HireVue games: what they measure, how they're scored and how to prepare
HireVue games are short tasks, each about 3 minutes, that measure cognitive ability (such as numerical reasoning and memory) or personality traits. They get harder as you succeed, and your score comes from how you play: levels won and lost, the answers you choose and the highest level you reach. Employers often combine them with a HireVue video interview. What follows is what HireVue itself says about how they work, and how to prepare.
- Each game takes about 3 minutes; the full set 7–20 minutes.
- Cognitive games are adaptive: pass a level and the next is harder.
- Scored from your play data using a model trained against traditional ability tests.
- Often paired with video questions: HireVue's example is 2–3 games + 4–6 questions.
- HireVue publishes game types, not an official list of game names.
- The games measure general mental ability or personality, depending on what the employer chose.
- Each game starts with easy levels so you can learn it before it gets harder.
- Mistakes on hard levels are expected; the adaptive design pushes you to your limit.
- Practising similar timed tasks builds speed and calm, but there is no answer key to memorise.
What HireVue games measure
HireVue describes two families. Cognitive games measure abilities such as numeracy, working memory, problem solving, attention and pattern recognition. Behavioural games measure personality traits such as conscientiousness, and some emotional-intelligence tasks ask you to read social cues. HireVue's own guide to game-based assessment lists these types:
| Game type | What you do | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Memory recall | Remember sequences or patterns, then reproduce them | Working memory |
| Numerical reasoning | Compare quantities or spot number patterns quickly | Numeracy |
| Problem-solving puzzles | Solve logic puzzles within a set of rules | Reasoning, planning |
| Pattern recognition | Work out the next item in a series | Inductive reasoning |
| Multitasking | Track several streams of information at once | Divided attention |
| Attention and focus | Respond to small changes over time | Concentration |
| Emotional intelligence | Read emotions or social cues | Social perception |
How HireVue games are scored
According to HireVue's 2025 AI Explainability Statement, the scoring model takes your game data, including:
- the ratio of levels won to levels lost
- how many levels you played
- the answers you chose
- the highest level you completed
It feeds these into a regression model. HireVue built the model by asking hundreds of people to play the games and also take traditional cognitive tests, then training it to predict ability from game behaviour. Candidates can opt out of AI scoring and be evaluated on other parts of the assessment instead. See how HireVue scores your interview for the video side.
How long HireVue games take
HireVue says each game takes about 3 minutes and a full game assessment usually takes 7 to 20 minutes; it suggests setting aside 30. In its example combined assessment, 2 to 3 games sit alongside 4 to 6 video questions, for 15 to 25 minutes in total. Your employer may use more or fewer.
Warm up on similar games with forge
forge's game-based practice covers fast numerical, memory, attention and logic tasks. They aren't HireVue's own games, but they train the same speed and focus.
Try game-based practiceHow to prepare for HireVue games
- Get used to fast, timed tasks. Most people lose marks to panic and rushing, not lack of ability. Practising similar timed games, such as forge's game-based practice or Pymetrics-style games, makes the pace feel normal.
- Read every instruction screen. Rules differ between games, and the first few easy levels are there for you to learn them. Use them.
- Choose your time. HireVue advises playing when you're most alert. Don't squeeze it in after a long day.
- Use a laptop if you can. The app works, but a mouse and a larger screen make fast, precise tasks easier.
- Take the breaks. HireVue suggests pausing between games. Thirty seconds to reset helps more than rushing into the next one.
- Be consistent on personality games. There's no single right answer on behavioural tasks. Trying to guess the "ideal" profile tends to produce inconsistent play.
Related guides
- Video interviews: the complete guide
- How HireVue scores your interview
- The most common HireVue questions
- Game-based assessments explained
- Pymetrics games list
Source notes
Scoring inputs, adaptive levels and combined-assessment timings come from HireVue's 2025 AI Explainability Statement. Game durations, devices and tips come from HireVue's candidate preparation guide, and the game types from its game-based assessment overview. forge is independent and not affiliated with HireVue or Harver.
Frequently asked questions
What are HireVue games?
HireVue games are short browser or app-based tasks that measure cognitive ability, such as numerical reasoning, memory and problem solving, or personality traits. HireVue says each game takes about 3 minutes, and a full game assessment usually takes 7 to 20 minutes.
How are HireVue games scored?
HireVue says your game data, including levels won and lost, levels played, answers chosen and the highest level reached, feeds a regression model trained to predict cognitive ability or personality traits. Its cognitive games adapt: when you complete a level, the next one is harder.
Can you practise HireVue games?
HireVue doesn't publish official practice versions, but the games start with easy levels so you can learn the controls. Practising similar timed tasks (numerical, memory and pattern games) helps you get used to the speed and pressure. Read every instruction screen, because rules vary between games.
How long do HireVue games take?
HireVue says each game takes about 3 minutes and the full set usually takes 7 to 20 minutes. It recommends setting aside 30 minutes. In HireVue's example of a combined assessment, 2 to 3 games sit alongside 4 to 6 video questions, for 15 to 25 minutes in total.
Are HireVue games the same as Pymetrics games?
No. Pymetrics is a separate product, now part of Harver. Both use short games, but they are different providers with different tasks and scoring. Check your invitation email to see which platform you've been sent.
Can I do HireVue games on my phone?
Yes. HireVue says games run in a desktop browser or in the HireVue app on mobile. If your connection drops, your progress is saved. A laptop with a mouse is usually easier for fast, precise tasks.
Prepare the video side too with forge
Most HireVue game assessments come with video questions. Practise those with a real countdown.
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