Games User Research Fundamentals

Becoming a confident games user researcher can be a long journey

Starting your games user research journey? Considering a new career? Already working in games?

There are three ways to know if this course is right for you:

1. You are the start of your career journey

You’re ready to apply for roles, but not standing out from the competition, and are wondering why

2. You already work in UX, but want to move into games

You’re looking to apply your skills in a field you can feel passionate about

3. You work in games, and want to develop professional quality user research skills

You’re aware that there are unbiased and scientific ways of testing your game, and want to be able to deploy them in your role

Regardless of your path, the journey can feel punishing – uncertainty about whether you have the right knowledge, how best to apply it to game development, and what you need to know to stand out.

It feels overwhelming.

Together we can build a career you can feel passionate about

Games User Research is a competitive field, because people are passionate about games. It means you can combine academic or industry research expertise, with working on products that people genuinely care deeply about.

Your expertise will make games that players love, and make a positive difference to top titles. And with salaries starting from $64,000 for juniors on the west coast, it’s a career that can grow with you.

Get Prepared For Games User Research

This course is purpose-built to help you get ready for applying user research skills into the games industry.

Get hands on experience planning, running and analysing games user research and ensure you’re ready for a career in industry.

Be confident deciding when and where to apply research methods throughout the game development process, learn common strategies for games user research, and be able to inspire and influence game teams.

Learn how to apply and adapt your existing skillset, to become a confident and successful games user researcher.

Work with real player data, and gain practical experience that you wouldn’t get from a book.

Ultimately – improve your chances of working in an industry that combines your passion with your professional skills (or just become more valuable in your current role!).

The only course made to teach games user research

This course is designed for people want to learn industry ready games user research skills.

What you will learn

(Not just theory – practical activities will let you practice these skills throughout using real playtest data!)

🧱 How Games Get Made – The game production process, and how UX research integrates to have an impact

🔬 User Research Methods – Popular research methods, and when to deploy them

👩‍🔬 Qualitative User Research – Run a complete study, including code screening, designing the study, moderating, analysis and debriefing your first user research study.

📊 Quantitative User Research – Design and analyse a survey, working with real player data.

💼 Career Skills – Access powerful techniques for making a career in games, including how to design your CV, and succeed when applying for jobs.

➕ Regular guest lectures, deep diving on 🔥 topics such as statistics, VR testing, accessibility, interview skills and more…

Hear what former course attendee's said.

Find video testimonials and more from this top rated course on gamesuserresearch.com

Praise for Steve's training and newsletters

"Having studied Psychology and UX Design at university, what I was missing, was some real industry insight from a veteran of the games industry.

Steve’s newsletter was exactly what I needed – packed full of not only useful information but actions that I could take to tick the right boxes to help myself towards securing a role.

Steve undoubtedly helped me on my path to securing that critical first role and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone considering games user research and especially those who have their heart set on it and just need practical advice to take steps forward"

James Bowsher – UX Design MSc entering the games industry –> Now at Sega

"Steve provides so many helpful tips and tricks for any newbie, especially those coming from a career in academia, who wants to break into the gaming user experience research industry.

I have been able to learn what UX looks like in the gaming industry and translate it into academic terms, ultimately helping me wrap my head around how I might be able to market myself."

Lucy C. Niess – PhD Candidate entering the games industry –> Now at Epic Games

Praise for The Playtest Kit

"... makes playtesting feel not only less overwhelming, but genuinely more effective. It's a must-read for new developers and veterans alike..."

Morgan Baker, Accessibility Lead & Game Designer

"...Perfect for people new to the game scene and want to learn industry-standard practice, or for veterans who want to streamline their process..."

Scott Brebner - Senior Game Designer at Glowmade

Praise for How To Be A Games User Researcher

"Essential reading for anyone aspiring to work in games user research and those who are early in their careers…

This is a book I sincerely wish I had at my disposal when I was a grad student."

Jess Tompkins, UX Researcher at EA

"A must-read for UX/UR professionals & teams looking to include UR as part of their development"

Nida Ahmad, UX Designer and Researcher at Netspeak Games