20 Naughty Dog Interview Questions and Answers

Naughty Dog is an American video game developer based in Santa Monica, California. The company was founded in 1984 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin and has since gone on to create some of the most popular video games of all time, including the Uncharted and Jak & Daxter series.

If you’re hoping to land a job at Naughty Dog, you can expect the interview process to be pretty intense. In addition to questions about your experience and qualifications, you’ll also be asked a variety of questions about your knowledge of video games and the gaming industry.

To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample Naughty Dog interview questions and answers.

Naughty Dog Interview Process

The interview process at Naughty Dog can be long, difficult, and frustrating. It often takes several months to hear back from the company, and the interviews themselves can be very technical and challenging. Additionally, the company has been known to cancel or reschedule interviews at the last minute.

1. What is your favorite video game?

This question is a great way to see if you and the interviewer have similar interests. It also gives them insight into what types of games Naughty Dog has made in the past. If you are applying for an open position, it’s likely that they will ask this question.

Example: “My favorite video game is Uncharted 4 because I love the story line and how realistic everything looks. The graphics are amazing, and I feel like I am actually there with the characters. I also really enjoy playing Crash Bandicoot because I grew up playing those games.”

2. Tell us about a time you had to deal with conflict on a team project and how did you handle it.

Teamwork is an important skill to have when working in the video game industry. Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others and resolve conflict. Use your answer to show that you are a team player who knows how to communicate effectively.

Example: “I once worked on a project where my teammates were not communicating with each other. This led to some misunderstandings, which caused tension among us. I decided to hold a meeting with everyone involved so we could discuss our issues and come up with solutions. We all agreed to be more open about what we needed from one another and set aside time for regular meetings to check in with each other.”

3. Do you have any experience in designing or developing games?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and experience. If you have any experience in game design or development, be sure to share it with them.

Example: “I’ve been playing games since I was young, but I didn’t start designing my own until high school when I started making simple mods for some of my favorite games. In college, I took several classes on game design and development that helped me create my first full-length game. It’s still available online if you’d like to check it out.”

4. Describe what kind of environment you like to work in.

Naughty Dog is a highly collaborative studio, so it’s important that you fit in with the team. The interviewer may ask this question to see if your personality and work style matches their company culture. In your answer, try to describe what kind of environment you prefer and how you would contribute to the Naughty Dog team.

Example: “I like working in an open office space where I can collaborate with my teammates. I find that when I’m able to talk through ideas with others, we’re able to come up with better solutions. At my last job, I was part of a small team that worked together on a project for six months. We were all very close by the end of the project, which made our final product even better.”

5. What do you think the most important thing to remember when working as part of a team?

Naughty Dog is a collaborative studio, so it’s important that you understand the importance of working as part of a team. This question allows you to show your understanding of teamwork and how you can contribute to a group effort.

Example: “I think the most important thing when working on a team is communication. It’s vital that everyone knows what they’re doing and are able to ask questions if something isn’t clear. I also think it’s important to be honest with your teammates about any issues or concerns you have. If we all work together, we can create better games.”

6. Naughty Dog emphasizes innovation, tell us why that’s important to you.

Naughty Dog wants to know that you value innovation and creativity. This is a key part of their culture, so it’s important to show them why you’re the right fit for this role by explaining how your own values align with theirs.

Example: “I believe in always striving to be better than I was yesterday. It’s not enough to just do what we’ve done before because our players expect more from us every time they play one of our games. We need to surprise them, delight them and keep them coming back for more. That’s why I’m excited about working here.”

7. How would you approach a problem if you didn’t know the answer?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you handle uncertainty and whether you’re willing to ask for help or research an answer on your own. Your answer should show that you are confident in your ability to solve problems, even if you don’t know the exact solution right away.

Example: “If I didn’t know the answer to a problem, I would first try to understand what the problem was. Then, I would look at similar issues I’ve solved before to see if there’s a pattern or something I can learn from it. If I still can’t find the answer, I would ask my supervisor or another developer for advice.”

8. Are you comfortable working independently?

Naughty Dog is a large company, but it’s also an independent studio. This means that you’ll need to be able to work independently and make decisions on your own. Your answer should show the interviewer that you’re comfortable working without supervision.

Example: “I’ve worked in my current position for five years now, so I’m very comfortable making decisions on my own. In fact, I often have to make important decisions about projects without input from my supervisor. I find this challenging at times, but I enjoy being able to use my skills and knowledge to help others.”

9. Have you ever worked on a project that was not successful? If so, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can learn from past mistakes. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the project but also highlight what you learned from it.

Example: “I once worked on a game that was supposed to have an online multiplayer mode. However, we were unable to complete the feature before launch. I felt disappointed because I wanted to deliver everything we promised to our fans. After talking with my team, we decided to release the single-player campaign and then add in the multiplayer mode as a free update later.”

