If you could improve your video game development capabilities, which area would you choose to focus?

"I would like to improve my knowledge in console hardware architecture as well as 3D modeling. I have committed to a course in each of these topics this year. It's important to me that, as soon as I recognize an area to grow, I can act on that and educate myself."

This query is a different take on the 'what is your greatest weakness' interview question. Think about the skills that you are hoping to improve over time or the missing skills you need to move up in your video game development career. Try to avoid mentioning a skill that could be a dealbreaker for the role. Also, it's essential that you mention what you are doing to improve on those areas of weakness.

"Its important to me that I am always growing, and expanding my knowledge in a variety of areas. Right now, I recognize that I could improve my knowledge of 2D and 3D modeling and animation packages. I am currently seeking out workshops related to these topics so that I can take the initiative and learn."

When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?

"My former company created primarily Android applications, and we used Java, in which I am an expert level user. One of the games we were developing needed a more modern programming language and some of the features required simplification. I brought in a contractor who was advanced in Kotlin, which nobody on my team understood well enough at that time. The choice to bring someone in was the right one; however, I chose to enroll in Kotlin coursework shortly after. I am proud to say that I now bring solid skills in both Java and Kotlin."

The interviewer would like to see that you are capable of overcoming issues that arise during development, uniquely and creatively. Assure Electronic Arts that you will not be the type of developer who throws their hands in the air and gives up at every turn. Show that you genuinely dig in to solve an issue. Begin by giving an overview of the difficulty, then discuss the action you chose to take, and then the positive outcome.

"I was recently asked to take an existing iOS application and create it for Android. The most significant issue I came across was that the mobile app relied heavily on the fingerprint sensor as part of the user experience. Since Android is open source, apps are used on a variety of hardware. This open source meant that I needed to get creative by implementing multiple authentications, allowing for the various hardware features of all Android devices. It was a significant challenge but one that I genuinely enjoyed."

How do you generate new video game ideas?

"The first rule of thumb for me is to play a lot of video games! If I am unsure what is out there, what is working, and where existing games could be improved, it would be a serious challenge for me to come up with workable ideas. Also, I am very active in the gaming community and follow many forums. I want to see what people are saying about the world's most popular games."

Coming up with the latest and greatest video game ideas takes skill, a great deal of original thought, and observation. Some of the best video game creators suggest researching what is already out there, and noting what is working or not working. Also, being mindful of your surroundings and everyday life is very important. Many games that are very successful are so because the characters and storyline are relatable. Discuss how you keep your idea machine running hot!

"For the past few years, I have kept a file on my iPhone where I jot down all of my ideas and thoughts. Some of the ideas I have implemented into past projects, and some are still waiting to come to life. I find inspiration through the games that I play, and situations from everyday life. I believe that brainstorm sessions with my coworkers are also a highly helpful approach."

"I am a big gamer myself, so I play a lot of different games. I also stream and have a small community with who we talk about games and what they would like to see. I get inspired by games, good stories, and also looking at how people play games. I take notes and write really short GDD when I think an idea could be developed in the future. This is what I did when I made my own mobile game."

In your opinion, what elements make a video game successful?

"There is a multitude of elements that make a game successful. Of course, it must have eye-catching graphics, great sounds, and an awesome storyline. Other factors, and ones that I see Electronic Arts doing well, include replayability, intuitive controls, and characters that the players understand and can relate to."

Many elements go into ensuring a video game is a successful one. The interviewer wants to see that you understand that it takes a robust set of deliverables, to make a great game. Some of the factors that you could mention include: - A great storyline - Excellent graphics - An amazing soundtrack - Intuitiveness - Replayability -Short and long-term goals - Characters that gamers can relate to

"Of the video games that I play and the ones that are most successful, I see a few common factors that include great characters and storyline, as well as short and long-term goals for gamers to achieve. Players need to be able to come back and not feel that the game is repetitive, but also feel like the game is familiar as well. it's a delicate balance, but I feel that Electronic Arts does this very well with the games you have released recently such as A, B, and C."

The gaming industry is notorious for long hours and overtime. How do you feel about crunch time?

"I fully expect crunch time then and now, as important deadlines approach or unexpected issues arise. In my current job, I have worked up to 80 hours a week. Although rare, it is taxing but expected from time to time. I am willing to put in overtime within reason. Could you share with me the expectations at Electronic Arts?"

Crunch time or 'crunching' is how the mobile gaming development world refers to overtime. It's no secret that, putting in extra shifts during tight deadlines is not uncommon. Some developers even claim to work 100+ hours per week as important deadlines approach. Discuss with the interviewer how far you are willing to go, for your team, while keeping a healthy balance. If you currently put in crunch time, you can mention how you deal with it in your present job.

"Crunching is a necessary ask in this industry, and I fully expect to put in overtime hours for Electronic Arts when deadlines approach, or as unexpected needs arise. Do you ask for overtime from your developers on a regular basis? I am happy to work as part of a team, in any capacity required of me."

Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?

