Big Viking Games Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

Our interview process is designed to evaluate both your foundational knowledge and your ability to apply engineering principles to real-world game development problems. While specific questions may vary by team, the following patterns represent the core competencies we look for.

Technical Foundations and Coding

These questions test your grasp of fundamental computer science concepts, language-specific nuances, and your ability to write clean, efficient code.

• Explain the difference between a struct and a class.
• Write a bubble sort algorithm.

Preparation for a Software Engineer role at Big Viking Games should go beyond rote memorization. We are looking for engineers who can articulate their "why" as clearly as their "how."

Technical Domain Knowledge – We expect a strong grasp of the languages you use daily, particularly JavaScript. Be prepared to discuss not just syntax, but the underlying mechanics of memory, object-oriented design, and performance optimization.

Problem-Solving Methodology – When presented with a case study or a technical challenge, we evaluate your process. We look for candidates who ask clarifying questions, consider edge cases, and justify their design trade-offs before diving into implementation.

Communication and Collaboration – As a member of a cross-functional team, you must explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Your ability to articulate your thought process during coding rounds is as vital as the final solution itself.

The interview process at Big Viking Games is structured to be rigorous yet transparent. Typically, you will encounter a series of stages that begin with a recruiter screening, followed by a technical assessment (often a take-home project or a case study), and concluding with technical interviews that deep-dive into your code and architectural decision-making. We value candidates who can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in a game development context.

You should expect the pace to be steady. We often utilize project-based assessments to see how you approach a problem over several days, followed by a discussion with our engineering team to walk through your implementation. Our final rounds may involve senior leadership, where we assess not only your technical depth but also your potential to grow with the team and contribute to our specific technical culture.

The timeline above highlights the progression from initial screening to final technical evaluation. Use this to structure your preparation: spend early days reviewing core CS theory, and reserve time to polish your take-home projects, ensuring you can defend every design choice you made.

Technical Proficiency

We evaluate your ability to write production-ready code that is both efficient and maintainable. We look for a deep understanding of the language stack, especially for JavaScript and game-related architectures.

Be ready to go over:

• Memory management and optimization techniques.
• Debugging strategies for complex, asynchronous code.

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of feature development. This involves taking a product requirement, architecting a scalable technical solution, and delivering clean code that integrates seamlessly into our existing game engines. You will often work in small, agile squads, meaning you will have significant ownership over your features from conception to deployment.

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. You will frequently sync with designers to understand game mechanics and with product managers to align on feature goals. Your day-to-day will involve rapid iteration, code reviews, and constant performance monitoring to ensure our games provide a seamless experience to our global player base.

We seek engineers who are as passionate about games as they are about software architecture. While we value diverse backgrounds, there are core competencies that define a successful Software Engineer here.

• Must-have skills:

  • Proficiency in JavaScript or similar high-level languages.
  • Strong foundation in data structures, algorithms, and system design.
  • Experience in building and debugging complex, distributed, or networked applications.
  • Ability to communicate technical trade-offs clearly to team members.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Prior experience with game engines like Unity.
  • Background in performance optimization and memory management.
  • Experience with real-time data handling or socket programming.

Q: How long should I spend preparing for the technical assessment? A: Treat the assessment as a professional deliverable. While timeframes vary, ensure you have enough time to test your solution for edge cases and clean up your code; quality is always prioritized over raw speed.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates? A: The best candidates are those who demonstrate "architectural thinking." They don't just write code that works; they write code that is scalable, efficient, and easy for their teammates to maintain.

Q: Is the technical interview focused on whiteboard coding? A: We lean more toward practical application and discussion of your own work. Expect to spend a significant portion of your technical rounds explaining your past projects or the specific implementation choices made in your take-home task.

Q: What is the culture like at Big Viking Games? A: We are a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values creative solutions to technical problems. We look for individuals who are proactive, curious, and eager to learn from their peers.

• Own your code: Be prepared to justify every line of your take-home project. If you used a specific library or algorithm, know exactly why it was the best choice.
• Communicate your process: During live coding or technical discussions, "think out loud." We want to hear how you weigh options and handle ambiguity.
• Prepare for follow-ups: If you suggest a solution, anticipate a follow-up question regarding its limitations or how it would perform at scale.
• Research our games: Being familiar with our product portfolio shows genuine interest and helps you provide better context during behavioral discussions.

The Software Engineer position at Big Viking Games offers a unique opportunity to work on highly visible, performance-intensive products. By focusing your preparation on clear technical communication, architectural trade-offs, and a deep understanding of your own past work, you will be well-positioned to succeed. Remember that we are evaluating your potential as a long-term teammate, so bring your curiosity and your best problem-solving mindset to every interaction.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford to further refine your approach. Success is a result of intentional, focused preparation, and we encourage you to take the time to reflect on your technical experiences before your first round.

The compensation data above provides an overview of the salary range for this role, which reflects the seniority and technical expertise required. Candidates should understand that total compensation may include various components and is often determined based on individual experience levels and specific team requirements.