Made it through the first round of a game audio job application? Then you may be given a sound design test - but what do companies actually expect from you, and what do you do when the feedback doesn’t match the brief?
In this video, sound designer Bjørn Jacobsen (Hitman, Cyberpunk 2077, EVE Online) explains how these tests usually work, from one-minute videos you have to design with no music or dialogue and written questions about using stock sounds, to a weapon test in Wwise - and why the feedback can end up being about something you were never asked to do.
His advice for when you’re in doubt is simple: Ask the company what they want. Bjørn made the video back in 2018, but if you’re applying for sound design jobs in games right now, it’s just as useful today:
Early BirdNOVA by Mattia Cellotto is coming soon!Become an Early Bird and get 3 SFX libraries (worth $125 total!), FREE with your NOVA orderBECOME AN EARLY BIRD →Sound Design Tests in the Game Industry - watch it below:
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About Bjørn Jacobsen: Copenhagen-based sound designer who has worked on Hitman, Cyberpunk 2077, Gwent, EVE Online, and EVE Valkyrie, among many other games. He also has his own game audio YouTube channel, Cujo Sound.
Also mentioned: Design Tests and What to Expect from Them, Peter Burchardt’s GDC talk, which Bjørn recommends at 2:25.
More advice on getting a job in game audio
How to stand out in a flood of game audio applicationsAdvice for game audio job seekers from Lewis Thompson
What game audio employers are looking for in 2026Brian Schmidt’s annual analysis of hiring trends, skills, and roles in game audio
How to create a great sound design showreelAudio Director and Senior Sound Designer Tom Johnson shares his insights on putting a showreel together
How to build a strong game audio portfolioTips on effective game audio reels from Senior Sound Designer Paul Boechler, who has worked on FIFA, Need for Speed, and EA’s skate.
