When you get to the end of an on-site interview with a team and they ask you:
Remember that if the interviews are going well, you’re judging the company and team just as much as they are judging you. You should ask questions that show you’re thinking about whether or not your career goals fit with the goals of this team and the duties of the job. This demonstrates that you’re somebody who takes their career seriously and can bring that focus to the team.
That being said, I also know that there are times when you’ll almost certainly accept the job offer no matter what they say in response to these questions. Sometimes you’re new to the industry and you don’t know what your goals are yet. Or it could be that the job market and interview process aren’t balanced or fair in many ways. most?) situations. I’ve been in that position before. I still think you should ask these questions, even if you have to act like you’re sure you can be picky.
Before I start, I want to make it clear that I’m not a hiring manager and that this is written from the point of view of an individual contributor. Even though I’ve never hired someone, I do take part in the interview process and have done my fair share of job interviews. Take some time to think about how this advice can help you, and remember that you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. .
So, with that in mind, here is a list of questions that I think will help you start a conversation, learn more about the company culture, and decide if this job and company are a good fit for you. You don’t have to ask all of them. Pick the ones that you think will help you make the best job search decision and make the most sense for your role and level of experience.
These will help you decide if you want to do that job by giving you an idea of what you will do every day. Make sure you’re not asking about things that are already stated clearly in the job description. Start with what’s written there and then tailor your questions to get more information.
Everybody will tell you they have a “great team culture”. Ask more specific questions than “what is the team culture” to get less generic replies.
These aren’t direct questions about the job or the culture of the team, but they could lead to interesting conversations and help you learn more about how the guys on the team feel about the company. Use some of these with discretion, and usually towards the end of your list of questions.
Ace your game writer interview with this comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions and insightful answers.
You want to be a game writer, which means you want to tell stories in the exciting worlds of video games. But before you start this exciting journey, you’ll probably have to go through an important step: the interview. To help you get through this tough time and show off your skills, we’ve put together a list of 30 common game writer interview questions and sample answers that show how knowledgeable and passionate you are about the job.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1 Can you discuss a time when you had to incorporate player feedback into your game narrative?
Answer
“In the development of an RPG, we received feedback from playtesters that our main character lacked depth I worked closely with the narrative team to incorporate this feedback, adding cutscenes and dialogue options that revealed the protagonist’s backstory and motivations The result was a richer, more immersive narrative that players could relate to. This experience taught me the importance of player feedback in creating engaging stories.”
2. How do you approach the task of creating compelling characters for a game?
Answer
“Creating compelling characters for a game involves understanding the narrative and context. I begin by explaining their part in the story, what drives them, and how they connect with other characters. Next, I work on giving characters depth through their past and personality traits, such as their fears, hopes, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. These details give the character a personality and help the player connect with them. I also think about how the character’s look and speech can show who they are and what happened to them. Finally, it’s crucial to ensure that each character evolves throughout the game. Character development not only keeps the story interesting, but it also makes the game more immersive. “.
3. Can you provide an example of a game script or narrative you’ve written that you’re particularly proud of?
Answer:
“A story for an independent RPG game called ‘The Lost Kingdom’ is one of my proudest works.” The protagonist was a young prince who had lost his memory. He finds out about parts of his past and dark secrets about his kingdom as the game goes on. I focused on creating emotional depth with plot twists and character development. For example, the prince learns that he was the one who ordered the killing of a peaceful tribe because of a misunderstanding. This revelation forces him to grapple with guilt, shaping his journey towards redemption. This script received positive feedback for its compelling storyline and complex characters. It was hard and rewarding, and it helped me get better at telling complicated stories. “.
4. How do you balance the need for interesting stories with the fact that video games are interactive?
Answer:
“Video games are a unique medium where narrative and gameplay must harmoniously coexist. Balancing the need for compelling storytelling with the interactive nature of video games is a craft that every game writer needs to master. This question is designed to assess your ability to weave a riveting narrative that still leaves room for player choice and agency, a key component of any successful video game.
5. What methodologies do you use to ensure your game narratives are engaging and immersive?
Answer:
“I utilize the iterative design process to ensure engaging narratives. This means writing a story, getting feedback on it, making changes, and doing it again and again until you have an engaging story. Incorporating player choice is another method I use. It lets players change the story, which makes them care more about the game. Lastly, I believe in thorough character development. Characters that are deep and believable can move a story along and keep players interested throughout the game. “.
6. How do you approach writing dialogue for characters with different backgrounds or personalities?
Answer:
“When writing dialogue for characters with different backgrounds or personalities, I start by understanding their backstory and motivations. This helps in creating a distinct voice for each character. I also pay attention to the cultural nuances and socio-economic factors that may influence their speech patterns and vocabulary. A scholar will speak differently from a street-smart rogue, for instance. It’s crucial not to stereotype but to create well-rounded, believable characters. Reading widely and observing people in real life can provide valuable insights into diverse ways of speaking and thinking. Finally, I ensure all dialogues serve the narrative purpose, either advancing the plot or revealing more about the characters. It’s a balance between maintaining authenticity and driving the story forward.”
