Nexon will scrap its traditional coding test in hiring game programmers and assess candidates' ability to use artificial intelligence (AI). As AI spreads quickly across development sites, the company aims to select "AI-native developers" who can define problems and solve them using AI rather than relying on simple coding skills.
Nexon said on the 27th it has been accepting applications since on the 25th for its employment-linked internship, "NexToriel for game programmers."
Launched in 2021 and now in its sixth year, NexToriel is Nexon Company's flagship employment-linked internship program. A blend of Nexon and tutorial, it is designed to help participants grow into practitioners by learning Nexon's organizational culture and work methods, much like a game tutorial. During the internship, the company provides a structured onboarding program, including introductory training and role-specific tailored training. In particular, this year's recruitment focuses on game programmer roles, and the hiring process has been overhauled to verify the skills required in real development environments.
The biggest change is the abolition of the coding test, the information technology (IT) industry's standard method of selecting developers, and the introduction of an "AI interview" and an "AI utilization competency assessment." Candidates who meet the qualifications will take a one-on-one AI interview lasting about an hour, conversing with AI. This will assess common competencies required of game programmers, such as subject-matter knowledge and basic programming skills.
In the subsequent AI utilization competency assessment, applicants will use provided AI tools to solve problems similar to actual work tasks. Nexon said it will comprehensively evaluate their understanding of AI, prompt-writing process, tool usage, and final output. The focus is on confirming the ability to apply AI to real work to solve practical assignments and on assessing growth potential.
Recruitment will proceed under an integrated announcement that does not distinguish among Nexon Company affiliates. In the final team interview stage, the company will propose projects and positions that fit the applicant's disposition and capabilities. If an applicant is finally accepted for multiple positions, they can choose the role they will join.
NexToriel, a name combining Nexon and tutorial, is an employment-linked internship designed to help participants grow into practitioners by learning Nexon's organizational culture and work methods, much like a game tutorial. During the internship, the company provides onboarding programs such as introductory training and customized role training.
Participants will set learning directions with practitioners in the field, join real projects, and gain hands-on experience. Pay and benefits will be provided at the same level as full-time employees. The company will offer the same salary as new college graduates starting out and apply the same benefits systems, including welfare points.
Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on the 7th of next month. Final successful candidates will work as Nexon Company interns for six months starting Dec. 7. Participants whose ability and qualifications are recognized during the internship are expected to be converted to full-time positions.
Hong Ja-hyeon, Nexon's recruiting team lead, said, "As AI technology is quickly being introduced to the field and changing how we work, we determined the hiring process also needed to change," adding, "We will continue to proactively secure tailored talent to lead Nexon's future through various forms of NexToriel."