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Game Developer interview questionsCoding Test round
A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: Coding, Game Mechanics, Optimization, Algorithmic Thinking, Problem Solving.
Opening
· 5 minWho is interviewing, how the round will run, and a question to settle the candidate in. The standard openingCoding Challenge
What this part is for
Purpose
Assess the candidate's ability to solve complex problems, demonstrate algorithmic thinking, and exhibit coding proficiency appropriate for a Mid-Level Game Developer.
Implement a basic physics engine for a 2D game Create a simple physics engine that simulates gravity and collision detection for a 2D game. The engine should handle multiple objects and allow them to fall under gravity and collide with each other and the boundaries of the game world. Requirements: - Simulate gravity on objects - Detect and handle collisions between objects and boundaries - Allow for multiple objects with different masses Follow-Ups: - How would you optimize the physics calculations for performance? - How would you handle edge cases like overlapping objects at the start?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Evaluate technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and understanding of game mechanics and optimization.
Signals to score
- Clear understanding of physics concepts
- Logical and structured approach
- Efficient, clean, well-formatted code
- Considers edge cases
- Tests and debugs the code effectively
- Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly
Follow-up questions
- Can you explain your thought process on how to approach the problem?
- How do you plan to handle edge cases in your solution?
- Can you walk me through your code and explain each step?
- How would you test your solution?
If you had more time, what would you change in your solution?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Signals to score
- Recognizes limits in their original answer.
- Points out clear areas to improve.
- Suggests specific changes.
- Talks about how changes could help performance.
- Shares ideas clearly and logically.
- Shows a desire to learn and improve.
Follow-up questions
- What specific part of your solution would you like to improve?
- How would you enhance the performance of your code?
- Are there any additional features you would add?
Great job on the coding exercise!
What this line is for
Purpose
Provides positive reinforcement to the candidate, helping to build confidence and create a supportive atmosphere before moving into the final part of the interview.
Closing
· 5 minTheir questions for you, and what happens next. The standard closingGame Developer interviews — common questions
- Who is this Game Developer interview plan for?
- It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the Coding Test round for a Game Developer role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 2 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
- What does the Coding Test round assess?
- This round is focused on: Coding, Game Mechanics, Optimization, Algorithmic Thinking, Problem Solving. It works through Coding Challenge, scoring against 12 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on both questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
- How is the 60 min split up?
- 5 min opening, 50 min on 2 questions and 5 min closing. The questions take in Coding Challenge (50 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
- What other rounds should I run for a Game Developer?
A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Game Developer:
Hiring for this role?
Open this plan in Hirezen and make it a position in one click.
- Every interviewer runs the same script and marks the same signals.
- AI drafts the write-ups, and the debrief puts every read side by side.
- No ATS to set up first, and no bot in the call.
Free for your first open role.