"I have worked in both a startup environment, as well as a few highly established companies. Although I appreciate the organization that comes with a more established business, the energy of a startup drives me. I can succeed in either since I am self-driven; however, I can say that the energetic environment at Electronic Arts speaks to me."

The interviewer is interested in seeing if the environment at Electronic Arts is what you need to be successful. The best response is that you can thrive in a startup or an established company; however, that may not be the case. Think of the pros and cons of each. Working for an established company may feel more secure; however, it may also be more challenging to work your way up. Then, in a startup, you may have a lot of creative freedom, but the pay may not be as lucrative. Discuss with the interviewer the type of environment you are most comfortable with, remain positive, and draw in parts of the culture at Electronic Arts in your response.

"The number of years a company has been in business is not my primary interest. I am seeking a specific workplace culture that includes loyalty, excitement for the work at hand, and an opportunity to work on creative, technical projects. I appreciate that Electronic Arts holds a commitment to success by offering continued education opportunities. I see that your company offers a perfect blend of a startup and established feel."

"I worked in a start-up like company and a few bigger ones. In the start-up, it was nice to have responsibilities, and the team members got very close. I loved that. But I saw it in bigger companies too. What matters most is the energy that the project and the team members can give, that is what drives me to be at my best, and I know that an environment like EA offers to work with the best and a place where I could grow with more security on a longer-term."

Have you ever been a part of designing a multi-feature mobile app that pushed industry boundaries?

"A couple of years ago I worked on a game called Dungeon Smash. We were one of the first developers ever to try incorporating GameSpy matchmaking. This breakthrough meant that iOS and Android users could play not only with each other, but they could now also collaborate with PlayStation and PC users. It was an exciting time!"

The interviewer would like to know the extent of your experience when it comes to working on complex mobile games with multiple features. It's essential that you show you can support Electronic Arts's endeavors by bringing unique experiences to the table. Discuss a game you have worked on in the past that offered multiple features, allowing for you to push boundaries in your industry.

"Years ago, I worked on a word game that pushed industry boundaries by allowing for cross-platform multiplayer activity. The concept was uncommon at the time. Users could log in on the app or via Facebook, so there was also a social integration component. Then, players could challenge their friends over iOS, Android, or even Facebook. Our group was one of the first teams to pull this off. I look forward to being part of your development team at Electronic Arts and creating more groundbreaking gaming experiences."

Which video game are you playing most right now? What do you think is the appeal, and what would you improve?

"For the past year, I have been playing Fortnite. It is, hands down, my favorite game. Fortnite brilliantly uses the freemium model, offering v-bucks that pay for outfits, emotes, and upgraded abilities, merchandise, and more. One thing I would change about Fortnite would be to introduce a ranked game mode with a leaderboard. There should be more emphasis on skills-based player matchmaking."

It's tough to be an excellent video game developer if you have never played a video game before! This question is an interest-based query, so there isn't a right or wrong answer; however, the interviewer is looking for an in-depth and thoughtful reply in regards to the appeal of the game, and where you could make it better. If you are currently playing a game created by Electronic Arts, be sure to let them know!

"Currently, I am playing Red Dead Redemption. I enjoy that it's an open world game, with endless activity options. If I had the opportunity to improve the game, I would make the storyline more involved, and encourage players to dig deeper. Currently, the storyline seems unimportant, which could quickly bore some gamers."

Which character animation systems have you used in the past?

"I have experience in Maya, iClone, and Daz3D. I would say my expertise level in Maya is a 6 out of 10 with iCloneand Daz3D being an 8 out of 10. Could you share with me which character animation systems you use here at Electronic Arts?"

The interviewer would like to know if you have experience with the same systems used at Electronic Arts. Before your interview, if you can find out the character animation systems they use, be sure to include them in your response. There are dozens upon dozens of reliable character animation systems; some being free, and others as paid versions. Some systems work for Windows, Mac, Linux, or are cloud-based. Discuss the systems you have experience in, rating your level of knowledge from 1-10 if possible. By doing so, you are making it easier for the interviewer to gauge your level of expertise in each.

"The bulk of my experience in character animation systems is MotionBuilder and Blender. I prefer blender because it supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux and it's also free. Blender also supports multiple formats where MotionBuilder is a touch more limited."

"I worked with several animation software, but I mostly used Maya and Motion builder. My level of expertise with Maya is an 8 out of 10, and with motion builder, maybe 6 out of 10. I also used 3DS MAX, but that was a while ago, so that I might be rusty. I believe that you use Maya as well, coupled with Frostbite?"

What do you believe are three key elements a mobile app or game must have in order to be successful?

"There are many elements to consider for each game, and I believe those elements change depending on the game, the platform, target audience, and purpose. The three elements which I focus on the most are the UI/UX because those are what makes a game enticing and fun to play. I also focus a lot on sound. If the music is lighthearted and fun, it makes a significant difference to a player, over annoying sounds. Lastly, I believe that a successful mobile game must have a solid pricing strategy. Freemium or pay-to-play models are very lucrative for many games right now."

