20 2K Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to video game development, 2K is one of the biggest names in the business. From sports games to first-person shooters, the company has a wide range of titles under its belt. If you’re hoping to land a job at 2K, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough interview questions.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common 2K interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

2K Interview Process

The interview process at 2K can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening with a recruiter, followed by one or more in-person interviews. For some positions, you may also be asked to complete a take-home assignment. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, though some reviewers have noted that the technical interviews can be difficult.

1. Can you tell us about a time where you worked on a team project?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential colleague’s teamwork skills. Teamwork is an essential skill for any employee at 2K, so it’s important that you can show the interviewer how well you work with others.

Example: “At my previous job, I worked on a team of five people who were all tasked with creating a new app. We each had our own responsibilities, but we also met up once a week to discuss our progress and make sure everyone was on track. It was really helpful to have these meetings because they allowed us to bounce ideas off one another and ensure that we were all working toward the same goal.”

2. Do you have any experience in game testing?

Game testing is an important part of the development process. It helps developers identify bugs and errors in their games before they’re released to the public. If you have experience with game testing, explain what your role was and how it helped improve the final product.

Example: “I’ve worked as a game tester for two different companies. In my first job, I tested new features that were being added to existing games. This allowed me to see how changes affected the overall gameplay. My second job was more focused on bug testing. We would play through the entire game multiple times to find any issues or problems. Both experiences gave me valuable insight into the development process.”

3. What is your favorite video game and why?

This question is a great way to see if you have similar interests as the interviewer. It also shows them what your favorite game is and how much you know about it. If you are asked this question, try to pick a game that they may play or one that has been successful for 2K.

Example: “My favorite video game of all time is NBA 2K19. I love basketball, so when I saw this game was coming out last year, I pre-ordered it right away. The graphics were amazing, and I loved playing with my favorite team. I even got my friend who doesn’t like sports games to play it.”

4. Have you ever played any of our games before? If so, which ones?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its products. It also gives you an opportunity to share what you liked about their games, which can help you connect with the interviewer on a personal level.

Example: “I’ve played several 2K games in the past, including NBA 2K19, WWE 2K18 and MLB The Show 17. I really enjoyed playing all three of these games because they were so realistic. I love sports video games that are fun but still give me a sense of realism.”

5. How would you evaluate the quality of an animation?

Animations are a key component of video games, and the interviewer may want to know how you would evaluate their quality. Use your answer to show that you can use specific criteria to assess animations in 2K’s games.

Example: “I would first look at the overall animation quality. I would make sure that the movements were realistic and smooth. Then, I would check for any glitches or errors in the animation. Finally, I would compare it to similar animations within the game.”

6. We are looking for someone who can take initiative without being asked to do things. Can you provide an example of when you took initiative at work or school?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to take initiative and solve problems. It’s also a chance to highlight any leadership qualities you may have.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed that our team was falling behind on the project timeline. We were supposed to deliver the game by the end of the year but it looked like we wouldn’t be able to make that deadline. I spoke with my manager about the issue and he agreed that we needed to find a solution. Together, we decided to hire another developer to help us finish the project. This allowed us to meet the deadline and get the game out before Christmas.”

7. Why do you want to work for 2K?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. When preparing for this interview, make sure you read through the job description and highlight any aspects that particularly interest you. Consider sharing these with the interviewer so they can see how you would fit into their organization.

Example: “I have always been interested in video game development, but I also love sports. 2K has some of the best sports games on the market, which is why I am excited to work here. I think my skills as a programmer could really help develop new features for these games.”

8. Are you comfortable working with sports games?

This question is a great way to determine if the candidate has experience with sports games. If they have, you can ask them about their favorite game or what they like most about working on this type of project.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with sports games because I’ve been doing it for over five years now. My favorite sport to work with is basketball because there are so many different things that you can do in the game. You can play as an individual player or as a team and there are so many different ways to score points. It’s always fun to create new plays and scenarios.”

9. Tell me about a time when you were able to bring creative solutions to solve a problem.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to provide specific details about what the problem was and how you solved it.

Example: “In my last role as an account manager, I had to work with several different teams on various projects. One of the challenges that I faced was making sure all of the information I provided was accurate. To solve this issue, I created a spreadsheet where I could keep track of all of the information I needed to share with each team. This helped me ensure that I wasn’t providing any incorrect information.”

10. What tools would you use to detect memory leaks in managed and unmanaged code?

Memory leaks are a common problem in the development of video games. The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience with memory leak detection and how you would go about fixing them. Use your answer to highlight your technical skills, such as debugging tools and other methods for identifying memory leaks.

