How to Be Game Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 22, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing popularity of online gaming has led to a surge in the demand for game analysts. Game analysts are responsible for studying and analyzing user data in order to create better gaming experiences. They are also tasked with finding new ways to optimize the gaming experience based on user feedback and usage trends.

By analyzing data, game analysts help game developers identify areas that need improvement and make necessary changes to improve the user experience. The result is a more enjoyable gaming experience for players and increased profits for game developers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a game analyst, a bachelor's degree in a related field is typically required. Relevant fields of study include computer science, software engineering, programming, mathematics, and game design.
Gain Experience. To be competitive in the job market, experience in the field is essential. Look for internships and volunteer opportunities in game development and analysis.
Take Advanced Classes. Taking classes in game design, game theory, and computer programming will increase your knowledge and skills in the field.
Research the Industry. Research the gaming industry to get an understanding of what kind of games are popular and what types of game analysis is being used.
Network. Get to know people in the industry by attending conferences, seminars, and other events. Networking can help you make connections and find job opportunities.
Get Certified. Becoming certified as a game analyst can help you stand out from other applicants. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) offers certification programs in game analysis and other areas of game development.

The success of a game analyst depends on their ability to be reliable and efficient. To ensure reliability, they must be organized and well-prepared, bringing the necessary materials and data to each meeting. they must stay current on industry trends, ensuring that their analysis is up-to-date and relevant.

Efficiency is key as well, as analysts must be able to quickly and accurately process the data they receive. To do so, they should use specialized software and tools that can quickly analyze large amounts of data. By combining reliability and efficiency, game analysts can effectively provide insights into game development and performance.

You may want to check Strategy game Developer, Game Manager, and Mobile game Tester for alternative.

Job Description

Design and implement game mechanics and systems that provide enjoyable experiences for players.
Analyze player data to identify trends and improve game play.
Balance game mechanics and economy to create an engaging and rewarding experience for players.
Develop and maintain game design documentation.
Test and balance game levels, encounters, and other elements to ensure quality.
Monitor and analyze game metrics to measure success and identify areas of improvement.
Create reports to track player data and inform design decisions.
Collaborate with design, art, and engineering teams to ensure a cohesive gaming experience.
Develop new ideas for game features and content to keep the game fresh and engaging.
Provide feedback on game designs and changes to ensure the best possible outcome for the players.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Analytical Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Knowledge of Game Theory
Knowledge of Games Design
Knowledge of Computer Programming Languages
Knowledge of Data Analysis Tools
Project Management Skills
Attention to Detail
Creativity
Ability to Work Independently

Having strong analytical skills is essential for success as a game analyst. Being able to analyze data and extract patterns and trends from it is a key skill for any game analyst. Analyzing data allows game analysts to identify areas of improvement and suggest changes to the game that will lead to better player experiences and increased revenue.

Furthermore, being able to identify design flaws and bugs can help reduce the amount of time needed for development and testing. By understanding the mechanics of the game, analysts can also provide valuable feedback on game balance and make sure that mechanics are intuitive and engaging. Finally, having strong communication and interpersonal skills is essential for a game analyst, as they need to be able to explain their findings to the development team in a way that is understandable and actionable.

Augmented Reality game Designer, Simulation game Developer, and Sports game Developer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in analyzing and designing game mechanics?
How do you design and analyze game levels?
What methods do you use to track player progression in-game?
What metrics do you typically monitor when analyzing the performance of a game?
Describe your experience with mobile game analytics.
What strategies do you employ to identify and address potential areas of improvement within a game?
How do you ensure that all relevant stakeholders are informed about the game's performance?
How do you go about creating and implementing a system for collecting and analyzing data from a live game?
How do you use data to inform decisions about game balance and design?
Describe your experience with A/B testing and other methods of user research.

Common Tools in Industry

Heat Maps. A tool used to analyze game play by visualizing player movement and in-game events. (eg: In a racing game, heat maps can be used to identify which areas of the track are most difficult for players. )
Playtesting. A process of testing games to identify areas of improvement and make sure they meet quality standards. (eg: Playtesters provide feedback on game balance and level design to ensure the game is fun to play. )
Analytics Dashboard. A tool used to track player data and analyze trends in order to better understand player behaviors. (eg: Through the analytics dashboard, game developers can see how often players are completing levels and how long they are spending in each area of the game. )
Game Balance Tools. Tools used to adjust variables in a game in order to create a balanced experience for players. (eg: Game balance tools allow developers to adjust the speed of enemies, the damage of weapons, and other factors to ensure the game is challenging but not too difficult. )
A/B Testing. A testing method used to compare two versions of a game in order to determine which one is more effective. (eg: A/B testing could be used to compare a new level design with the existing design in order to determine which one is more fun or has better user engagement. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)
Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer and Video Games (ACM SIG-CVG)
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)
International Game Jam (IGJ)
Casual Connect (CC)
IndieCade
Games for Change

We also have Game Technical Support Manager, Casual game Designer, and Game Marketing Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Metrics. A set of quantifiable measures used to track and analyze game performance.
Playtesting. The process of testing a game by playing it to identify and address any issues.
User Experience (UX). The overall experience of a user as they interact with a product or service.
Game Balance. Ensuring that all elements of a game are equally challenging and rewarding.
Analytics. The analysis of data to identify trends or patterns.
Level Design. The process of creating the layout and structure of a game level.
AI Programming. Programming computer-controlled opponents or non-player characters in a game.
Quality Assurance (QA). Testing a game to ensure it meets quality standards before release.
Player Engagement. Analyzing how players interact and engage with a game.
Monetization. The process of generating revenue from a game through in-game purchases or other means.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Game Analyst?

A Game Analyst is a professional who specializes in the analysis of video game data to evaluate a game's performance, identify areas of improvement, and develop strategies to optimize game play.

What skills are necessary for a Game Analyst?

A Game Analyst must possess a wide range of skills, including data analysis, problem-solving, communication, and project management. Additionally, the ability to understand and interpret computer code, game design principles, and player psychology is essential.

How does a Game Analyst help improve game design?

A Game Analyst helps to improve game design by using data-driven methods to identify potential areas of improvement and optimization. This includes analyzing user feedback, conducting usability tests, and evaluating metrics such as engagement, retention, and monetization.

How does a Game Analyst benefit the game development team?

A Game Analyst provides valuable insights to the game development team that can help them create a better game experience. By analyzing user data, they can identify areas of improvement, suggest strategies for optimization, and develop new features that will drive engagement and monetization.

What is the difference between a Game Designer and a Game Analyst?

The primary difference between a Game Designer and a Game Analyst is that a Game Designer is responsible for creating the game's content and mechanics, while a Game Analyst is responsible for analyzing game data to evaluate game performance and identify areas of improvement.

Web Resources

(PDF) A Guide to Game Analysis | Luke McMillan www.academia.edu
Playing Research: Methodological approaches to www.academia.edu
Critical Analysis of Games Creating Games - Plymouth State creatinggames.press.plymouth.edu