7. What is your process for developing the overall plot of a game?
Answer:
“Developing the overall plot of a game begins with brainstorming, where I consider aspects like theme, setting, and characters. It’s crucial to ensure that these elements align with the gameplay mechanics. Next, I create an outline detailing key events and player choices. This helps in maintaining narrative coherence while allowing for flexibility in story progression. I then flesh out individual scenes and dialogues, always keeping the player experience at the forefront. The aim is to craft an engaging, immersive narrative that complements the gameplay. Feedback and iteration are also essential parts of the process. Playtesting provides valuable insights into how players perceive and interact with the storyline, enabling refinements to enhance engagement and enjoyment.”
8. How have you handled creative disagreements in past projects?
Answer:
“Creative friction is part and parcel of any game development process, and as a game writer, you’re not exempt from it. This question is designed to gauge your ability to work in a team, handle conflicts, and find common ground. The interviewer wants to see if you can maintain a positive working relationship and continue to contribute to the project, even when your ideas aren’t the ones being used.
9. Can you discuss a time when your writing significantly improved a game’s overall experience?
Answer:
“Yes, I worked on a fantasy RPG where the initial feedback was that players found the world and characters unengaging. I revamped the narrative to add depth to the characters and created intricate lore for the game’s universe. The changes resulted in positive player feedback about the immersive experience and increased engagement. The improved narrative also helped drive in-game purchases, contributing to a 20% increase in revenue. This instance showed me how impactful storytelling can be in enhancing a game’s overall experience.”
10. How do you ensure your writing caters to a wide range of player demographics?
Answer:
“Understanding the player demographics is crucial in game writing. I ensure this by conducting thorough research on our target audience and their preferences. I aim to create diverse characters, settings, and narratives that can appeal to a wide range of players. This includes different age groups, cultures, genders, and backgrounds. Inclusivity and representation are also key factors. By incorporating elements that resonate with various demographic groups, we can make them feel seen and valued. Feedback from playtesting sessions helps refine the content further. It provides insights into whether the story and characters are resonating with the intended audience. Ultimately, it’s about striking a balance between creative expression and accessibility to deliver an engaging gaming experience for all.”
11. What strategies do you use to keep players engaged in the narrative throughout the game?
Answer:
“To keep players engaged in the narrative, I focus on creating relatable characters with compelling motivations. This allows players to form emotional connections and become invested in their journeys. I also ensure that game mechanics align well with the story. If a player’s actions have meaningful consequences within the narrative, it enhances immersion and engagement. Additionally, pacing is crucial. Balancing action sequences with quieter moments for character development helps maintain interest throughout the game. Lastly, I incorporate elements of choice and exploration, allowing players to influence the narrative. This gives them a sense of agency and encourages further interaction with the storyline.”
12. Describe a time when you had to write under a tight deadline. How did you ensure the quality of your work?
Answer:
“During the development of a major game, I was tasked with writing dialogue for several characters within a week. To ensure quality under this tight deadline, I first outlined key character traits and plot points to maintain consistency. I then allocated specific time slots for each character, allowing focused, uninterrupted work periods. For editing, I used tools like Grammarly for basic grammar checks and had peer reviews for context and character voice accuracy. Despite the pressure, I successfully delivered engaging dialogues that received positive feedback from both my team and players post-launch.”
13. How do you handle writing for different game genres?
Answer:
“This question helps interviewers gauge your adaptability and versatility as a writer. Each game genre, whether it’s a fantasy RPG, a gritty first-person shooter, or a whimsical platformer, has its own unique tone, style, and storytelling requirements. To deliver a compelling narrative across different genres, you need to be able to adjust your writing style accordingly. Thus, your response to this question can demonstrate your versatility and your ability to create diverse and engaging content.
14. Can you discuss your experience with integrating narrative elements into gameplay mechanics?
Answer:
“Game writers don’t just write scripts, they create entire worlds. They are responsible for not only the story, but the characters, interactions, and every tiny detail that goes into making a game engaging. A key part of this is integrating the narrative into the gameplay mechanics. By asking this question, interviewers want to assess your ability to weave storytelling elements into the interactive gameplay experience, enhancing player engagement and immersion.
15. How do you approach writing for games with multiple story paths or endings?
Answer:
“As a game writer, you’re not just creating a linear narrative, but a dynamic, interactive world. This question is designed to gauge your understanding of branching narratives, player agency, and how to maintain thematic consistency
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When you get to the end of an on-site interview with a team and they ask you:
“Do you have any questions for us?”
The worst thing you could do is say “no”.
If that’s the case, then what DO you ask?