10. What is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews. It allows you to highlight your strengths and weaknesses while also showing the interviewer that you can be honest about yourself. When answering this question, it’s important to be as specific as possible when describing your greatest strength and weakness.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well under pressure. I’ve always been able to stay calm during stressful situations, which has helped me complete projects on time. My biggest weakness is that I sometimes get too focused on details. While this helps me create high-quality work, it can sometimes lead to me missing the big picture.”

11. What are some of your hobbies outside of gaming?

Naughty Dog is a gaming company, so it’s likely that you’ll be working on games. However, the interviewer may want to know about your other interests and hobbies as well. This can help them get to know you better and understand what else you’re passionate about.

Example: “I love reading, especially fantasy novels. I also enjoy playing board games with friends and family. It’s fun to play something different than video games for a change. I’m also an avid movie watcher. I like watching comedies and action movies.”

12. Why do you want to work at Naughty Dog?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Naughty Dog. They want to know what you like about their company and why you’re excited to work there. When preparing your answer, think of specific aspects of the company that appeal to you. Consider mentioning any games they’ve made or how much you enjoy playing them.

Example: “I’m interested in working at Naughty Dog because I love the games you make. Ever since I played Crash Bandicoot as a kid, I’ve been hooked on your games. I also really appreciate the characters you create. The stories are always so interesting and unique, which makes me excited to see what new adventures you’ll come up with next.”

13. Do you work better under pressure or without any deadlines?

Naughty Dog is a fast-paced environment where employees are expected to work quickly and efficiently. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you can handle the pressure of working in such an environment. If you feel comfortable answering honestly, share your thoughts on how you prefer to work.

Example: “I actually work better without deadlines because it allows me to focus on my work without feeling rushed. I find that when I have no set deadline, I am able to produce higher quality work than when I’m under pressure. However, I also enjoy working under pressure because it motivates me to get things done as quickly as possible.”

14. Tell me about a time where you had to make decisions without consulting your manager.

This question is a great way to see how you make decisions on your own and how you handle them. It’s also a good way for the interviewer to learn more about your work ethic, as they can see that you’re willing to take initiative when needed.

Example: “When I first started working at my previous company, I was tasked with creating an ad campaign for one of our clients. My manager wasn’t available at the time, so I had to come up with ideas on my own. After coming up with several different options, I presented them to my manager and she helped me narrow down which ones we should use.”

15. What programming languages are you familiar with?

Naughty Dog is looking for a programmer who can work with the latest programming languages. This question allows you to show your knowledge of different coding languages and which ones you prefer working with. You should list the programming languages you are most familiar with, but if you have experience with other languages, include those as well.

Example: “I am proficient in C++, Java and Python. I also have some experience with JavaScript, PHP and Ruby. While I’m not an expert in these last three languages, I would be happy to learn them if hired.”

16. How would you design a level for Uncharted 4?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your level design skills and how you would apply them in their company. Use examples from previous projects or explain what steps you would take when designing a new level.

Example: “I would start by researching the location I was going to create, which would help me understand the environment and any challenges that may arise while creating it. Next, I would sketch out my ideas on paper before moving onto the computer where I could use software like Maya to build the level. After building the level, I would play test it to ensure there are no bugs or glitches.”

17. What do you think is the best way to keep up with current trends?

This question is a great way to see how you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry. It also shows that the interviewer wants someone who can keep their team members informed about what’s happening in the world of video games. Your answer should include some examples of how you’ve kept up with current events and information in the past.

Example: “I think it’s important to have an open dialogue with my colleagues so we can share our thoughts on new releases, updates or changes in the gaming industry. I’m always checking out reviews for new games and reading articles from reputable sources to learn more about what other developers are doing.”

18. Can you give an example of something you’ve learned from playing video games?

Video games are a unique medium that can teach players valuable lessons. Employers ask this question to see if you have learned anything from playing video games and how it has helped you in your life. When answering, think of something specific about the game that taught you a lesson or skill.

Example: “I’ve always been a fan of open-world games like Grand Theft Auto. I love exploring different areas and finding hidden things. In my last job as an accountant, I was tasked with organizing financial documents for a client. While going through them, I found some interesting receipts that were unrelated to their business. I brought these to my manager, who then informed our client. They ended up being fraudulent, which saved our company from losing money.”

19. What is your favorite console?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about gaming. It also allows the interviewer to get an idea of what consoles you have played in the past and how much experience you have with them. If you have not had any experience playing games on consoles, it is okay to say so. You can then explain that you would love to learn more about console gaming.

Example: “I am most familiar with PC gaming because I grew up playing online multiplayer games like League of Legends and Overwatch. However, I would love to learn more about console gaming. I think Naughty Dog’s games look amazing, and I would love to be able to play them.”

20. Who is your favorite character from the Uncharted series?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the Uncharted series. It also shows your passion for the games and can help you connect with other team members who share your love of the series.

Example: “My favorite character from the Uncharted series is Nathan Drake, because he’s an adventurer at heart like me. I’ve always wanted to travel the world and discover ancient treasures, so playing these games has been a dream come true. I think it would be amazing to work on this series and create new adventures for Nate.”