Since the interviewer is asking you what you believe to be the three critical elements to a successful mobile game, there is likely no right or wrong reply. Take into consideration what Electronic Arts focus' on in their game development. If their games have a significant focus on pricing models, stunning UI/UX, and seamless social media integration, you will want to focus on those areas in your response.

"From what I see in the games that Electronic Arts creates, a great storyline, capturing visuals, and social integration are the key elements to a successful mobile app. Stories keep the attention of the gamer and inviting them to finish the storyline prevents game abandonment. Stunning visuals help significantly, of course, and they should never become pixilated on larger screens. Lastly, social media is the most powerful hub for driving user engagement. A mobile game should always integrate with popular platforms such as Facebook."

What are the most common errors you come across in mobile game development?

"In my eight years in the mobile gaming industry, I would say the most common errors I see include developers beta-testing their own work, and forgetting about monetization and marketing until it's too late. I fully believe that marketing and monetization need to be approached and planned out before development even begins."

Electronic Arts seeks to hire only the best talent in game development, and they want to see that you are aware of potential mishaps and that you take the necessary actions to avoid them. Some of the most common errors in mobile game development include: - Lack of platform research, before beginning a project - Failing to treat mobile games entirely different from desktop or console games - Approaching game monetization as an after-thought - Forgetting about how to market the mobile game once it launches - Beta-testing their own game, as opposing to hiring a third partyAssure the interviewer that you are aware of these common mistakes and that you know well enough to avoid them. If possible, give an example of a highly successful mobile game development project you have recently completed.

"Having the right foundation is incredibly important before starting any development. One recurring error I see is developers choosing iOS over Android, or vice versa, out of complete bias versus genuine research. It's best to be critical of the platform options to support your game idea and then move forward with the project. Another common error I see is developers treating a mobile game the same way they would a desktop or console version. It's vital that mobile games are treated entirely differently than other gaming methods."

"When I developed my own game, I beta tested myself and thought about monetizing the game only after it was made. After the development, I also started the marketing, and I recognize today, knowing more about the industry, that I fell for some common mistakes... I think that it is important to have a non-biased opinion of the game and to develop it on good bases, and do the marketing as the game develops"

Have you worked directly with technical artists, animators, and gameplay engineers?

"I have worked directly with gameplay engineers; however, the direct contact that I have had with technical artists and animators is minimal. I am very comfortable working in a cross-departmental team environment and look forward to learning more about the animation side from the artists and animators at Electronic Arts."

The interviewer is trying to gauge your level of exposure to cross-collaborative work within the video game industry. Discuss any time you have spent working with talent from other departments or areas of expertise. If you do not have cross-departmental work experience, be sure to express that you can work with talent of all kinds.

"Yes, I have worked with technical artists, animators, and gameplay engineers. In my current role, for the past five years, we have all collaborated as a team. I appreciate that I have the unique opportunity to learn the roles of many others in the video game development industry."

Name some ways that developers can monetize their video games.

"I have played your most recent video game and saw that you use a blend of monthly subscriptions and micro-transactions to make a profit. This method is one that I appreciate the most because it gives people the option to play the basic version, or upgrade their experience should they prefer. I am also aware that branded merchandise is an excellent source of profit for popular video games, and Electronic Arts embraces that very well."

When you can understand how companies best make money in the video game industry, it's much easier to develop games that are responsive to that particular goal. The interviewer would like to see that you understand there are a variety of ways to earn money from video game development. If you have played any of the games created by Electronic Arts you should be able to identify which methods they rely on for making a profit, allowing you to bring that up in your discussion.Some earning tactics are: - Monthly subscriptions - Ads and sponsorships - Micro-transactions - Branded merchandise

"The three methods which I am most aware and experienced in, including monthly subscriptions, charge per copy, and branded merchandise. As a developer, I am experienced creating video games around all three of these models; and as a gamer, I prefer monthly subscriptions."

"I learned about those different methods by playing a lot of games and studying how to monetize my game. The ones I know the most are to charge per copy, to make it free to play with microtransactions or to put ads in the game with a no-ad premium version."

Which are your favorite automated mobile app testing tools?

"Hands down, my favorite mobile app testing tools include Testdroid, Frank, and MonkeyRunner. I am an expert in all three of these tools, having used them on a regular basis for the past few years, in my current job. I saw on your job posting that you are specifically looking for experience in Testdroid. My experience with Testdroid has shown it is beneficial in saving money in the development stage while improving time-to-market."

It is crucial that every mobile game, before its release, goes through rigorous testing to check for bugs, slow performance, and feature malfunctions. When a game is released too soon and has bugs or lags, it will receive poor reviews and a significant decline in downloads. For these reasons, it's imperative to test correctly. There are many tools available for testing mobile applications and games such as: - Appium - Robotium - Frank - MonkeyRunner - UI Automator - MonkeyTalk - SeeTest - Testdroid - CalabashTalk to the interviewer about the automated mobile app testing tools with which you are most familiar and experienced. To make it easier on the interviewer, you can rate your expertise from 1-10 or describe yourself as beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert level in the tools that you mention. If Electronic Arts has said which means they use, be sure to reference these.

