Recruiter Hot Seat: Amazon Game Studios

What differentiates your studio from other developers?

Amazon’s mission is to be the world’s most customer-centric company. With a history of big bets and long-term thinking, we’re obsessed with innovating on behalf of our customers in everything we do.

In games, we see an incredible opportunity to connect massive global communities with bold new experiences that are only possible with the power of the AWS Cloud and Twitch.

How many staff are you looking to take on?

We’re currently looking to fill more than 100 jobs. We’re always looking for talented people to join the team, and are growing fast in all disciplines at multiple locations around the world. Are you interested in making great games with us in Seattle, Southern California, Austin, or a new European location coming soon? We want to hear from you!

We’re always looking for talented, passionate people

Justin Ghio,
Amazon Game Studios 

What perks are available to working at your studio?

Each studio has unique perks and culture, but the main draw is our commitment to long-term thinking and investment, innovation on behalf of our customers, and a shared love of games and gaming culture. 

What advice would you give for a successful interview at your studio?

Come in and share your passion with us. Let us know what inspires you. And ask us lots of questions.

It also helps if you’re familiar with our leadership principles that guide everything we do at Amazon. 

Who is the best interviewee you have ever had and how did they impress you?

We’re always looking for talented, passionate people that share our obsession for innovating on behalf of our customers. So come tell us what you’re passionate about. Dress comfortably. Be ready to ask questions of your own. The best candidates also come ready to share stories from their career which demonstrate that they’re passionate about the same things we are – even when that means learning from mistakes and challenging experiences.

And who was the worst?

We advise candidates to take the fundamentals seriously. Don’t be late. Don’t forget to read up on our Leadership Principals. Common sense, really.

If you have recruited internationally what is the process like?

Several times a year we host an international hiring event, but if you see a job you’re interested in, we encourage you to apply now.

How have recruitment needs changed at your studio?

In 2016, Amazon Game Studios announced three games, with additional unannounced projects being developed in our Seattle, Orange County, and San Diego locations. We’re hiring across all disciplines, especially in engineering and technical leadership. We’re growing fast.

Why should developers join you when indie and self-publishing have become so much more accessible?

Amazon has a long history of making big, long-term bets fueled by innovation for our customers. Our developers have access to Amazon’s powerful development ecosystem including Lumberyard, the AWS Cloud, and Twitch to create daring experiences for global communities at massive scales. If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, we want to hear from you.

Company: Amazon Game Studios

Location: Orange County (California, US), Seattle (Washington, US), San Diego (California, US), Austin (Texas, US), San Francisco (California, US), London (UK)

Hiring: Over 100 open positions across the different studios in various disciplines including engineering and technical leadership.

Where to apply:games.amazon.com/careers