This job listing expired on Jul 12, 2022
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At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

We are building a new game development team and studio led by industry veterans to create a multi-platform, Survival Horror video game set in an iconic Wizards universe. Our new studio is located in Austin, TX, and we are looking for a Director of Player Research to join us!

This role will be essential in crafting and carrying out a strategic vision for:

  • User Experience Research
  • Player Persona Identification & Acquisition
  • Player Experience
  • Market Intelligence

As the Director of Player Research, you will be a part of the Studio Leadership team reporting directly to the studio GM and will be responsible to influence not only the business strategy for the studio but also advising key development decisions for the game. Additionally, you will have opportunities to work within the greater Wizards organization to help expand and unify knowledge sharing across various products and player experiences. You will also help build and cultivate a healthy, high-functioning studio and culture.

What You'll Do

Leadership:

  • Lead efforts to identify and define player behaviors and personas to assist our team in developing better-informed and more engaging experiences.
  • Pioneer and influence studio and company culture regarding user experience, player research, and data informed decision-making.
  • Pitch and carry out business and game strategic recommendations with marketing, game development, and leadership teams.
  • Recruit, lead, and grow player research team and their tools and methodologies.

Product Knowledge:

  • Keep a keen understanding and awareness of emerging player, product, genre, and industry trends, so we can identify potential market opportunities and enhance business performance.
  • Be an advocate and voice for the player.

Research and Data:

  • Develop, implement, and lead all aspects of player experience and consumer insights research strategy.
  • Evaluate quantitative and qualitative research results to interpret and generate executive reports based on key findings.
  • Assess and incorporate ongoing evolutions of UX research techniques, technologies, and processes

What You'll Bring

  • 8+ years of experience in the development and operations of AAA console/PC video games
  • 3+years as a Principal or Lead UX/Player Researcher with a specialization in analytics.
  • You prefer priority and business decisions to be informed by data and supported by research, but you can also balance that with good design intuition & creativity.
  • Hands-on experience and proficiency in sentiment analysis/measurement tools and reporting technologies and platforms.
  • Ability and demeanor to readily context-switch between high-level strategy and execution of day-to-day tasks.
  • Outstanding knowledge of video game product planning and execution with a deep understanding of all facets of game development.
  • Strong collaborator with a desire to build partnerships and are the kind of person that people want to work for and work with.
  • Incredible problem-solving skills, and ability to empower others to find solutions in new situations and fluid, dynamic environments.
  • Passion for building cross-functional teams, leading with empathy, and encouraging an inclusive and diverse team culture.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.