Games User Research

Games User Research Labs For Hire

Worldwide Game User Research Labs
Find labs for playtesting mobile, PC or console games across the US, UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

Usability Testing

In-person lab testing is often recognised as the gold standard for user research – allowing a reliable tech setup in a controlled environment, and the best moderation techniques. However finding the right space to conduct game user research can be challenging.

We’ve compiled a list of game user research labs across various regions, highlighting their capabilities, pricing, and contact details to help you find the perfect fit for your next study.

Looking for someone to run your study?
Find our list of consultants and agencies here. 

Found a lab for hire that we’ve missed? Contact us to get it added.

Contact Steve Bromley

North America Games User Research Labs FOR HIRE

DAQA (New Orleans, USA)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Custom, based on engagement type
  • Contact: Website | Email: ben@daqa.net

Sprung Studios (Vancouver, Canada)

  • Services: 1:1, multi-seat, and VR studies; moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing
  • Contact: Website | Email: enquiries@sprungstudios.com

Insight Check LLC (Winter Park, FL, USA)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing
  • Notes: Partnered with Full Sail University, offering affordable research with UX graduate students
  • Contact: Website | Email: insightcheck.ux@gmail.com

Well Played Research (Atlanta, GA & Los Angeles, CA, USA)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing
  • Contact: Website | Email: mark@wellplayedllc.com

J.S. Held User Research Laboratories (Phoenix, AZ; New York, NY; Redmond, WA; Denver, CO, USA)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, large configurable spaces for AR/VR and motion capture, eye-tracking & physiological recording, gaming PC hire  
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing

Contact: Website | Email: blake.pellman@jsheld.com

VGM FOCUS SUITE(New YORK CITY, San FRANCISCO)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, tech support, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing

Contact: Website |

Interpret LLC (Los Angeles & Dallas, USA)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing – External lab hire available with Interpret’s in-house recruitment services

Contact: Website |

 

Game User Interaction and Intelligence Lab (Santa Clara, CA)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support,  gaming PC hire, biometrics including eye trackers, physiology, facial expression recognition
  • Pricing: Enquire for pricing 

Contact: Website | Email: mseifeln@ucsc.edu

United Kingdom

Sutherland Labs (London, UK)

  • Services: 1:1, multi-seat, VR, group-based sessions; moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: £900-1,400 per day (room hire: £950/day; PCs: £175)
  • Contact: Website | Email: studioteam@sutherlandlabs.com

City Interaction Lab (London UK)

  • Services: 1:1 and VR studies, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: £550 per day 

Contact: Website | Email: interactionlab@city.ac.uk

Games Innovation Zone (University of Surrey) (Guildford, UK)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire

Contact: Website |

Esports Centre (University of Warwick) (Coventry, UK)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: £100-£200 per hour (based on number of users)
  • Specialty: University esports research and playtesting

Contact: Website | Email: jiawen.li.5@warwick.ac.uk | esports@warwick.ac.uk

VGM FOCUS SUITE(Brighton, UK)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, tech support, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire

Contact: Website |

Europe

Antidote Lab (Barcelona, Spain)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PC hire
  • Pricing: Enquire
  • Contact: Website | Email: ux@antidote.gg

Rapid User Feedback (Vienna, Austria)

  • Services: 1:1 and multi-seat testing, moderation support, tech support, live streaming, gaming PCs
  • Pricing: €5,000-€14,000 (includes recruitment, setup, analysis, and participant compensation)

Contact: Website | Book a call

How to Choose the Right Lab for Your Needs

When selecting a lab for game user research, consider:
 ✔  Method Choice: Do you need 1:1 or multi-seat testing? Does the lab support VR, motion capture, or other specialised setups?
 ✔  Technical Capabilities: Ensure the lab has the consoles or PCs available, live streaming to allow teams to view remotely, and tech support.
 ✔  Pricing & Budget: Rates vary widely, from hourly university labs to bespoke industry labs. Find the right one for you! 

With this list, you’re better equipped to find a lab that suits your research goals. Whether you’re conducting AAA playtests, indie research, or academic studies, hopefully there is a lab out there for you.

Did we miss a great research lab? Get in touch and let me know.

Contact Steve Bromley