most relevant work.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 2-5 years of experience, emphasizing achievements in user research and product evaluation. Use keywords from the job description such as "usability testing," "player sentiment," "qualitative research," and "stakeholder management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your findings. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions, focusing on your collaborative approach and problem-solving skills within a development context.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Activision's current and past game titles, particularly their single-player offerings. Understand their market position and player base to better 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.