Remember that if the interviews are going well, you’re judging the company and team just as much as they are judging you. You should ask questions that show you’re thinking about whether or not your career goals fit with the goals of this team and the duties of the job. This demonstrates that you’re somebody who takes their career seriously and can bring that focus to the team.
That being said, I also know that there are times when you’ll almost certainly accept the job offer no matter what they say in response to these questions. Sometimes you’re new to the industry and you don’t know what your goals are yet. Or it could be that the job market and interview process aren’t balanced or fair in many ways. most?) situations. I’ve been in that position before. I still think you should ask these questions, even if you have to act like you’re sure you can be picky.
Before I start, I want to make it clear that I’m not a hiring manager and that this is written from the point of view of an individual contributor. Even though I’ve never hired someone, I do take part in the interview process and have done my fair share of job interviews. Take some time to think about how this advice can help you, and remember that you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. .
So, with that in mind, here is a list of questions that I think will help you start a conversation, learn more about the company culture, and decide if this job and company are a good fit for you. You don’t have to ask all of them. Pick the ones that you think will help you make the best job search decision and make the most sense for your role and level of experience.
These will help you decide if you want to do that job by giving you an idea of what you will do every day. Make sure you’re not asking about things that are already stated clearly in the job description. Start with what’s written there and then tailor your questions to get more information.
- What would my day-to-day job look like?
- What role would I have on the team?
- What expectations does this role have?
- What are the tasks that need to be done for this role, and how fast should they be done?
- Which set of tools do I need to use? Why did the team choose this set for this project?
- How do you see this role developing? What do the long-term prospects look like?
- What kind of learning opportunities will I have?
- Who will I be working with directly the most? More specifically, what kind of people (3D designers, artists, engineers) will I be working with?
- What roles do I directly support and what roles do they support? In other words, who will ask me for help and how do I ask for help?
- What team size will my role be supporting?
- Get specific about the work that your field does and come up with your own questions that will help you learn more about what the job entails.
- Question things that will let you know if you will get to work on the things you want to work on and use the skills you want to use. If you get a vague or “maybe” answer to these questions, it’s likely that the person doesn’t want to answer.
Everybody will tell you they have a “great team culture”. Ask more specific questions than “what is the team culture” to get less generic replies.
- How long has it taken to make this game? When do you plan to release it?
- How is work divided up and given out? Do you have producers? How do relationships between producers and developers work?
- How do people on this team give and receive feedback? For example, engineers might ask about the code review process, while artists might ask about the meetings or other ways that feedback is given.
- How does the company decide what games get made?
- What are this team’s philosophies regarding individual growth?
- What do you think this team thinks about [diversity, collaboration, mentoring, inclusion, or something else that’s important to you]?
- What type of growth
- What kinds of team leadership roles does this company offer, and how do they work? For example, does the title “lead” come with a higher salary?
- How does the hierarchy work on this team in particular? Who is in charge of my department, and how does their team work?
- What is this team’s approach to communicating across disciplines, and who makes it possible (producers, etc.)?
- What kinds of team-building activities does this group do? Who plans them? Do you hold events that bring together people from different fields?
- Does this team have any hangouts that just happen? For example, tabletop Fridays were set up by the employees, not by the leaders.
- Does everyone on the team share any interests? For example, do half of them like K-pop? Who is their BTS fan?
- How many times does this team crunch? What do you think about crunch?
- Does this company have employee resource groups for people of all kinds of identities? For example, is there a Women’s ERG or an LGBTQ Leadership Group? How do I get in touch with someone who runs this group? When I interviewed with Blizzard, they changed my schedule so that I could meet with someone from the LGBTQ Council beforehand. It was helpful to talk to her about how they treated trans people. If Blizz did it, other companies can too.
- How does this company make sure that pronouns are easy to find? Are they on nameplates? In the company directory?
- Can you tell me more about the medicines and procedures that your health insurance covers? Could you show me the list that the insurance company gives you about this plan before I sign up for it? (If you need health insurance to cover medical needs, this is an OPTIMAL question!)
- Do you hold hackathons or other events where people can try new things on your team?
- What does the company think about side projects? How do they get approved? Can I join game jams when I’m not working for the company?
These aren’t direct questions about the job or the culture of the team, but they could lead to interesting conversations and help you learn more about how the guys on the team feel about the company. Use some of these with discretion, and usually towards the end of your list of questions.
- When I was interviewing before, they asked me, “What’s your favorite thing you’ve worked on for this team?” I LOVED that question.
- Who will I be reporting to, and what is your experience with them? This is only a question to ask people who aren’t managers. Make sure you ask this in a nice, pleasant way. Take their responses seriously if the interviewers respond negatively!.
- I love this one. What should I ask that I haven’t already? During interviews, I’ve always gotten a good answer, but other developers have given me mixed opinions on whether or not it’s a good question to ask. Use your best judgement!.
