What Game Data Analysts do:

A Game Data Analyst looks at upcoming game releases and analyses what impact they likely will have, how well they will be received, and how well they will sell.

They’re not fortune tellers or seers, just very skilled at looking at data and making educated projections! This data could look like pre-sale orders, how well a similar game has done in the past, how well competitors have done in the market or even how popular the genre of that game is at the point of release.

The work of the Game Data Analyst is important because investors often use the information they’ve gathered to make decisions about which game studios or publishers they can further fund and support.

What Game Data Analysts are good at:

Using and understanding statistics to analyse market potential of games.

Designing and implementing data collecting systems.

Translating data and communicating their meaning to different departments.

Creating and achieving goals and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) within the project.

Showing great people and communication skills.

Solving problems as they come.

How to become a Game Data Analyst:

You can study through A-levels or Highers or Level 3 vocational qualifications in relevant subjects like English, Maths, or Business Studies.

Most Game Data Analysts do have a degree in Marketing, Communications, Coding, Programming, or similar subjects as the experience may be preferred. However, you can start your career through work experience or an apprenticeship in a junior role.

Whatever you choose, it’s essential to network by attending game launch events, conventions, and conferences, to get a first-hand experience and speak to experts on how analytics powers game releases, impact, and success.

“Your job as an analyst is not just to monitor numbers and provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports. We have computers for that. Your job is to figure out the reasons behind the numbers and deduce potential avenues for improvement. Good analysts are competitive differentiators to their respective game studios. Have a vision on what you think data and analytics can do and then go after it.”

Roy Hwang, Head of Data Intelligence at Arkadium (for gameanalytics.com)

How much you could earn:

The national average salary for a Game-Analyst is £30,000

Entry level positions start at £21,000 per year while most experienced workers earn in excess of £50,000. (Source: Glassdoor)