"I have worked with many mobile testing tools over the years and have to say that Appium remains my favorite. I like that it is open-source which allows for testing of both Android and iOS games. Also, the fact that it supports Java, and C# is a significant bonus."

What one mobile app or game would you most like to work on at Electronic Arts? And why?

"My favorite game created by Electronic Arts is ABC. I have played it and can tell you that I enjoy the graphics immensely, the sounds are perfect, and the freemium approach is brilliant. I would be excited to work on this app and offer up ideas I have on further monetizing the game."

Answering this question requires an understanding of the games that Electronic Arts has developed in the past. Is there a pattern that you see - perhaps with their most successful games being freemium style, or maybe their top games are all for Android only. Choose one game that Electronic Arts has created and then express your interest in working on that particular project.

"It would be tough to choose, since Electronic Arts has so many amazing games such as ABC, DEF and XYZ. If I had to choose just one, I would be honored to work on XYZ and make it available for Android. The challenge would stretch me as a developer, and it would be beneficial to Electronic Arts to make the game available for both iOS and Android users."

Which person do you most admire in the video game development industry?

"There are many admirable people in the video game development industry; however, I most admire Markus Persson, the creator of Minecraft. Microsoft acquired his company for more than two billion dollars, which is remarkable. Besides his financial success, I appreciate that his passion for programming and creating great games far surpasses any ego he could have."

There are many famous game developers, artists, and technical experts who you could admire. Since this question is more based on personal preference, there is no right or wrong answer. Just ensure that you have a response! Be ready also to explain why you admire this particular person the most.

"My hero in the video game development industry continues to be Roberta Williams. In this male-dominated industry, it's exciting to see a woman be a stand-out. Not only that, but she is also more mature in age, being in her 60's, and still killing it as a video game designer, writer, and the co-founder of Sierra On-Line."

"If I have to give one name, it would be Hideo Kojima. He is so talented and has very out of the box ideas. Some might not liken them, but I find him really creative. He was brilliant on the metal gear solid series, and now he made his name famous and is respected like a movie director, able to make games like death stranding, which is a real UFO."

Tell me about a time that there was a delay in the project and how did you handle that delay?

"I was working with my team on the configuration of the new HR system we were rolling out and the HR team asked for a new module that we thought would significantly delay the launch. In order to meet our internal client's needs, we offered to add the new module, but to avoid delays to the project, we reallocated a resource to work exclusively on the module. We all chipped in extra effort on the major project parts to make up for our coworkers' absence as he was working on the module. The coworker who did the module did a fantastic job which didn't require many changes from the group. Through all this, we were able to roll the product out on time and within budget."

In your answer, be sure to tell your prospective employer why there was a delay, but most importantly, how you handled it and got back on track. It's important to use the STAR format for questions like these: situation, task, action, result. Situation: the delay. Task: resolving it quickly and getting back on track. Action: how you went about executing the task. Result: how the steps you took to resolve it led to the effective and successful resolution of that delay.

"While we were working on an upgrade, there was a section we found wasn't included in the project plan. We were on a tight deadline and knew we couldn't get behind. I worked as much as I needed to in order to understand that section and ensure I could be a productive member of the team and keep the project on track. Through my research, I gained knowledge which I shared with the project manager and we were able to include that section seamlessly. By working with my colleagues and putting all of our knowledge, skills, and resources together, we got it included in a short time period and kept going as the project was planned. We didn't miss a beat. I was the newest member on the team, but my dedication and passion contributed to how successful we were in keeping on schedule and achieving a quality, effective rollout."

Electronic Arts developers often work overtime to meet deadlines. How do you feel about crunching?

"I fully expect crunch time then and now, as important deadlines approach or unexpected issues arise. In my current job, I have worked up to 80 hours a week. Although rare, it is taxing but expected from time to time. I am willing to put in overtime within reason. Could you share with me the expectations at Electronic Arts?"

Crunch time or 'crunching' is how the mobile gaming development world refers to overtime. It's no secret that, putting in extra shifts during tight deadlines is not uncommon. Some developers even claim to work 100+ hours per week as important deadlines approach. Discuss with the interviewer how far you are willing to go, for your team, while keeping a healthy balance. If you currently put in crunch time, you can mention how you deal with it in your present job.

"Crunching is a necessary ask in this industry, and I fully expect to put in overtime hours for Electronic Arts when deadlines approach, or as unexpected needs arise. Do you ask for overtime from your developers on a regular basis? I am happy to work as part of a team, in any capacity required of me."

"I know that crunch times are something that every studio has to go through, and I am aware of it. Either it was in France, Japan, or the US, I always did it, sometimes staying very late, sometimes going during weekends. I am used to it, and as long as health, work conditions, respect at work, and responsibilities are balanced, I have no problem with doing it. In some studios, we were compensated with days off after crunch time; others would pay overtime, like in the US. Does EA expect a lot of crunch time? What is your policy toward it?"

