Game-Based Assessments (Arctic Shores)
Mini-games that measure cognitive speed, risk tolerance, and personality — be authentic.
What it is
Game-based assessments (most commonly Arctic Shores) are app-based series of mini-games that collect thousands of data points — reaction time, accuracy, risk appetite, memory span, and pattern spotting. The assessment adapts to your performance in real time and feeds a strengths profile to recruiters. They are used by Amazon's SDE Apprenticeship and a growing number of employers who want to reduce bias from traditional CV screening.
Who uses it
Amazon SDE Degree Apprenticeship (Arctic Shores)
Growing number of UK graduate and apprenticeship employers replacing or supplementing traditional numerical/verbal tests
Employers specifically trying to reduce unconscious bias in early-stage screening
Some investment banks and technology firms as a pre-screen before online tests
What it tests
Cognitive skills: logical reasoning, numerical aptitude, pattern recognition
Personality signals: resilience under pressure, curiosity, teamwork style, risk tolerance
Reaction time and sustained focus: measured across timed mini-games with strict time-caps
Working memory: sequencing and pattern tasks that increase in complexity as you perform well
Decision-making calibration: the balloon-pumping task measures whether your risk appetite is appropriately balanced — not maximally cautious or maximally bold
Common mistakes
Over-thinking what each game is measuring
Focus on the task goal shown on screen, not on guessing the hidden construct. The assessment is adaptive and collects thousands of data points — playing naturally produces a more accurate profile than trying to perform a persona.
Rushing without reading the instructions
Spend the first 10 seconds of each game scanning the rules — it is always worth it. Mis-reading a rule costs far more time than reading it carefully before the clock starts.
Letting one bad round spiral
Each game is scored independently. A poor round in the balloon task does not affect your pattern-grid score. Mentally reset between games — the same way each assessment centre exercise starts with a clean slate.
Ignoring the in-app practice mode
Most Arctic Shores assessments include demo levels. Use them to familiarise yourself with the controls before your real attempt — especially if you are on an unfamiliar device or using a touchscreen for the first time.
Over-inflating risk to seem bold
Extreme risk-taking and extreme risk-aversion both flag as red flags in the scoring algorithm. Be natural — the assessment is looking for calibrated decision-making, not bravado.
How to prepare
Check your device and environment the day before: fully charge your phone or laptop, connect to strong Wi-Fi, and turn all notifications off. Cognitive speed is scored, and a pop-up notification mid-game breaks focus.
Prioritise sleep and hydration — tired brains mis-tap and react slowly. Both reaction time and accuracy are scored, so physical state on the day matters more than with paper-based tests.
Do short daily sprints of 10 minutes of logic or reflex games in the two days before the assessment. Avoid marathon cramming — you cannot meaningfully change your cognitive profile overnight, but you can warm up your reaction speed.
For the balloon-pumping task, practice the free 'Balloon Analogue Risk Task' online — it will help you understand your natural risk calibration before the real assessment.
For pattern and sequencing tasks, 10 minutes of daily Sudoku or Simon-style pattern apps builds the working memory and pattern recognition the games target.
Use 4-6-4 breathing (inhale 4 s, hold 6 s, exhale 4 s) between game blocks to avoid tilt. A calm, focused state between rounds maintains consistent reaction times across the full session.
Free resources
Ready to practise?
Use the Interview Coach to get STAR questions tailored to your target role and sector.
Open Interview Coach
