Firstly, it is important to recognize that while non-game industry experience is valuable, it may not always be directly translatable to games user research. However, there are two key things you can do to prepare yourself for a transition into games research:
Firstly, it is beneficial to have experience with broader research methods. You can become familiar with Game User Research (GUR) concepts through books, online courses, and workshops.
Secondly, creating your own body of research in games is encouraged. Participating in game jams, such as the Global Game Jam, is a great way to start building your portfolio. You can find game jams on platforms like itch.io. Even if you don’t have experience with game development, you can get involved in game jams and learn from other participants. In-person game jams can be particularly useful for networking and meeting people in the industry.
It is also important to familiarize yourself with game-specific research methodologies, such as playtesting and telemetry, as well as the development cycle and timelines of game teams. Keep in mind that working in entertainment often involves a lot of secrecy, so it is crucial to handle customer data with the utmost privacy.