Microsoft Game Developer (Staff Level) - Comprehensive Interview Preparation Guide
Game Developer
Microsoft
Staff
9 rounds
Updated 2/22/2026
Microsoft's interview process for Staff-level Game Developers follows a structured, multi-stage framework designed to assess technical mastery in game systems architecture, performance optimization, collaborative leadership, and cultural alignment with Microsoft's growth mindset and customer obsession values. The process combines recruiter screening, phone-based technical assessments, and comprehensive onsite interviews with 6 rounds covering coding, game architecture, systems design, and behavioral evaluation.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
30 min4 focus topicsculture fit
2
Technical Phone Screen 1 - Coding Fundamentals
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
3
Technical Phone Screen 2 - Game Architecture and Systems Design
60 min5 focus topicssystem design
4
Onsite Round 1 - Game Engine Deep Dive and Advanced Coding
90 min5 focus topicstechnical
5
Onsite Round 2 - Graphics and Performance Optimization
75 min6 focus topicstechnical
6
Onsite Round 3 - Game Systems Design and Architecture
75 min6 focus topicssystem design
7
Onsite Round 4 - Gameplay Mechanics and Technical Design
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
8
Onsite Round 5 - Behavioral and Microsoft Values Alignment
60 min6 focus topicsbehavioral
9
Onsite Round 6 - Hiring Manager Round
60 min5 focus topicsculture fit