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 Ubisoft Massive. 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 Ubisoft Massive?"

"It must be a habit that you nurture every day. There's no way you can keep up with everything, but you can keep up with most of what's happening. You need to keep in constant communication with others, so the knowledge is shared and spreads to the whole team."

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."

"Freemium is a strategy where the game is offered for free, and the company makes money either using Ads, IAPs, or extra concent. It has revolutionized games because it completely removed the barrier of entry. With smartphones more prevalent in everyday life, everyone suddenly had access to quality games without paying anything for it."

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 Ubisoft Massive speaks to me."

The interviewer is interested in seeing if the environment at Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive 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."

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

"It is clear to me that Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive 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."

Which technical resources do you use to help you do your job?

"I enjoy keeping aware of the industry's best tools and resources. Before applying to work here, I was subscribed to the Ubisoft Massive blog, which I have always found very helpful. I also turn to resources such as my direct supervisor who is a wealth of technical knowledge. Lastly, I regularly visit TechCrunch online for tech news and the hottest updates."

The interviewer would like to know which tools and resources you look to when you need assistance in your job, or when you want to strengthen your skills or knowledge. If Ubisoft Massive mentions preferred tools in the job posting, or if they publish excellent resources of their own, be sure to mention them. The tools that you lean to could be blogs, apps, websites, or even subject matter experts.

"I graduated from Stanford and often use their online resources, available to alumni. I admire tech influencers such as Elon Musk and Dave Winer, who I follow on Twitter. Do you have any recommendations for must-have resources? I am always interested in gaining new tools."

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 Ubisoft Massive 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."

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."

What game would you most like to work on at Ubisoft? And why?

"My favorite game created by Ubisoft is Assassins Creed Black Flag. I have played it and can tell you that I enjoy the graphics immensely, the sounds are perfect, and the story is engaging throughout. I would be excited to work on this game and offer up ideas I have on further monetizing the game."

Answering this question requires an understanding of the games that Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive has created and then express your interest in working on that particular project.

"It would be tough to choose, since Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive to make the game available for both iOS and Android users."

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."

Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?

"Yes, I think it is possible! What makes a great team member is not that they agree with everything but the level of respect and positive thought that goes into the person's communication style. It's okay to disagree; however, you have to communicate your thoughts professionally."

In the software and technology industry, you may find a wide variance of opinion, based on peoples' experiences, education, and professional preferences. The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader. Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time. Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.

"Yes, I do believe it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader. I have disagreed with decisions my boss has made in the past, but generally, I keep my thoughts to myself, and I know they are the leader for a reason and likely have considered factors, beyond my understanding, for their choices."

Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?

"The position I am currently in has been my first experience leading a team. We have knocked some seriously complicated projects out of the park, becoming the pacesetters for many technical product launches. It's been exciting to see everyone flourish and I am happy to see everyone succeed. It's encouraging and exhilarating."

Most of the projects you will work on for Ubisoft Massive will have a teamwork component. Whether you are collaborating with an analytics team, the IT department, or sales and product development, you will be required to have well-honed teamwork skills. The interviewer wants to hear that you enjoy, and feel accomplished through teamwork. Talk about a time when you felt fulfilled through a team setting or project collaboration. An example may be a time when you worked on a team project in University, a recent data mine collaboration, or possibly the acquisition of a substantial new client. Discuss the results of the teamwork and how you attained a positive outcome as a group.

"The most rewarding teamwork experience that I have had was in my last year of university. We had a project due, in teams of 4, which accounted for quite a large part of our grade. I believe everyone pulled more than their weight because so much was at stake. Teamwork is very rewarding when everyone has something significant to win, or lose."

Which is your favorite game created by Ubisoft, and why?

"Currently, I am playing ABC. I love that the characters are so relatable. The storyline goes as deep as you want it to go, and there are many challenges along the way. It's highly intuitive as well which make playing the game even more fun."

This question is just one example of why it is so important that you do your research on Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive, and why.

"My favorite game created by Ubisoft Massive 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."

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."

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 Ubisoft Massive."

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."

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 Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive does this very well with the games you have released recently such as A, B, and C."

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."

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 Ubisoft Massive, 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."

Ubisoft Massive 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."

Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

"I have worked in a cross-functional setting for many years. Primarily with the digital security department and the engineering department. Clear communication is key when collaborating with different teams. Clarity in expectations is of huge importance."

If you work for a larger company, you may have been asked to work on a project with teams from another department. Your ability to work with cross-functional teams will be a significant asset to your potential employer, especially if they are a larger organization. Maybe you headed a project which required you to collaborate with the members of the engineering and sales teams. You may have had the opportunity to organize a volunteer activity or team building exercise, company-wide. Share any challenges that came up and what you learned from the experience.

"When I worked for a larger mobile applications agency, we collaborated across departments all the time. We had the C-suite of Marketing and Operations, then the Content and Communications department, Creative Services, and also Consumer Insights. We would meet on a weekly basis to discuss larger projects and then collaborate through the week as needed. It was a great set-up and ensured smooth progress at all project stages."

When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn from that experience?

