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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

  1. 1Check 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.
  2. 2Prioritise 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.
  3. 3Do 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.
  4. 4For 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.
  5. 5For pattern and sequencing tasks, 10 minutes of daily Sudoku or Simon-style pattern apps builds the working memory and pattern recognition the games target.
  6. 6Use 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