Game Play Moderator

Our Gaming Client is seeking a Research Moderator to join their Live Ops team!

Job Title: Research Moderator (Contractor)

Location: Hybrid / On-site (as needed - for in-person play test moderation**)

**This role involves a changing schedule. Work hours may differ from day to day, and weekend work could be required depending on business needs. Variable weekday hours with the possibility of weekend shifts are expected. Flexibility is essential.

Employment Type: 12 Month Contract

Team: Research Operations

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and adaptable Research Moderator to support the execution of in-person and remote user research sessions, including playtests and usability studies. This contractor role is part of the Research Operations team, which focuses on scaling and optimizing research execution across product development.

As a Research Moderator, you will facilitate live sessions, capture detailed user feedback, and ensure smooth operations during lab-based and remote studies. This role is designed to support flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate a diverse range of participants.

Your contributions will enable researchers to focus on study design and insights by managing real-time facilitation and logistics. You’ll collaborate closely with researchers, operations staff, and vendors to deliver high-quality participant experiences and reliable data collection.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate in-person and remote usability studies, expert reviews, and playtest sessions
• Observe sessions, take detailed notes, tag themes, and support topline reporting
• Moderate participant discussions using established protocols, ensuring neutrality and relevance
• Manage session logistics including tech setup, materials preparation, onboarding, and debriefing
• Partner with researchers and operations teams to align on study goals and troubleshoot in real time
• Assist with test asset setup and review of features or builds prior to session launch
• Coordinate with scheduling and recruiting teams to ensure smooth execution of research studies
• Work flexible hours aligned to research needs, including evenings and weekends

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in user research, playtest moderation, or focus group facilitation
• Experience with survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Decipher, Confirmit)
• Strong verbal communication and neutral facilitation skills
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage logistics in fast-paced environments
• Availability for variable schedules, including evenings and weekends
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the video game industry or with interactive media
• Familiarity with research tools and platforms (e.g., OBS, Notion, Parsec)
• Experience with light analysis tasks (e.g., coding verbatims, tagging themes)
• Comfort working in live production environments with technical tools
• Understanding of game design fundamentals and development cycles
• Experience running playtests or similar live research projects

Success in this Role

Success in this role will be driven by your facilitation expertise, coordination skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with research teams. A passion for user empathy, operational excellence, and live testing environments will be key.