"Our team was recently on a data migration project with a very tight deadline. We knew the client and their needs very well which I believe made us go into the project overconfident. Because we underestimated the work involved, we missed our deadline by three business days. Thankfully we had a great relationship with that particular client, so we were able to recover from the missed deadline. Although it was late, we worked overtime and delivered an exceptional project, in the end. This experience taught me never to underestimate a project and the potential roadblocks, especially when it comes to data. It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver, rather than the other way around."

Ubisoft Massive wants to be successful in all that they do; however, there will be times when plans fall apart, and a project flops. The interviewer would like to know how you respond to situations that do not go your way. We all experience perceived fails in our career. Failure is nothing to be embarrassed about so do not hesitate to describe a failure you've experienced in the past. The key to a great answer is to include how you learned from that failure, and how you improved your work performance after learning from the crash. Try to keep your example non-critical; for instance, avoid telling the interviewer how your team forgot to test new code, and it cost your company $150,000 due to downtime. Avoid blaming any particular person and instead, use words like 'we' and 'team' to describe the situation. Finally, be sure to tell the interviewer that, while you were very disappointed in the group's failure, you took the opportunity to learn from the experience.

"I once worked for a startup IT agency that bit off more than it could chew after acquiring a huge client. We had to learn a lot of solutions on the fly, which caused a great deal of stress amongst the team, which was primarily made up of junior engineers, and new hires. Nobody had the seniority or tenure to feel confident taking control of the situation. What I learned from this experience is that every company should have a wide range of people present, with varying levels of experience and expertise. This factor is on that attracted me to Ubisoft Massive; knowing you keep diversity in mind when making hiring decisions."

Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your current job. How did you overcome it?

"The most challenging aspect of my current job was mastering the different data models used when I first started with them. Before joining, I did not have a lot of exposure to object-oriented database modeling or hierarchical database models, and they are used a great deal in the organization. To overcome this, I took the lead in my learning and referred to online resources and tutorials. I ended up becoming very well versed in both types of data models, and am now the go-to resource for our new hires."

Ubisoft Massive wants to know that you will dig in harder, when things are difficult, rather than give up. Sometimes the most significant workplace challenge is a difficult task that puts you outside of your comfort zone. It could be something that requires skills you haven't mastered yet or qualities where you are not the strongest. Explain to the interviewer why it was difficult but be sure to spend more time highlighting the actions you took to overcome the challenge.

"The most challenging aspect of my previous job was the constant need to pivot our attention when it came to trends in the machine learning industry since our product offering relied so heavily on ML. We would gain footing, and then the next greatest update would arrive. Rather than master it all, I started to focus on a few company leaders in the industry and followed some influencers highly knowledgeable in machine learning trends. This targeted focus allowed us to remain zeroed in on what was important."

Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive?"

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 Ubisoft Massive 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."

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."

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 Ubisoft Massive?"

The interviewer would like to know if you have experience with the same systems used at Ubisoft Massive. 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."

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 Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive. 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 Ubisoft Massive."

What do you believe are three key elements a mobile 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 Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive 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."

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 Ubisoft Massive, 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 Ubisoft Massive!

"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.'"

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."

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 Ubisoft Massive 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 Ubisoft Massive 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."

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."

Ubisoft Massive Interview Questions

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1. Video game development is a fast-moving industry. How do you keep up to date on new game design technology?
2. What is a freemium game and how has it revolutionized mobile gaming?
3. Are you more comfortable in a startup environment, or with an established company?
4. How important do you believe design is when creating a new app or game?
5. Which technical resources do you use to help you do your job?
6. When have you applied a unique or creative approach to solving a difficult development problem?
7. Which person do you most admire in the video game development industry?
8. What game would you most like to work on at Ubisoft? And why?
9. What game are you currently playing, and how would you make it better?
10. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?
11. Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?
12. Which is your favorite game created by Ubisoft, and why?
13. Do you have production experience with cloud computing services, such as Amazon Web Services?
14. Have you worked directly with technical artists, animators, and gameplay engineers?
15. In your opinion, what elements make a video game successful?
16. Tell me about a time that there was a delay in the project and how did you handle that delay?
17. Which video game are you playing most right now? What do you think is the appeal, and what would you improve?
18. Ubisoft Massive is looking for exceptional skills in scripting languages such as Javascript, Ruby, or Python. In which are you strongest?
19. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?
20. When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn from that experience?
21. Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your current job. How did you overcome it?
22. Ubisoft Massive developers often work overtime to meet deadlines. How do you feel about crunching?
23. What is your perspective on the role of a programmer in video game development?
24. Which character animation systems have you used in the past?
25. What are your natural talents when it comes to video game development?
26. What do you believe are three key elements a mobile game must have in order to be successful?
27. How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?
28. If you could improve your video game development capabilities, which area would you choose to focus?
29. Name some ways that developers can monetize their video games.
30. How do you generate new video game ideas?

Ubisoft Massive Interview Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Which technical resources do you use to help you do your job?

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

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

8. What game would you most like to work on at Ubisoft? And why?

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

10. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?

11. Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?

12. Which is your favorite game created by Ubisoft, and why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

20. When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn from that experience?

21. Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your current job. How did you overcome it?

22. Ubisoft Massive developers often work overtime to meet deadlines. How do you feel about crunching?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30. How do you generate new video game ideas?