In a written interview for a development company, I am asked to, using Flash Blitz or Gamemaker, write a demo,

A demo of a little video game. I have no familiarity with these tools, but did graduate with a degree in computer science so I know what coding is. Is this question asking me to literally write out the entire demo? Would writing it in flash code somehow be a lot easier and short than, say, in Java? Should I just fess up for this question (which is for a cell phone game development company, although I am applying for a position in the Q&A dept), admitting I am not familiar with these utilities?

2006-10-17T14:45:41Z

A later question in the interview is "Use all the elements you’ve just defined to build a level map. The level should demonstrate the interest of every ingredient you’ve just defined.

The constraints are the following:
-Map size: 1024*400 pixels (width*height)
-Main Character: 24*24 pixels

By the word 'elements' are they refering to the code asked for in the previous question to create the map in this question, or do they mean 'elements' in the general sense, and I'd just use a bitmap editor for the level map, which is what they ask for in the following question, for a screenshot of the game.

D2006-10-17T17:02:29Z

Favorite Answer

Just FYI I haven't graduated from my Jr College yet, but anyways to answer your questions in order...

1)They probably want to actually see a sample of your code, If you have time personally I would write the entire demo (make it a decent length, make sure to provide internal and external documentation, and make it PRESENTABLE)
2)Writing in "flash code" is extremely to some languages you should already know (I believe its base came directly from Java, but the syntax is extremely identical to C++ as well). The thing you would want to remember is that flash actionscripting is a SCRIPTING language and not an actual programming language so you may have to remind yourself to work within certain limits and libraries.
3)I would def admit that you are not familiar with these programs. The reasons why include that this actually seems like a test to see if you ARE knowledgeable enough to use the programs and weather or not you wont try and hide anything from your future employer. I would also read the documentation with these programs and learn more about them, THEN create your demo and when you go into to your interview say something like here is my project however I did manage to complete a working demo, I did want you to know that I am not totally familiar with this program(s). It may actually HELP you depending on how your word it, remember they have to chose from a list of applicants and it may not all totally rely on your knowledge of these programs but how you present yourself in certain situations (especially ones where you don't know how to do something, because it WILL happen in the (programming?) biz. And companies I believe are usually willing to train their employees if they feel that they will be an asset to the company, and help make the company money.


EDIT: By the way, good luck on your interview, if you get a face to face one, get a nice haircut, shave, and a nice smelling cologne and do your best.

Anonymous2006-10-17T22:05:40Z

Shouldn't you be working all this stuff out for yourself if your job relies on it? You won't be able to rely on the help of strangers through your whole career - I would say this is "now or never" time for you!

Rawlyn.