Amazon

Games Researcher, Amazon Games

Amazon$98K — $173K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in playtesting, game UX, or user research
  • Familiarity with core gameplay systems: onboarding, controls, progression, difficulty, engagement loops
  • Skilled in analyzing complex data and presenting actionable insights
  • Experience conducting user research tests, including prototype and usability testing
  • Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams across various business domains
  • Experience in games industry roles focusing on development, release, or live ops

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute gameplay user research tests throughout development stages
  • Conduct comparative gameplay assessments to benchmark player experience
  • Act as a bridge between game experience and business goals, defining target players and test objectives
  • Apply various research methods and adapt to the developmental scale
  • Identify and analyze player behavior patterns to inform design decisions
  • Collaborate with third-party vendors for larger-scale playtesting studies
  • Work closely with developers to influence game design through insights
  • Continuously enhance playtesting methods for efficiency and impact

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) matching program to support retirement savings
  • Generous paid time off and parental leave policies
  • Support for adoption and surrogacy reimbursement
  • Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs
Full Job Description
Amazon Games is looking for a Games Researcher to help us build exciting new mass market games with a multiplayer component. This role sits at the intersection of player insights, playtesting, and product development - and will work directly with designers, producers and technical leads to build great games that are fun and engaging for players of all experience levels. We think big and work with some of the biggest and most beloved global IP licenses. We are customer-obsessed and build our games with a focus on innovation and quality to nurture long-term relationships with our global customers and partners.

The opportunity to shape how millions of players engage with games on Luna is significant-but it also requires navigating new territory. You should be comfortable operating in a space with high ambiguity, where speed, judgment, and a strong player instinct are as important as methodological rigor. In this role, you'll lead thinking on how to best understand and represent the player-designing and running gameplay tests, identifying patterns in player behavior, and translating those into clear, actionable insights. You'll also help define how and when we scale testing, partnering with external vendors to support larger titles while maintaining a high bar for quality and consistency.

Key job responsibilities
• Design and execute gameplay user research tests across development stages in partnership with gamedesigners-from early prototypes through pre-launch validation-using both lightweight, rapid playtests and more structured approaches to evaluate onboarding, controls, difficulty, and engagement loops.
• Conduct comparative gameplay assessments across third-party titles and platforms to benchmark player experience and identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Act as a connector between game experience and business goals-helping define target players, test objectives, success criteria, and participant sourcing strategies aligned to product and content priorities.
• Apply a range of research and playtesting methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, concept testing, closed and open playtests) and adapt level of rigor to the stage and scale of development.
• Identify patterns in player behavior and feedback, and translate them into clear, actionable insights that inform product, design, and content decisions.
• Partner with third-party playtesting and research vendors for larger-scale studies; define scope and ensure quality and consistency of outputs across internal and external testing.
• Work closely with game developers, product managers, and business teams to influence game design and iteration decisions through player-centric insights.
• Continuously improve and scale playtesting approaches to increase speed, efficiency, and impact.

About the team

Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service that makes it easy for anyone to play high-quality games on the devices they already own-including Fire TV and tablet devices, smartphones, tablets, web browsers, select smart televisions from LG and Samsung, and morewith no need to purchase new gaming consoles or equipment. Luna brings more than 50 games to Prime members at no additional cost, including GameNight, an evolving collection of more than 25 approachable, local multiplayer games designed to bring friends and family together in the living room. To play GameNight titles, simply scan a QR code on your TV and your smartphone becomes your controller. With simple and responsive touchscreen inputs and support for multiple local players, GameNight offers and easy and approachable way to play whether you're an experienced gamer of a casual fan.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in Games Industry (supporting title Development, Release, or Live Ops)

- Experience conducting sophisticated and creative analysis of complex data and translate the results into actionable deliverables, messages, and presentations

- Experience working with cross-functional teams across business development, marketing, operations, product development, legal, etc.

- 5+ years of experience in playtesting, game UX, user research, or related roles

- Experience designing and running gameplay user research tests or user studies, including a mix of prototype testing, usability testing, surveys, and player feedback collection

- Familiarity with core gameplay systems (onboarding, controls, progression, difficulty, engagement loops)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in third party vendor/research partner management contract negotiation

- Experience in the games industry (studio, publisher, platform)

- Background in casual, mobile or accessible game research

- Comfort operating in a fast-moving, ambiguous environments with lightweight processes

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, WA, Seattle - 98,900.00 - 173,100.00 USD annually

About Amazon

Audible is a provider of spoken audio information and entertainment , on the Internet. They provide premium spoken audio content, such as audio versions of books and newspapers and radio programs, that is delivered over the Internet and played back on personal computers and hand-held electronic devices. The Audible service allows consumers to purchase and download their content from their Website, store it in digital files and play it back on personal computers and electronic devices. More than 15,000 hours of audio content are available on their Web site, including audio versions of books, periodicals and radio programs. Several manufacturers have agreed to support and promote the playback of their content on their hand-held audio-enabled electronic devices.

Amazon Careers

Joining Amazon presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a vibrant team pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth in the global marketplace. As a leader in e-commerce, technology, and logistics, Amazon offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Work You’ll Do At Amazon, every day is an opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in technology and business to redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re interested in software development, marketing, human resources, or customer service, Amazon has a position waiting for you. Transform the way the world shops and innovates with our diverse and inclusive team. Amazon is not just a company; it’s a community where you can drive real change and contribute to projects impacting millions globally. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Amazon is the perfect place to enhance your leadership and innovation skills. Our culture encourages pushing the envelope and imagining the unimaginable. Here, you will lead projects that challenge the status quo and define new industry standards. Work with a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our leadership is focused on harnessing the collective power of unique perspectives to foster growth and innovation. Explore Amazon’s Employment Benefits Amazon’s commitment to its employees extends beyond just career growth. We offer competitive benefits, including health care, parental leave, and diversity training, ensuring that our team not only excels professionally but also enjoys well-being and security. Internship and Networking Opportunities Start your career with an Amazon internship and gain hands-on experience that matters. Our internships provide a gateway to full-time employment and an opportunity to network with professionals across various sectors of the company. Future-Proof Your Career With Amazon, your career path is filled with numerous opportunities for advancement. Our learning and development programs are designed to nurture your professional growth and keep you at the forefront of industry trends. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities at Amazon that match your skills and interests. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Amazon. Amazon is more than just a company—it’s a platform for building a promising future. Whether you’re starting or looking to advance your career, Amazon offers the resources, support, and network you need to succeed. Join us, and be a part of our continuing mission to be Earth's most customer-centric company.
Learn more about Amazon
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1,608 employees
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Industry
Net Income
$21.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+28.1%
Revenue
$386 billion
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