Cryptic Studios Interview Questions
& Process

I was contacted and showed interest. The whole thing took about 2 months from start to finish. After two phone chats and another call, I got an art test. It was tough and took me a week to finish, though they said I could ask for more time if needed. They got back to me about a week after I sent it in. Then came the onsite interview, which they paid for (flights, hotel, transport). It was a long day but felt pretty comfortable. They asked a ton about my past projects, like my thinking, how I work, and how I judge my own work on tasks. I met with several groups of artists, designers, and producers, maybe 5-6 groups in total, with 1-4 people each. They took me to lunch, showed me around the big office and other teams, gave me some sweet studio merch, and then I was off. It took another 2-3 weeks to hear back, and after a couple more calls with HR, I got the offer.

I had a really nice time interviewing with Cryptic Studios. Their recruiter contacted me on LinkedIn and we went from there. The interview was pretty straightforward: a phone screen, then an interview with peers, and finally a half day of shorter interviews with other folks on the team. Everyone was super easy to chat with and they seemed like a really close group that cares about its people. I don't think I've ever been so relaxed or laughed so much during an interview. They recently switched to supporting full remote work and have some great benefits, which really sets them apart in the game industry. Even though I didn't end up taking the job, I'd totally recommend checking them out if you're looking for something.

First, I had a coding test with 2 questions that needed to be done in C or C++, kind of like homework that took 3-5 hours. If you can't finish, you need more practice. A few days later, I got an email for a behavioral phone pre-screen. After that, there was a technical phone interview with 2 programmers and then 1 manager. I used C++ for the coding test, so I expected the interview to be in C++ too, or at least have a choice. But the phone interview was only in C, which I haven't used in ages. I messed up the very first question about char* strings, which was pretty awkward, but seriously, I haven't seen C syntax in a long time. They cut the interview short right there, saying I didn't have the skills.

I applied online and a recruiter got in touch. After a few weeks, I was given an art test to complete within two weeks, though I finished it sooner. They liked my art test results, so they flew me out for an in-person interview that lasted about 5-6 hours. I met with different teams and answered questions on various topics. They provided a long flight back home. The next day, they asked to call, which I agreed to, but they never did. Finally, they called and told me I didn't have enough experience, without further explanation. I wish they had reviewed my resume first, as I took time off work and lost pay for nothing, not even feedback.