Ex-Applicant Reveals Nintendo Hires on Skill, Not Degrees
Former Nintendo applicant shares how the company prioritizes ability and problem-solving over academic background
Nintendo has long been regarded as one of Japan’s most prestigious gaming companies, admired not only for its beloved franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda but also for its extremely low turnover rate. With such a strong reputation, countless graduates and industry hopefuls dream of joining the company. Yet, as one former applicant reveals, getting hired by Nintendo is far from easy—and academic qualifications alone won’t cut it.
Murahashi Kuriki, who once applied for a role at Nintendo, recently shared his experience on social media. He explained that the application process was incredibly tough and that he was quickly rejected. According to him, the company seemed less interested in degrees and more focused on real ability and problem-solving skills.
He recalled that the initial test went far beyond standard interview questions, instead assessing technical knowledge and logical thinking. Candidates were challenged to analyze programming algorithms, tackle problems like FizzBuzz, calculate triangular areas in 3D space, and discuss technical know-how in depth. The interviews also avoided surface-level questions, instead diving into practical, work-related discussions.
Ultimately, Kuriki did not pass the hiring process and instead pursued a different career path, becoming a professor in communication engineering. However, his story quickly went viral online, receiving over 48,900 likes and sparking widespread discussion. Many agreed that Nintendo’s focus on hiring only the most talented individuals has directly contributed to the company’s legacy of innovation—whether through the groundbreaking physics in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or the creative gameplay mechanics that define its games.
Nintendo’s hiring philosophy seems clear: degrees may open the door, but only true skill, ingenuity, and problem-solving can secure a place inside.