Example: “I use several different tools to detect memory leaks in managed and unmanaged code. One tool I like is Visual Studio’s debugger because it allows me to monitor memory usage while I’m testing my game. Another tool I use is Microsoft CLR Profiler, which helps me analyze data from .NET applications.”

11. What qualities should you log for a bug found in a game?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the development process and how you can apply it to real-world scenarios. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with others.

Example: “When I find a bug in a game, my first priority is to report it to my supervisor or manager so they can log it into our system. Once logged, I will then begin to research the cause of the bug and what steps I need to take to fix it. If I am unable to solve the problem on my own, I will reach out to other developers for help.”

12. What was one time you struggled in a leadership position?

This question can help employers understand your ability to overcome challenges and learn from them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you overcame a challenge in a leadership position and how that helped you grow as a leader.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for managing the budget of our team. One time we were working on a project with a tight deadline when one of our developers went out of town unexpectedly. This meant we had to work overtime to make up for his absence. While I understood the importance of meeting deadlines, I also knew that overworking employees could lead to burnout. So, I decided to delegate some tasks to other members of the team so they could take breaks throughout the day.”

13. How well do you handle criticism?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you react to constructive criticism and whether you’re open to making improvements. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time when you received feedback on your work and used that information to improve or complete a task successfully.

Example: “I understand that receiving constructive criticism is part of the job as a developer. I know that my team members are always willing to provide me with feedback if they notice something I could improve. In fact, I welcome feedback because it helps me learn new skills and become a better developer. Last year, I was working on a project where I had to create a new character model for a basketball player. After completing the first draft, I asked my teammates for their thoughts. They gave me some great feedback about what they liked and didn’t like about the design. I took their advice and made some changes before submitting the final product.”

14. What is your availability right now?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the job. They want someone who can work full-time and be committed to their position. When answering, let them know your availability and when you would need time off. If you have a flexible schedule, mention that in your answer as well.

Example: “I am currently available to start on May 1st. I do not have any conflicts with my current employer until then, so I will be able to give 2K my full attention. As far as taking time off, I am only requesting one week of vacation per year.”

15. How many hours per week can you dedicate to this role?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to work the hours necessary for the role. They want someone who is dedicated and passionate about their work. When answering, be honest about how many hours you can dedicate to the job. If you have a full-time job already, explain that you are looking for something part-time.

Example: “I am available to work 40 hours per week. I know that working in development means long hours sometimes, but I’m committed to my career and would love to find a company where I could grow.”

16. What machines/platforms have you tested games on?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your technical knowledge and experience with testing games on various platforms. Use examples from previous jobs to show that you can test games on different machines, including mobile devices.

Example: “I have tested games on both PC and Mac operating systems as well as on Windows-based laptops and desktops. I’ve also tested games on Android and iOS devices, which required me to use emulators to ensure compatibility. In my last role, I was responsible for creating a comprehensive list of all the hardware and software needed to run 2K’s games.”

17. Are you prepared to work 12 hour shifts?

This question is a way for employers to assess your work ethic and commitment. They want to know that you are willing to put in the extra time when needed, especially if they have a deadline-driven environment. In your answer, explain how you plan to manage long hours and stay productive.

Example: “I am prepared to work 12 hour shifts as necessary. I understand that sometimes it’s necessary to meet deadlines or complete projects on tight timelines. I also understand that these situations can require longer workdays. However, I always make sure to take care of myself so I’m able to perform at my best throughout the entire day.”

18. What type of bugs are most common in software?

This question is a basic technical one that an interviewer may ask to see if you have experience working in software development. Explain the different types of bugs and what causes them, then give examples from your own experience.

Example: “The most common type of bug I’ve seen in my career is a logic error. This occurs when there’s a problem with the code or algorithm used to solve a problem within the program. Another common bug is a memory leak, which happens when a computer loses track of data stored in its memory. A third type of bug is a syntax error, which happens when there’s a problem with the way the code is written.”

19. Are you familiar with Jira?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the tools used by 2K. If you are interviewing for a position that requires you to use Jira, it’s important to be familiar with how it works and what its functions are.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with Jira. In my last role as a software engineer, I was responsible for creating new features in our company’s Jira account. I also worked closely with other engineers on projects where we needed to collaborate using Jira.”

20. Tell me about a time that you disagreed with your manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether or not you’re able to respectfully disagree with your manager. When answering, it’s important to show that you can be assertive without being disrespectful.

Example: “I once disagreed with my manager about a new feature for a game we were developing. I felt strongly that this feature would make the game more enjoyable for players, but my manager didn’t agree. Instead of arguing with him, I asked if he’d consider letting me try out the idea in one of our upcoming games. He agreed, and after seeing how well the feature worked, he decided to implement it into all future 2K games.”