Senior User Researcher at Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Video Games, GamingIndustries

Requirements

5+ years of experience in user research, UX research, or related fields within the games industry or interactive media
Proven expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (e.g., usability studies, interviews, surveys, analytics interpretation)
Strong ability to translate complex data into clear, concise, and actionable insights
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting findings to multi-disciplinary audiences
Exceptional collaboration and influencing skills; able to work effectively with creative, technical, and production partners
Solid leadership skills, able to help mentor more junior colleagues and advocate for the UR department
A deep curiosity about player psychology, motivation, and behavior
High attention to detail, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
Passion for games and a solid understanding of the development process from pre-production through launch
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Interaction Design, or a related field
Familiarity with narrative, single player game research and player experience evaluation
Experience mentoring other researchers and/or building new research teams

Responsibilities

Collaborate with developers from across the studio to understand research needs and create actionable study plans that align with development goals
Design and execute research activities that support the creation and refinement of our games from usability testing to player experience evaluation
Moderate playtests, interviews, and surveys, observe user sessions, analyze findings, and synthesize actionable insights for development teams
Present findings clearly and persuasively to developers at all levels, fostering a deep understanding of player behavior, motivation, and experience
Partner with the Production and Design departments to embed user research meaningfully within development pipelines
Help evolve research methods, tools, and processes to support future Naughty Dog titles and the continued growth of our new UXR department
Mentor junior researchers, supporting their professional growth and contributing to a collaborative, learning-focused environment
Advocate for the voice of the player throughout the studio, ensuring that empathy, clarity, and data-informed creativity guide our decision-making

Skills

User Research

UX Research

Usability Testing

Playtesting

Interviews

Surveys

Data Analysis

Insight Synthesis

Study Design

Naughty Dog

Develops story-driven video games for PlayStation

About Naughty Dog

Naughty Dog develops video games, focusing on creating high-quality, story-driven experiences for players. Their games, such as Crash Bandicoot, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, are designed to engage players emotionally and are exclusive to PlayStation platforms. This exclusivity helps boost PlayStation console sales and builds a loyal fan base. Naughty Dog generates revenue primarily through game sales, downloadable content, and partnerships, including adaptations like the HBO series for The Last of Us. The company stands out from competitors by consistently delivering award-winning titles that emphasize character-driven storytelling and advanced technology, aiming to provide memorable gaming experiences.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1984Year Founded

ACQUISITIONCompany Stage

Entertainment, GamingIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Wellness Program

Remote Work Options

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

High development costs for AAA games could strain Naughty Dog's financial resources.

'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet' may not meet high expectations from fans.

Increased competition from major studios could overshadow Naughty Dog's new releases.

Differentiation

Naughty Dog is renowned for its emotionally engaging, story-driven video games.

The studio's exclusivity to PlayStation platforms enhances its brand loyalty and market position.

Naughty Dog's collaboration with HBO for 'The Last of Us' series expands its media presence.

Upsides

The new IP 'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet' could attract sci-fi gaming enthusiasts.

PC remaster of 'The Last of Us Part 2' taps into the growing PC gaming market.

Hiring Raf Grassetti may enhance visual storytelling and artistic quality in future projects.

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