For anyone interested in beginning or transitioning to a career in games user research, here are some tips and suggestions that might be useful. While obtaining a degree in a relevant discipline and lab experience is a helpful start, there are many additional steps you can take to help you break into the industry. Here are some of the ones I found to be effective:
Play games and change how you think about them
This should be a no-brainer – you should play a lot of video games. When trying to professionally study game design and development for a living, playing many different types of games is beneficial. This can include games outside of your comfort zone, such as different genres. Even games that are just plain bad can expose you to various types of design and issues. Exposing yourself to different platforms (PC, console, mobile, handheld, VR, etc.) will help you develop a more versatile skill set as a games user researcher. If you’re passionate about video games, this likely won’t even seem like work (more like a learning experience). Comprehensive knowledge and exposure will make you a more attractive candidate for a multitude of positions and studios.
Furthermore, to learn more efficiently and make better use of your time while playing, it would be beneficial to change how you think about games and playing them. You’ll want to keep user experience at the forefront while playing at all times by thinking critically and analytically. Look for usability, flow and general design issues and inconsistencies. If a game has an oddly-designed mechanic compared to the industry standard, is it for a good reason? Or, was it just an oversight that could have been improved upon with iteration? Was the tutorial sufficient? How does the progression and balance feel? Do the controls feel intuitive? And the list goes on.
Work independently
In addition to having an academic background in a relevant discipline, it is important to collect resources to educate yourself. This can include books specifically about games user research (of which there are quite a few good ones) and psychology, which will provide a solid foundation for research skills and many relevant theories that drive the field. Check my resources page for some examples.
One way to culminate all of this collecting and learning is to start your own blog. This will allow you to apply what you have learned in a constructive way, which can show potential employers how serious you are about a career in games user research. It can also be a reference during interviews, as many will ask specifically for examples of user experience issues in games. Ultimately, your blog can highlight your strengths, help you strengthen your weaknesses, and be an excellent way to demonstrate your critical thinking, writing skills (for all those playtest reports you’ll eventually be writing), interests/individuality, and growth as a researcher.
Seek advice/feedback and/or obtain a mentor
Another way to collect resources is to become active on Twitter. Many researchers in the field have Twitter accounts and tweet useful advice/informative resources (especially the official GamesUR Twitter account) and have personal websites where they document their work. Everyone I know in the community is very approachable, receptive and happy to field questions from aspiring user researchers and anyone with a general interest in what they do. This can be a great way to seek advice and feedback.
There is also an official mentoring program through the IGDA Games User Research SIG with an impressive list of academic and industry researchers willing to discuss a wide range of topics. Find someone you think would be a good fit for you and reach out!
Volunteer/offer your services to independent game developers
Reach out to indie companies that interest you, even if you are unsure if they have user experience researchers or offer similar positions/internships. Let them know about you, your interests, what you’re looking to do, and what services you can offer them. You might get lucky and they could have an open position. Or, your pitch could open them up to the idea of adding such a position. They could offer to bring you on as a volunteer/intern, which is a low-overhead, high-reward opportunity for them. These companies can be local to you (if you’re seeking specifically hands-on experience) or not if you’re willing to work remotely. I recommend the former, if possible, because you’ll start new relationships and also develop an understanding of game development and culture in general. However, either instance will provide valuable experience.
Seek entry-level or contract positions
Many large publishers and studios have user experience researchers and often offer entry-level user research positions on a contract basis. These typically range from three months to one year. While some do not require any formal experience working in games and/or user experience, many see it advantageous that candidates have done some relevant work. Once you feel you’re up to snuff for such a position, throw an application out there!
Although these positions are not practical long-term solutions, they can be a great first formal experience in the industry. You’ll learn new things, meet new people, and (hopefully) work on awesome games. Of course, your geographical location in relation to your companies of interest is a major factor. However, even for short-term contract positions, some companies will offer some sort of relocation assistance to ease the burden of moving. It can be risky to uproot for such a position, but it can also bring great experience that will ultimately help you achieve your goals.
Continue to learn and grow
Never be satisfied. Continue to teach yourself new things, both on- and off-the-job, whether it be a new research method, way to report data, or statistical-analysis program. If you’re only experienced in qualitative research, learn/practice with quantitative data sets (or vice versa). Become familiar with industry standards as well as different types of design. Continue to gather useful resources, read books, attend conferences, and learn from others to help you hone your craft. Think of your career as an RPG with no level cap; grind the side quests for the extra XP that will help you level up to achieve long-term success during the main quest. Strive to be a multidisciplinary researcher!
Hopefully these tips are helpful to aspiring games user researchers!