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Read the community guidelinesA small to medium-sized company with a very relaxed and lively atmosphere overall, without the usual sense of hierarchy between superiors and subordinates. The producer is also very interesting, and you can find his fan page on Facebook.
The interview began with a written test, divided into two parts: a logic test and a handwritten programming skills test.
At the beginning, the interviewer emphasized that the test results would not determine whether the candidate was hired, but were intended to assess the candidate’s current abilities.
The questions covered explanations of OS terminology, Linux commands, and programming implementation (data structures, algorithms, etc.).
Shenlan Games is a medium-sized development team that became independent from Chinesegamer International (although HR and equipment are still provided through Chinesegamer International). The games currently in operation are all excellent self-developed titles; at the time of the interview, Fallen Sakura 2 was in the development stage.
During the interview, the producer mentioned that Taiwan’s game industry really requires passion to keep it going. Although the salary is relatively low, they strive to do their best, with the rest dependent on market forces, so they cannot promise that a game will definitely become a major hit.
Work hours:
The company has a relaxed culture and flexible working hours. Employees start between 9 and 11 a.m. and finish between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Overtime:
Apart from overtime before and after a game’s launch, there is generally no overtime.
Overtime on weekdays is compensated with time off the following day. If taking time off the next day is not possible, it can be taken the day after.
Overtime pay is provided only for working on holidays.
Probationary period:
New employees have a probationary period of exactly three months, unless it is extended due to an unsatisfactory attitude.
During the probationary period, working hours are fixed, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., to test employees’ ability to handle the overtime pressure before a game launch.
Fridays are an exception, and employees can leave at 6 p.m.
During the probationary period, employees are not deliberately assigned features to implement and may work on their own things during free time.
Benefits:
The company frequently provides snacks, bread, and drinks at its own expense; there are bonuses for the three major holidays, and the company provides computers.
Compensation:
The interviewer stated that most new hires receive NT$32,000–35,000 per month × 12 months. If a candidate has a strong résumé, the company will discuss it with the producer and may increase the monthly salary by adding a bonus.
Salaries in the game industry are generally low, but this company offers somewhat better pay than many other game developers. This may be useful as a reference for people who are passionate about the game industry.