What is your favorite video game and why?

Sample answer to the question

My favorite video game is 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'. I love this game because of its expansive open-world environment that encourages exploration and discovery. The gameplay mechanics are top-notch, with a seamless blend of puzzle-solving, combat, and traversal. The graphics are stunning, and the attention to detail is impressive. The storyline is captivating, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' is a masterpiece that showcases the potential of game design and storytelling.

A more solid answer

One of my all-time favorite video games is 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'. As a game developer, I appreciate the impeccable game design principles and programming behind this masterpiece. The open-world environment offers endless opportunities for exploration and creativity. The game mechanics, from the intuitive combat system to the physics-based puzzles, showcase the depth of programming knowledge and 3D math skills required to create such a immersive experience. Moreover, the game's success is a testament to the time management and effective communication within the development team. 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' is an inspiration for me as a game developer, and it motivates me to constantly strive for excellence in my work.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by linking the candidate's favorite video game to the required skills and qualifications. It highlights the game design principles, programming knowledge, and 3D math and physics skills essential for a game developer. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of time management and effective communication in a team environment. The answer could be improved by providing more specific examples or personal experiences related to the mentioned skills and qualifications.

An exceptional answer

As a game developer, 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it an exceptional video game in terms of gameplay and storytelling, but it also exemplifies the core skills and qualities needed in my profession. The game's open-world design showcases the power of programming, allowing players to interact with a vast and dynamic environment. The attention to detail and the seamless integration of game mechanics demonstrate the importance of game design principles and 3D math and physics knowledge. The development team's ability to manage their time effectively and communicate efficiently resulted in a polished and coherent experience for players worldwide. 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' inspires me to continuously hone my skills and strive for innovation in game development.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by highlighting how 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' aligns with the core skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. It emphasizes the practical applications of programming, game design principles, and 3D math and physics in creating an immersive open-world experience. Furthermore, it acknowledges the impact of effective time management and communication on the success of a game development project. The answer could be further improved by providing specific examples or anecdotes to support the claims made.

How to prepare for this question

Research and play a variety of video games to develop an understanding of different game mechanics and design principles.
Familiarize yourself with popular game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine and explore their capabilities.
Practice programming in languages commonly used in game development, such as C++, C#, or Java.
Work on personal game development projects or participate in game jams to gain practical experience.
Improve your time management and communication skills by collaborating on team projects or joining game development communities.

What interviewers are evaluating

Programming
Game design principles
Time management
Effective communication