UX ResearchResearch MethodsToolsMethodology
Research Method Explorer
An interactive tool that guides you to the right UX research method based on your goals, constraints, and context.
By Marc Busch·Mar 19, 2026
ReadGames User Research & Playtesting
Real Players. Real Feedback.
Playtesting for studios and publishers who ship better games.
The Problem
You're building a game and need to know if it's fun. Not what your team thinks. Not what your publisher hopes. What actual players experience.
But internal playtests are biased. Your QA team has seen the game a hundred times. Waiting for alpha or beta means feedback comes too late, from self-selected fans who already love you. You need fresh eyes from players who match your target audience, not your Discord.
The Solution
Player Labs gives you access to genre-verified players for remote or in-person playtests. We recruit from our gamer panel, run moderated sessions in our Vienna lab with optional biometrics, and deliver analysis that shows what works and what does not.
Player feedback you can trust. Insights that help you ship a better game.
Three Ways to Work With Us
Pay per study, not per seat. No subscriptions, no running costs.
Connect
We find, you run.
We recruit and screen the right participants for your study. You conduct sessions with your own tools — Zoom, Teams, or any platform you prefer. Perfect when you have the expertise but need access to the right people.
- Participant recruiting & screening
- Quality-assured profiles
- Flexible scheduling
- You choose your tools
Learn more
Platform
Run studies on our platform.
Conduct your research on the Busch Labs platform. Recording, transcription, AI-powered notes and reports — all included in one per-minute price. No subscriptions, no seat licenses.
- Recording & transcription included
- AI-generated notes & summaries
- Automated reports
- Pay per study — no running costs
Learn more
Expert
We handle everything.
Our research experts moderate your sessions, analyze the data, and deliver actionable insights. From study design to final report — full service, no overhead on your team.
- Expert moderation
- Professional study design
- Deep analysis & recommendations
- Full-service from brief to report
Learn more
Use our Research Platform or just Connect with participants
Get Expert consulting and let us execute for you
Find Your Testing Approach
Answer a few questions to find the right service for your game
What do you need to learn?
We'll help you find the right approach
Built for Game Makers
From indie studios to AAA publishers, we speak your language.
Game Producers
The Problem
"Need player feedback but can't wait 3 weeks"
Our Solution
Rapid playtests with verified players, first results often in hours or days
Game Designers
The Problem
"Core loop feels off but don't know why"
Our Solution
Psychometric analysis reveals the friction points
UX Leads
The Problem
"FTUE churn is killing retention"
Our Solution
Onboarding optimization backed by behavioral data
Our Goals
3 services
Qualitative
Gamer Focus Groups
Moderated group discussions with targeted player segments
Learn MoreQualitativePlayer Diary Study
Track player habits, motivations, and game experiences over days or weeks
Learn MoreSurveysPlayer Surveys & Interviews
Quantitative and qualitative player research with genre-verified gamers. Understand your audience at scale.
Learn More3 services
Usability Testing
Remote Playtests
Test your game with Steam-verified players from anywhere. Fast, scalable, cost-effective player feedback.
Learn MoreUsability TestingVienna Game Lab (Biometrics)
In-person playtesting with eye-tracking and biometric measurement
Learn MoreResearch OperationsGame Lab Rental (Facility Only)
Rent our professional game testing facility for your own research
Learn More8 services
Qualitative
Gamer Focus Groups
Moderated group discussions with targeted player segments
Learn MoreQualitativePlayer Diary Study
Track player habits, motivations, and game experiences over days or weeks
Learn MoreUsability TestingRemote Playtests
Test your game with Steam-verified players from anywhere. Fast, scalable, cost-effective player feedback.
Learn MoreUsability TestingVienna Game Lab (Biometrics)
In-person playtesting with eye-tracking and biometric measurement
Learn MoreAnalysisPlaytest Data Analysis
Analyze playtest recordings, surveys, and behavioral data
Learn MoreResearch OperationsGame Lab Rental (Facility Only)
Rent our professional game testing facility for your own research
Learn MoreSurveysPlayer Surveys & Interviews
Quantitative and qualitative player research with genre-verified gamers. Understand your audience at scale.
Learn MoreRecruitingGamer Recruiting Only
Recruit verified gamers by genre, platform, and play history
Learn MoreVienna, Austria
The Vienna Player Lab
Our state-of-the-art lab features observation rooms, eye-tracking equipment, biometric sensors, and a comfortable player lounge. Perfect for milestone playtests, vertical slice validation, and premium research.
- Two observation rooms with one-way mirrors
- Eye-tracking (Tobii) and GSR measurement
- Professional recording setup (4K, multi-angle)
- Comfortable gaming stations (PC, Console, VR)
- Player lounge for natural play sessions
- Located in Vienna, Austria (EU)
Professional Gaming Lab
Full-Service Player Research
Genre Verification
Recruit players based on actual games played and hours logged via Steam library integration. No more guessing who your target audience is. Every gamer is identity-verified — including Steam profile validation.
In-Person Lab
Run moderated sessions in our professional lab with observation rooms, eye-tracking, and biometric measurement.
Psychometrics
Player motivation profiling, frustration analysis, and engagement mapping using validated instruments.
Vertical Slice Validation
Early-stage testing to ensure core loops are fun before scaling production.
FTUE & Onboarding
Optimizing the First-Time User Experience to reduce churn in the critical first hour.
Long-term Retention
Psychological analysis of progression systems to keep players engaged for months.
How We Work
From goals to actionable insights
STEP 1
Define Your Goals
What do you need to learn? Core loop validation, FTUE issues, or long-term retention?
STEP 2
We Recruit Players
Genre-verified players from our panel, matched by Steam library and play history.
STEP 3
Run Sessions
Remote playtests or in-person lab sessions with observation and biometrics.
STEP 4
Get Insights
Actionable recommendations backed by player behavior data and qualitative feedback.
Example Projects
See how pricing works for gaming research. All prices calculated live.
Remote Playtest
Platform — 8 gamers, 60-min user tests, remote
Total
€1,915.20
excl. 20% VAT
Recruiting Fee€1,280
Incentive€400
Platform Fee€235.20
Show breakdown
Recruiting Fee8 × €160
Incentive8 × €50
Platform Fee8 × €29.40
In-Person Lab Session
Expert — 10 gamers, 90-min user tests, at Busch Labs Lab
Total
€8,267
excl. 20% VAT
Recruiting Fee€2,000
Incentive€750
Platform Fee€441
Analysis Base€1,500
Session Analysis (€0.89/min × 90min × 10)€801
Lab Facility€2,775
Show breakdown
Recruiting Fee10 × €200
Incentive10 × €75
Platform Fee10 × €44.10
Analysis Base€1,500
Session Analysis (€0.89/min × 90min × 10)€801
Lab Facility15 × €185
Player Survey
Connect — 100 gamers, 15-min survey, remote
Total
€3,750
excl. 20% VAT
Recruiting Fee€3,000
Incentive€750
Show breakdown
Recruiting Fee100 × €30
Incentive100 × €7.50
All prices net, excl. 20% Austrian VAT. Actual price depends on your exact configuration.
Common Questions from Studios
Security, verification, and process details.
Let’s Talk About Your Game
Book a call or send us your project details
Or reach us directly at marc.busch@busch-labs.at or +43 699 197 101 86
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