Do you have production experience with cloud computing services, such as Amazon Web Services?

"I use only AWS for on-demand cloud computing services because it's the most trustworthy and very affordable. My current company uses AWS to build and distribute our games internationally."

Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of Amazon, provides gaming companies reliable and affordable on-demand cloud computing services. A company can join AWS for free, and only pay what they use. Gaming companies such as Ubisoft use AWS for Assassins Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance. Discuss any production experience you have with AWS or another cloud computing service.

"When my current company needed a solution for running our analytics, data pipelines, and web offering, I suggested that we turn to AWS. Amazon Web Services is the cloud computing platform of choice for me; however, I am sure that I could quickly pick up others such as Azure."

Name three tactics the mobile gaming industry can use, to make money.

"I have played your most recent mobile game and saw that you use a blend of ads and micro-transactions to drive profits. This method is one that I appreciate the most because it gives people the option to play the free version, interrupted by ads, or a paid version should they prefer. I am also aware that pay-per-play subscriptions are very popular in the mobile gaming industry."

When you can understand how companies best make money in the mobile gaming industry, it's much easier to develop games that are responsive to that particular goal. The interviewer would like to see that you understand there are a variety of ways to earn money from a mobile game. If you have played any of the games created by Electronic Arts you should be able to identify which methods they rely on for making a profit, allowing you to bring that up in your discussion.Some earning tactics are: - Charge per copy - Monthly subscription - Pay-per-play - Ads and sponsorships - Micro-transactions

"The three methods which I am most aware and experienced in, include ads, monthly subscriptions, and charge per copy. As a developer, I am experienced creating games around all three of these models; and as a gamer, I prefer monthly subscriptions."

What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?

"Currently, I am playing a mobile game called Trivia Crack II. It's a game based on trivia questions. One thing that I like about the game is that it uses geo-intelligence and asks the player trivia questions based on their location. For instance, if I were living in Australia, the game would ask more questions about Australian geography and politics versus USA facts. With that said, there are a lot of ads in the game and not any pop-ups to offer an upgrade, to a no-ad version. I feel that the developers missed out on some excellent monetization opportunities."

There is no right or wrong response to this question, but the interviewer is asking for a thoughtful one. Show that you understand what makes a mobile game great. The interviewer wants to see that you have the ability to look at a game critically, and know how it could be improved.

"I am currently playing Pokemon Go, and I find there are a lot of network crashes. At times, I cannot log in through Google and Facebook, or Pokestops and gyms do not appear on my map. I want the best for this game since it was a trendsetter in bringing augmented reality to a new audience; however, I feel there is a lot of work to be done on the location tracking end."

Video game development is a fast-moving industry. How do you keep up to date on new game design technology?

"It's vital to me that I keep up to date on new game design technology. I refer to a mixture of websites, email subscriptions, YouTube channels, blogs, podcasts, and online education tools. My most frequently used resources include gamedesigning.org, TechCrunch and the Bethesda blog. If you have any recommendations, I am happy to take suggestions."

The interviewer knows that if video game development is a sincere interest of yours, you will have a plethora of resources in your pocket when it comes to learning about new game design and technology. If you are comfortable, this question is also an excellent opportunity to ask the interviewer which resources are favorites at Electronic Arts. By showing an interest in the internal workings of their business, you can start a great conversation and gain valuable insight.

"My favorite subject matters experts include Hideo Kojima and Sid Meier. I subscribe to their blogs and closely follow what they are doing next. I also listen to the GoNintendo podcast on a regular basis. Which tools and resources are most often used here at Electronic Arts?"

Name three mobile app testing types.

"The three mobile app testing types that come to mind first include usability, security, and installation. For usability, it is imperative to check for friendliness and flexibility. When security testing, I always check to ensure that the application's data is safe. And, with installation testing, it's imperative to know that the game can support installation and uninstallation seamlessly."

Software testing is one of the most basic, yet essential factors in the mobile gaming industry. The types of mobile app testing include functional testing, a back to basics test that ensures the functional behavior of the application is working as expected. Performance testing covers common issues such as batter use, internet connection loads, memory loss, and more. There are other types of testing that include: - Usability - Compatibility - Interface - Services - SecurityDiscuss with the interviewer the three types of mobile testing in which you are best versed.

"There are many testing types for mobile gaming applications. The ones which I am most familiar include installation, interrupt, and security testing. I have also worked with usability, compatibility, and interface testing methods."

How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?

"I aim to be as effective and efficient as possible and make sure I can use all minutes of a day for a project. I have a few things going at once most of the time. I am the lead on some, the delegator on others, and the reviewer on another, for instance. This way, by splitting up the work to the appropriate parties, both my team and I can be the most efficient with our time."

