A good many of us born since the 1980s probably know and can remember a special moment in our youth when we powered on our Nintendo handheld and entered for the first time into the wonderful world of Pokédom. It’s a world where we experienced the thrill of adventure, fell in love with solving mysteries, learned the joy of collection, and had our hearts captured by the charm of Pokémon’s universe as we captured its many inhabitants. It’s no exaggeration to say that this experience of playing Pokémon has extended beyond the digital world, touching our real-world selves and even shaping our dreams.

Now, for any fans of the series that are interested in being involved in the creation of the Pokémon experience, your dreams may be about to come true! Game Freak, the developers of every Pokémon game since Red and Green launched in 1996, are hiring!

Find out more about the jobs on offer and the application process below.

Be a Pokémon Maker

Game Freak are holding online interviews in June for a range of internal positions. Interviews take place in two blocks, Thursday, June 4th to Saturday the 6th, and Thursday, June 25th to Saturday the 27th, and will be operated by hiring agency Creek and River Co., Ltd. To apply, you need to submit an online application at this link by June 26th, 2020.

Game Freak are recruiting for a total of 23 positions, including managerial and junior positions. From developers and graphic designers to HR and IT support positions, there are roles available for most professions. The company is specifically targeting what is termed in Japan as “mid-career” applicants, or people who already have work experience after graduating. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to take a career step towards shaping the dreams of gamers for generations to come like Game Freak have likely shaped most of ours with their games.

Interviews will be conducted primarily in Japanese and most positions require the equivalent of JLPT N1 level Japanese ability.

About Game Freak and their Culture

Game Freak have been developed the "Pokemon" series of video games since there inception in 1996. The Pokémon series is available in 9 languages and boasts a global sales volume of over 231 million units as of September 2019. The organization’s mission is to expand the meaning of ‘play’, always creating new ways to have fun. Game Freak want applications from anyone who can take the initiative to help them achieve their mission!

A general profile of a potential Game Freak employees looks like this:

• You should be "Interesting" above all, someone who can promote game development without compromising.
• You should desire to promote "play"
• You should be passionate about creating games
• You should be able to actively communicate well with others
• You should be able to progress and complete work smoothly

Game Freak are thoroughly looking forward to applications from those eager to take on the challenge of developing titles that will be played not only in Japan but globally! For those of you with the Japanese skills and a passion for play, we recommend you apply!

Interview Details

Creek & River Co., Ltd. will hold individual interviews and group interviews on behalf of Game Freak as the hiring agency.

Date and time June 4th (Thursday), 5th (Friday), 6th (Saturday), 25th (Thursday), 26th (Friday), 27th (Saturday) Conducted from 10:00 to 19:00 for about 60 minutes each time

Location Online - Skype or Microsoft Teams

Job Openings

• Graphic Designers (8 roles)
• Planner (3 roles)
• Technical Artists (2 roles )
• Game Programmer (2 roles )
• Communication Programmer
• Build Engineer
• R & D Library Programmer
• R & D Programmer
• Tool Programmer
• HR / Recruitment
• Information Systems
• Information Management

Application Deadline Friday, June 26th, 12:00 PM (interview will be held shortly after receiving and reviewing applications throughout June so please apply ASAP)

Application Link and Details

Inquiries Regarding Individual Interviews
Creek & River Co., Ltd.
Game freak mid-career hiring individual interview / interview meeting management
Email address: cr_dd1_career@hq.cri.co.jp