Senior User Experience Researcher

In May 2021, we embarked on a journey to start Haven Studios with a small team and big ambitions. Our goal was to build a studio where we could make the kind of games we’ve always wanted to create – and games we’ve longed to play.

We’ve made amazing progress in a short time thanks to our talented, passionate team and their exceptional contributions. We established a culture at Haven grounded in kindness, adaptability and courage that unlocks creativity. Our first new IP for PlayStation is on track to deliver a AAA multiplayer experience with a vision to build a systemic and evolving world focused on freedom, thrill, and playfulness that will keep players entertained and engaged for years.

Haven joined the PlayStation Studios family in 2022, and we are on track to build an exclusive new IP for Playstation and grow the first Sony game development team in Canada. 

Position – User Experience Researcher - One year Contract

Reporting

The User Experience Researcher will report to the Insights Director.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Plan, design, and execute studies that support the development of our game.

• Carry out research activities including moderating tests, observing users, crafting surveys, analysing findings, and writing clear impactful reports.

• Communicate findings with designers, producers, and other key stakeholders to ensure impactful research drives player-first decisions.

• Leverage and operationalize our brand new research lab to run high-quality, in-house studies that provide real-time insights.

• Take a mixed methods approach that cleverly incorporates player knowledge from a variety of sources and research tools to get an accurate understanding of the player experience.

• Collaborate closely with Sony’s central user research team to align methodologies, share insights, and scale the impact of player feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in game user research, playtesting, or a related field, with a focus on executing studies.

• Proficiency with research tools like screeners, survey platforms, telemetry systems, and statistical analysis software.

• Strong communication skills to translate complex findings for diverse audiences.

• Collaborative mindset for working across teams and with central research groups.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced live service environment.

• Due to the nature of playtest lab work, candidates must be bilingual, and available for onsite work. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field, with practical experience conducting user research.

• An understanding of live service products and the role of user research to support continued development.

• Passion for video games and a strong understanding of gaming culture and player expectations.