When working for Electronic Arts, you will need to take on multiple projects or clients at a time. They are a busy organization and need to know that you can keep up with their pace. Prioritizing is a skill that requires practice. There are many approaches you can take. Here are some suggestions:1) Make a list. By thinking through and writing down each item that needs completion, you can better visualize your approach. 2) Mark what is urgent or essential. Take into account deadlines and meetings. If a project management tool is available to you, like Trello or Asana, utilize its features to keep yourself organized. 3) Order each task based on effort and estimated value. 4) Consider due dates and how long it will take to do each item.When answering this question, show the interviewer that you have a system in place that helps you to think through what needs to happen, and when. The better you can prioritize, the more productive you will be, making you an asset to Electronic Arts!

"I love to keep running lists of everything that I need to do, big or small. Mostly because I love crossing things off of the to-do list, but also because it helps me keep track of everything. Lately, I've started utilizing a free project management software that I use to make those lists, categorize the tasks, and mark them by the level of urgency. I take care of the most time-sensitive issues first and then move along to the equally important, but perhaps less time-sensitive to-dos. I also estimate how long each task will take, so if I have a few minutes in between projects, I can tackle the quick to dos and use that time effectively, rather than use it to figure out 'what's next.'"

"I learned to be better at organizing and managing my time when I was a lead animator. I had to assign shots, review and give retakes, sit with the animators, and animate my own quota, which was still about 200 frames per day. I had to be organized to be efficient, and I used excel sheets to track what I had to do, the difficulty of the tasks, the deadline, etc. It really helps me have a better vision of the tasks, making me jump from one to another one."

How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?

"It is clear to me that Electronic Arts puts a significant amount of effort into game design. I believe that design is everything since many users will decide on whether or not to download, based on the visuals. Every game needs to be visually compelling, yet uncomplicated, in my opinion."

If you look at the mobile games and apps that Electronic Arts creates, can you see how much time and effort they put into the design component? We all know that image is everything and the interviewer wants to see that you fully understand the importance of UX and UI, and how it directly relates to the success of a game.

"I believe that design can make or break a mobile game or app. Visuals need to be simple yet beautiful, and a developer should be able to ensure that the graphics do not become pixilated on larger mobile device screen sizes. I see that the apps created by Electronic Arts are all visually compelling, which is one of the reasons I was so excited to apply here. I appreciate the effort your developers put into a great visual experience."

Electronic Arts fosters a collaborative working environment. When have you taken the time to teach an essential skill to a coworker?

"Last week our company introduced a new module in our SAP system. I could see that our contracted HR assistant was having some troubles with the new module. I was familiar with it already, so I offered to help him learn the module. We spent his lunch hour for the next three days working on it. He perfected the module and our company was so impressed with his dedication to learning that they are now trying to find room to hire him on a full time, permanent basis."

The interviewers at Electronic Arts want to hear that you have experience teaching or mentoring your coworkers. You may have taught a new hire all of your department's standard processes. Perhaps you explained new concepts related to AI and data migration to a more junior employee. You may have mentored an employee who was struggling to meet a project deadline. All of these scenarios are great examples to draw on. Better yet, if you have personally seen someone struggling with workplace skills or knowledge, approached them, and offered to mentor them, it is a shining example of leadership! Whatever your scenario may be, tell the interviewer what you helped the person with, while highlighting the positive outcome of their skills improvement.

"I'm proud to say that, even without any official management capacity, I often seize the opportunity to teach others at work. Not only have I helped contribute to the sales team's knowledge base of our software, but also I try to teach our clients on the added features of our software, at every opportunity. It's fun to share and teach others, especially since I am always seeking out learning opportunities for myself."

"When I was a lead animator on a TV series, I managed a team of 7 animators. I liked to sit with each of them to go through the retakes that I was giving, and I would explain to them what the client is looking for and how to get to a better result. I really liked mentoring junior animators, and I now do it even without being lead, when the person is open to feedback."

Are you stronger in C++ or Java?

"The majority of my education focused on Java; however, the relevance of C++ in mobile game development is not lost on me. I once taught myself C# in one weekend and have taken multiple courses in C++ to advance my skills and knowledge further."

You may have your skills listed on your resume; however, the interviewer wants to dig deeper into those listed skills to see which ones particularly shine. Answer truthfully while also referencing the Electronic Arts job posting. If you are stronger in Java, but they want more dedication to C++, let the interviewer know that you have more exposure in Java but that you solid C++ skills too.

"I have used C++ more often in my mobile game development career. With that said, I have a solid knowledge of Java. I see in the Electronic Arts job posting that you prefer to use C++, and I wholeheartedly agree."

What are your natural talents when it comes to video game development?

"I am naturally curious and love to learn. Because of this, I spend a lot of time outside of work hours building my skills and knowledge as a developer. I enjoy learning new things and then passing that knowledge to my co-workers, making me a natural leader as well. I see that Electronic Arts seeks out those who want to grow, learn, and lead. I believe these attributes would help me to be very successful here."

