User Experience Research Intern

**Insomniac Games

• User Experience Research Intern (Burbank, CA, Hybrid/Remote)**

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Company Intelligence

• History, Size, and Industry Position
• Founded: 1984, headquartered in Burbank, California.
• Parent Company: PlayStation Studios (Sony Interactive Entertainment).
• Industry: Video game development, renowned for AAA console titles.
• Notable Franchises: Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, Sunset Overdrive, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine.
• Reputation: Consistently recognized as one of the top studios in the industry, with a track record of critical and commercial hits across multiple console generations.
• Recent News, Growth, and Strategic Directions
• Current Focus: Deep partnership with Marvel Games, developing high-profile titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Wolverine.
• Growth: The studio is expanding its Marvel portfolio, with rumors of additional projects (e.g., Venom, X-Men).
• Strategic Direction: Emphasis on narrative-driven, single-player experiences with strong character design and immersive worlds.
• Company Culture and Work Environment
• Culture: Collaborative, creative, and inclusive, with a reputation for valuing employee well-being and innovation.
• Work Environment: Known for a supportive atmosphere, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and a focus on work-life balance.
• Values, Mission, and What They Stand For
• Values: Creativity, storytelling, technical excellence, and player-centric design.
• Mission: To create unforgettable interactive experiences that resonate with players worldwide.
• Office Locations and Hybrid/Remote Policies
• Main Office: Burbank, CA.
• Hybrid/Remote: Offers hybrid and remote work options for select roles, including internships.

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Program Deep Dive

• Program Structure and Timeline
• Duration: Typically 10–12 weeks (summer), but may vary.
• Format: Hybrid (Burbank office + remote) or fully remote, depending on candidate/location.
• Structure: Interns are embedded within the UX team, working on real projects alongside full-time staff.
• Skills and Competencies Sought
• Technical: User research methods (interviews, surveys, usability testing), data analysis, UX/UI principles, familiarity with prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, and a passion for gaming/user experience.
• Daily Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities
• Conduct user research (playtests, interviews, surveys) to inform game design.
• Analyze player feedback and usability data.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and engineers to improve player experience.
• Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Learn industry-standard UX research methodologies and tools.
• Mentorship and Training
• Assigned a dedicated mentor (senior UX researcher or designer).
• Regular feedback sessions, skill-building workshops, and access to internal training resources.
• Opportunities to shadow professionals in related disciplines (design, engineering, production).
• Career Progression Paths
• High-performing interns may receive return offers for full-time roles or extended internships.
• Alumni have progressed to roles such as UX Researcher, UX Designer, Game Designer, and Producer within Insomniac or other PlayStation Studios.

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Application Success Guide

• Application Requirements and Deadlines
• Requirements: Resume, tailored cover letter, portfolio (if available), and academic transcript.
• Deadline: Varies; typically late winter to early spring for summer internships. Apply as early as possible for best consideration.
• Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Submit application via the provided URL.
2. Complete any required online assessments (may include cognitive or skills-based tests).
3. Initial HR screening (phone/video).
4. Technical/behavioral interviews with UX team members.
5. (Optional) Case study or take-home assignment.
6. Final interview and offer.

• Common Interview Questions
• Why are you interested in UX research at Insomniac Games?
• Describe a time you used user research to influence a project.
• How would you design a playtest for a new game mechanic?
• What is your favorite Insomniac title and how would you improve its UX?
• How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders?
• Assessment Centers/Case Studies
• May include a UX research case study: analyzing a hypothetical game feature, designing a research plan, or critiquing an existing game’s UX.
• What Makes a Standout Candidate
• Demonstrated passion for games and user experience.
• Clear understanding of UX research methods and their application to games.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills (can explain research findings to non-experts).
• Proactive, curious, and eager to learn from feedback.

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Insider Tips

• Company-Specific Interview Tips
• Show familiarity with Insomniac’s games and design philosophy.
• Reference specific UX challenges in action/adventure games.
• Be ready to discuss both successes and failures in past projects—what you learned is key.
• Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills
• Both are valued, but the ability to communicate research insights clearly and collaborate with diverse teams is essential.
• Technical skills (research methods, data analysis) are a baseline; soft skills set you apart.
• Industry Knowledge to Demonstrate
• Awareness of current trends in game UX/UI.
• Understanding of accessibility in games.
• Knowledge of the iterative nature of game development.
• Questions to Ask Interviewers
• How does the UX team collaborate with design and engineering?
• What are the biggest UX challenges facing Insomniac’s current projects?
• How is user feedback incorporated into the development cycle?
• What does success look like for an intern in this role?
• Red Flags to Avoid
• Generic or uninformed answers about Insomniac’s games.
• Overemphasis on academic theory without practical application.
• Lack of enthusiasm for games or player experience.

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Practical Information

• Salary/Stipend Ranges
• Industry standard for AAA game internships in California: $25–$35/hour (may vary by year and candidate experience).
• Benefits Package
• Paid internship, potential relocation stipend, access to company events, networking with studio leadership, and PlayStation/Insomniac swag.
• Start Dates and Program Duration
• Most internships start in May/June and run 10–12 weeks.
• Networking Opportunities and Alumni Connections
• Interns participate in company-wide events, game launches, and mentorship programs.
• Access to PlayStation Studios’ intern/alumni network for future career opportunities.

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Actionable Advice:

• Tailor your application to Insomniac’s games and UX philosophy.
• Build a portfolio showcasing user research in interactive or entertainment contexts.
• Practice articulating research findings to non-UX audiences.
• Network with current or former interns via LinkedIn for insights.
• Apply early and follow up professionally if you don’t hear back within a few weeks. This approach will maximize your chances of standing out and succeeding in the highly competitive Insomniac Games internship process.