Company Overview

Company History, Size, and Industry Position

• King is a leading interactive entertainment company, best known for the Candy Crush franchise and other mobile game hits like Farm Heroes Saga. Founded over 20 years ago, King has become a major player in the mobile gaming industry, with its games played by over 200 million monthly active users.
• King is part of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft in October 2023. Despite this, King operates with a degree of independence within the larger Microsoft Gaming division.

Recent News, Growth, and Strategic Directions

• The acquisition by Microsoft has brought new resources and strategic direction, but King continues to focus on delivering iconic mobile games and expanding its global reach.

Office Locations & Work Policies

• Major offices: Stockholm (HQ), Malmö, London, Barcelona, Berlin, Dublin, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Malta.
• Modern, flexible work environment; hybrid/remote policies may vary by location and role. Stockholm is a central hub for internships and graduate programs.

Company Culture & Values

Work Environment

• King is known for a supportive and respectful work environment. Employees are described as "pampered," with a strong emphasis on safety and respect.
• The culture is generally non-toxic, though some have noted issues with middle management inefficiency.
• The company has adapted to American corporate policies post-acquisition, including stricter rules around alcohol at work events, reflecting broader changes in workplace conduct.

Values & Mission

Program Details: Research & Data Intern (Stockholm, Sweden)

Program Structure & Timeline

• Internships typically last 3–6 months and are based in Stockholm, with start dates often aligned to the summer or early autumn.
• Interns are embedded in teams and work on real projects with measurable impact.

Daily Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities

• Analyzing large datasets to uncover player behavior and game performance trends.
• Supporting game teams with actionable insights and recommendations.
• Collaborating with data scientists, game designers, and product managers.
• Learning industry-standard analytics tools and methodologies.

Mentorship & Training

• Interns receive structured mentorship from experienced data analysts and scientists.
• Access to internal training resources, workshops, and regular feedback sessions.

Career Progression Paths

• Successful interns may be offered graduate roles or full-time analyst positions.
• Alumni often progress into roles in data science, product analytics, or game economy design within King or the broader Activision Blizzard/Microsoft ecosystem.

Requirements & Qualifications

Skills & Competencies Sought

• Quantitative skills: Strong analytical ability, proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R).
• Statistical knowledge: Understanding of experimental design, A/B testing, and data visualization.
• Communication: Ability to present complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Curiosity and initiative: Proactive approach to problem-solving and learning.

Application Process

Application Requirements & Deadlines

• Typically requires a CV/resume, cover letter, and academic transcripts.
• Applications open several months before the start date (e.g., autumn internships may open in spring).
• Check King’s careers page for exact deadlines, as they vary by year and role.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Online application submission via King’s careers portal.
2. Online assessment (may include logic, statistics, or coding tasks).
3. Video or phone interview with HR.
4. Technical interview with the analytics/data team (may include a case study or data challenge).
5. Final interview with hiring manager and potential team members.

Interview Process

Common Interview Questions

• Why King? Why mobile gaming?
• Describe a data project you’ve worked on.
• How would you analyze player retention in a free-to-play game?
• Explain an A/B test you would design for a new game feature.
• How do you communicate complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders?

Assessment Centers & Case Studies

• Data analysis case studies are common; you may be given a dataset and asked to draw insights or make recommendations.
• Group exercises or presentations may be included for graduate programs.

What Makes a Standout Candidate

• Demonstrated passion for gaming and analytics.
• Strong technical skills, especially in SQL and Python.
• Clear, concise communication and storytelling with data.
• Evidence of teamwork and initiative (e.g., side projects, hackathons).

Additional Insights

Insider Tips

• Show genuine enthusiasm for King’s games and mission.
• Prepare to discuss how your skills can help make games more engaging and fun.
• Be ready to talk about both successes and failures in past projects—King values learning from mistakes.

Technical Skills vs Soft Skills

• Technical skills (data analysis, coding, statistics) are essential, but soft skills (communication, teamwork, adaptability) are equally valued.

Industry Knowledge to Demonstrate

• Understanding of free-to-play game mechanics, player engagement metrics, and mobile gaming trends.
• Awareness of King’s portfolio and recent game updates.

Questions to Ask Interviewers

• How does the analytics team collaborate with game designers?
• What are the biggest data challenges King is currently facing?
• What does success look like for an intern in this role?

Red Flags to Avoid

• Lack of familiarity with King’s games or the mobile gaming industry.
• Overemphasis on technical skills without demonstrating communication or teamwork.
• Generic answers that don’t show genuine interest in King’s mission.

Practical Information

Networking & Alumni Connections

• Interns participate in company-wide events, game launches, and social activities.
• Access to a large network of King alumni, many of whom have advanced to senior roles within the company or the broader gaming industry.

Actionable Advice for Applicants

• Tailor your application to highlight both your technical skills and your passion for gaming.
• Prepare for data challenges and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
• Research King’s games and be prepared to discuss how data can improve player experience.
• Network with current or former King interns via LinkedIn to gain insights and referrals.
• Show curiosity, initiative, and a collaborative mindset throughout the process.