To be a successful person in the video game development industry, you need specific skills such as C# or C++, Java, Python, Ruby, and more. However, the interviewer wants to know more about your soft skills, or personal attributes, in this particular question. Perhaps you are naturally talented when it comes to leading groups, or you are an excellent problem solver. Discuss which natural talents will lend themselves well to this position with Electronic Arts. If possible, you can draw some keywords from their job posting or job description.

"I am an excellent verbal communicator; a natural attribute that has come to be incredibly helpful in the video game development industry. I am very good with public speaking as well. I quickly connect with those I speak to and deliver my message in a meaningful, and interesting way. I look forward to bringing these skills to work for Electronic Arts."

Which is your favorite game created by Electronic Arts, and why?

"My favorite video game series by EA is clearly Madden. The game revolutionized the industry back in the 90s and 2000s with its graphics and realistic gameplay. The culture and enthusiasm for each Madden game is really impressive. I look forward to each Madden game every Summer."

This question is just one example of why it is so important that you do your research on Electronic Arts before your interview. The hiring authority would like to ensure that you understand the video games they have come out with and that you have played them. Discuss which game is your favorite creation by Electronic Arts, and why.

"My favorite game created by Electronic Arts is ABC. I have played it for about six months now and can tell you that I enjoy the graphics immensely, the soundtrack is perfect, and the open world approach is brilliant. I would be excited to work on the next release of this game, and offer up ideas I have on the storyline."

"This is a difficult question as I loved many of them. I bought my first PC at 17 years old to play the Sims, for example. I love the graphics, how it reflects reality in a simple and smart way, and the animations are hilarious! But I also love more mature games like Fight Night, which is the best boxing game ever, and last, Apex Legends, which I play with my friends regularly as we love the frenetic rhythm of it."

Electronic Arts is looking for exceptional skills in scripting languages such as Javascript, Ruby, or Python. In which are you strongest?

"I have worked with all three of these scripting languages; however, I am strongest in Javascript, where I am considered an advanced user. I would rank myself an intermediate user in both Ruby and Python, having worked with each for about three years."

You may know all three of these scripting languages; however, the interviewer is asking for a breakdown of the ones which you are most experienced. If possible, try making your experience level easy to understand by rating yourself as beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert in each of these scripting languages. You can also discuss how many years you have spent with each.

"Python is where I am most experienced and current, and I would rate myself as an expert level user. When it comes to Javascript, I am an advanced user, with about five years' experience. Ruby is not an area of expertise; however, I have basic knowledge in that scripting language."

"As an animator, I never used these languages, and I am a real beginner with scripts. However, I want to learn about Python for Maya, and I also wanted to learn more about coding in general for games. I believe that learning the C and C++ language could be fascinating to work on side projects and implement them at work."

What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?

"My favorite example of a freemium game shaking up the market would be Pokemon Go. I recently read that the game has earned nearly $2 billion to date and is still going strong at around $2 million in revenue per day. The success is, of course, in part to Pokemon popularity as well as the excitement surrounding augmented reality; however, I think being a freemium model has also helped. People love free apps, but they will often pay to avoid ads, interruptions, get the extra Pok? Coins, and more. Freemium is the first pricing model to allow for impulse purchases."

The interviewer wants to gauge your depth of knowledge when it comes to mobile gaming, and the pricing strategies available. As you likely know, freemium is a pricing strategy where the mobile game or app is a free download; however, users can pay for additional, premium features. Explain what you know freemium to be, and discuss how you think this strategy has changed the mobile gaming industry.

"People love to win, and gamers will easily pay the 99 cents it takes for extra coins and a chance to beat the game. Freemium is similar to gambling in that it works off of human impulse and desire to win. My favorite freemium game is still Candy Crush! It follows the freemium model of being a free download with pay-for-premium features; however, the game reportedly earns nearly half a million dollars per day."

What is your perspective on the role of a programmer in video game development?

"In my opinion, a great programmer will have a perfect blend of education and real-world skills, allowing them to make games that people want to play. Programmers are an integral part to video game development whether they are focused on audio, graphics, or another area of programming."

A video game programmer is someone with a software engineering background who writes the code for video games. Programmers make it possible for a game to run! is a software engineer who creates the code that makes a video game run. Because video games are so sophisticated these days, you will usually find that programmers specialize in specific areas. Discuss with the interviewer where you feel programmers fit into the scheme of things when it comes to video game development.

"A video game could not be developed without the important role of a programmer. Whether a programmer is working on the graphics of a game, the audio, the intuitive controls, or the game as a whole, there is no way a game could be successful without first having an experienced and talented programmer."

"To me, programmers have one of the most important roles in a game. I know that a game with bad coding has difficulties being light and smooth, affecting players a lot. When I made my own game and hired programmers, I went cheap first with a student. Then I hired a professional one with a lot of experience, and it was like day and night. I now know how important it is to have a good one and respect the role and responsibilities."

Do you improve your development skills on a regular basis? If so, to which resources do you turn?

