Why Is It So Hard to Get a Job at Nintendo?
Nintendo, one of the most established companies in the gaming world, is notable not only for its games but also for its hiring process. Known for its creativity and meticulousness, the company is equally rigorous in its selection of employees. As applicants’ experiences suggest, being eliminated early on is quite common. This highlights why landing a job at Nintendo is so difficult.
Why Is Nintendo’s Recruitment Process So Difficult?
One of the most striking aspects of Nintendo’s hiring process is that applicants are not automatically screened based on academic background. While this is a common practice at major Japanese companies, Nintendo selects candidates through other methods. Instead, the rather difficult initial exam naturally excludes a large portion of candidates.
Kuriki, who experienced the application process, explains that while he passed the initial web-based aptitude test, he failed the technical interview. During this interview, candidates are asked to develop clear and accurate programming solutions based on algorithms. Passing this stage is impossible with superficial knowledge; deep thinking and application skills are required.
According to former Nintendo employee Motoi Okamoto, the company doesn’t solely look for academic degrees. Instead, it prefers individuals with a passion for game development, natural intelligence, and high creativity. This approach is completely in line with Nintendo’s brand identity. The company also reflects its mission of providing fun and unique experiences on its team.
The difficulty of landing a job at Nintendo is directly linked to the company’s vision. Shigeru Miyamoto’s view of games as “products,” not “works of art,” reinforces this approach. Nintendo aims to connect its games with players in the best possible way and expects its recruits to share the same vision. Therefore, joining the company requires not only technical proficiency but also alignment with the vision.
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