How do you lead game research teams?

1 Define the research goals

The first step to lead a game research team is to define the research goals and objectives clearly and realistically. You need to align the research goals with the game design vision, the business goals, and the target audience. You also need to communicate the research goals to the team members, stakeholders, and developers, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. By defining the research goals, you will be able to plan, prioritize, and execute the research activities accordingly.

2 Choose the research methods

The next step is to choose the appropriate research methods and tools for your game research project. There are many types of game research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, playtests, usability tests, analytics, and biometrics. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you need to consider the research goals, the resources, the timeline, and the ethical issues when choosing the methods. You also need to balance the quantitative and qualitative data, and use a mix of methods to get a comprehensive and reliable picture of the players' experience.

3 Manage the research team

As a game research leader, you also need to manage the research team effectively and efficiently. You need to assign roles and responsibilities to each team member, and provide them with the necessary training, guidance, and feedback. You also need to foster a collaborative and supportive culture within the team, and encourage them to share their ideas, opinions, and insights. Moreover, you need to monitor the progress and quality of the research activities, and address any issues or challenges that may arise along the way.

4 Analyze and interpret the data

Another important step is to analyze and interpret the data collected from the research methods. You need to use appropriate techniques and tools to process, organize, and visualize the data, and look for patterns, trends, and insights. You also need to apply critical thinking and creativity to interpret the data, and generate actionable and meaningful recommendations for the game design and development. Furthermore, you need to validate and triangulate the data from different sources and methods, and avoid any biases or assumptions that may affect the analysis.

5 Communicate the research findings

The final step is to communicate the research findings and recommendations to the relevant audiences, such as the game designers, developers, stakeholders, and players. You need to tailor your communication style and format to suit the needs and expectations of each audience, and use clear, concise, and engaging language. You also need to use visual aids, such as charts, graphs, screenshots, and videos, to illustrate your points and support your arguments. Additionally, you need to invite feedback and questions from the audiences, and address any concerns or doubts that they may have.

By following these steps, you will be able to lead game research teams effectively and efficiently, and contribute to the success of the game development process. Game research is a rewarding and challenging field, and it requires a lot of skills, knowledge, and experience. However, by leading game research teams, you will also learn a lot from the players, the team members, and the game industry, and improve your own game research skills and career.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?