"Currently, my skills in C++, Java, and Ruby; however, I recently wanted to expand my knowledge in new game development concepts. I found the Extra Credits YouTube channel. I learned a great deal about how the game development industry is evolving this year, and find myself revisiting that particular resource quite often."

Share with the interviewer the resources you use to develop your mobile game development skills further. It's important to remember that Electronic Arts needs to see that you have a keen interest in growing your abilities, and career. If you are comfortable turning the question into more of a conversation, feel free to ask the interviewer for recommendations or suggestions.

"Skills development is an important part of growing my career. My current company offers me the opportunity to expand my skills by taking two courses of my choice, per year. This year I chose an advanced C++ course and another on monetization in the gaming industry. If you have recommendations on how to best build my skill set to benefit Electronic Arts, I would love to hear them."

"To me, growing and learning are really important. I always look at what I can learn to perform better in a company. For example, in France, I took art lessons on the side to work on my animation skills for posing. In Japan, I took Japanese language lessons to communicate better and directly with the supervisors. When I decided to turn toward the gaming industry, I took online courses to learn how to animate and integrate into the Unreal Engine... Does EA provide such type of courses after working hours?"

Electronic Arts Interview Questions

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1. If you could improve your video game development capabilities, which area would you choose to focus?
2. When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?
3. How do you generate new video game ideas?
4. In your opinion, what elements make a video game successful?
5. The gaming industry is notorious for long hours and overtime. How do you feel about crunch time?
6. Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?
7. Have you ever been a part of designing a multi-feature mobile app that pushed industry boundaries?
8. Which video game are you playing most right now? What do you think is the appeal, and what would you improve?
9. Which character animation systems have you used in the past?
10. What do you believe are three key elements a mobile app or game must have in order to be successful?
11. What are the most common errors you come across in mobile game development?
12. Have you worked directly with technical artists, animators, and gameplay engineers?
13. Name some ways that developers can monetize their video games.
14. Which are your favorite automated mobile app testing tools?
15. What one mobile app or game would you most like to work on at Electronic Arts? And why?
16. Which person do you most admire in the video game development industry?
17. Tell me about a time that there was a delay in the project and how did you handle that delay?
18. Electronic Arts developers often work overtime to meet deadlines. How do you feel about crunching?
19. Do you have production experience with cloud computing services, such as Amazon Web Services?
20. Name three tactics the mobile gaming industry can use, to make money.
21. What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?
22. Video game development is a fast-moving industry. How do you keep up to date on new game design technology?
23. Name three mobile app testing types.
24. How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?
25. How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?
26. Electronic Arts fosters a collaborative working environment. When have you taken the time to teach an essential skill to a coworker?
27. Are you stronger in C++ or Java?
28. What are your natural talents when it comes to video game development?
29. Which is your favorite game created by Electronic Arts, and why?
30. Electronic Arts is looking for exceptional skills in scripting languages such as Javascript, Ruby, or Python. In which are you strongest?
31. What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?
32. What is your perspective on the role of a programmer in video game development?
33. Do you improve your development skills on a regular basis? If so, to which resources do you turn?

Electronic Arts Interview Questions

1. If you could improve your video game development capabilities, which area would you choose to focus?

2. When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?

3. How do you generate new video game ideas?

4. In your opinion, what elements make a video game successful?

5. The gaming industry is notorious for long hours and overtime. How do you feel about crunch time?

6. Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?

7. Have you ever been a part of designing a multi-feature mobile app that pushed industry boundaries?

8. Which video game are you playing most right now? What do you think is the appeal, and what would you improve?

9. Which character animation systems have you used in the past?

10. What do you believe are three key elements a mobile app or game must have in order to be successful?

11. What are the most common errors you come across in mobile game development?

12. Have you worked directly with technical artists, animators, and gameplay engineers?

13. Name some ways that developers can monetize their video games.

14. Which are your favorite automated mobile app testing tools?

15. What one mobile app or game would you most like to work on at Electronic Arts? And why?

16. Which person do you most admire in the video game development industry?

17. Tell me about a time that there was a delay in the project and how did you handle that delay?

18. Electronic Arts developers often work overtime to meet deadlines. How do you feel about crunching?

19. Do you have production experience with cloud computing services, such as Amazon Web Services?

20. Name three tactics the mobile gaming industry can use, to make money.

21. What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?

22. Video game development is a fast-moving industry. How do you keep up to date on new game design technology?

23. Name three mobile app testing types.

24. How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?

25. How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?

26. Electronic Arts fosters a collaborative working environment. When have you taken the time to teach an essential skill to a coworker?

27. Are you stronger in C++ or Java?

28. What are your natural talents when it comes to video game development?

29. Which is your favorite game created by Electronic Arts, and why?

30. Electronic Arts is looking for exceptional skills in scripting languages such as Javascript, Ruby, or Python. In which are you strongest?

31. What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?

32. What is your perspective on the role of a programmer in video game development?

33. Do you improve your development skills on a regular basis? If so, to which resources do you turn?