How to Apply to From Software

9 min read Last updated April 20, 2026
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • FromSoftware is one of the most prestigious game studios in the world, and competition for positions is intense. Treat every element of your application, from resume to portfolio to cover letter, as a demonstration of the same quality standards the studio applies to its games.
  • All applications must include a resume, work history, and portfolio samples. Applications without work samples will not be screened, regardless of your experience level or the role you are applying for.
  • The hiring timeline is unusually long by Western standards. FromSoftware may take up to six months to review your application and will only contact you if a project match is found. Patience is required, and follow-up inquiries should be minimal and respectful.
  • Japanese language ability is ultimately required. While you can apply and interview in English, successful candidates must commit to learning Japanese and using it as their primary working language. Starting Japanese studies before applying demonstrates serious intent.
  • Relocation to Tokyo is mandatory. FromSoftware does not offer remote positions, and all work is conducted at their Kita-Shinjuku headquarters. Factor visa requirements, cost of living, and cultural adjustment into your decision to apply.
  • The studio's proprietary engine means that raw programming fundamentals (C++, low-level systems) matter more than familiarity with commercial engines like Unity or Unreal, though that experience is still relevant.
  • Salary at FromSoftware has historically been lower than comparable Western studios, though a 12% base salary increase in 2024 and competitive benefits partially offset this. Employees consistently report high job satisfaction despite compensation concerns, citing creative fulfillment and the prestige of working on industry-defining titles.
  • FromSoftware is actively expanding. With multiple new projects in development including The Duskbloods, a rumored project codenamed FMC, and media adaptations, the studio is hiring across all departments. This is one of the best windows in the company's history to apply.
  • Cultural fit is as important as technical skill. FromSoftware values humility, collaborative spirit, attention to detail, and alignment with the studio's creative vision. Your interview performance will be assessed on these qualities as much as your technical abilities.

Source basis: This guide combines the company's public careers materials, detected ATS-provider data, and ResumeGeni analysis. Employer-specific details should be read alongside the Sources section below; interview-culture guidance may synthesize public candidate reports when official documentation is limited.

About From Software

FromSoftware, Inc. is one of the most acclaimed Japanese video game development studios in history, renowned for creating the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Elden Ring, and the Armored Core franchise. Founded in 1986 by Naotoshi Zin, the company initially developed business software before pivoting to game development with King's Field in 1994. Under the creative direction of president and representative director Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware has become synonymous with challenging, atmospheric action RPGs that emphasize environmental storytelling, intricate level design, and deeply rewarding combat systems. The studio is majority-owned by Kadokawa Corporation (approximately 70%), with minority stakes held by Sixjoy Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Tencent (16%), and Sony Interactive Entertainment (14%). As of mid-2025, FromSoftware employs approximately 456 people, making it a mid-sized studio by global standards but a powerhouse in terms of creative output and critical acclaim. Headquartered in Kita-Shinjuku, Tokyo, the studio operates from a single primary location where all core development takes place. The company is currently in an active expansion phase, recruiting large-scale development staff for multiple new projects simultaneously, including The Duskbloods (a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive), a rumored project codenamed FMC, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and adaptations including a live-action Elden Ring film and a Sekiro anime. Elden Ring alone sold over 25 million copies and won The Game Awards Game of the Year in 2022, cementing FromSoftware's status as one of the most prestigious studios a game developer can join. Working at FromSoftware means contributing to titles that define genres and influence the entire industry. The studio's philosophy of uncompromising quality and artistic vision permeates every department, from programming and design to art and sound. The company culture prizes meticulous craftsmanship and iterative refinement, with development teams working closely under Miyazaki's directorial guidance to achieve a cohesive creative vision across every element of their games. For candidates considering a career at FromSoftware, the opportunity is rare: few studios in the world combine this level of critical acclaim, creative ambition, and industry influence within a single development team operating under a unified artistic vision.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Visit FromSoftware's official recruitment website at careers

    Visit FromSoftware's official recruitment website at careers.fromsoftware.jp, which is available in both English and Japanese, and review the current open positions listed under their mid-career recruitment section.

  2. 2
    Prepare your application materials including a resume, detailed work history, an

    Prepare your application materials including a resume, detailed work history, and portfolio samples demonstrating relevant skills. All documentation must be written in either English or Japanese. For art and design roles, a strong visual portfolio is mandatory and cannot be substituted.

  3. 3
    Submit your application through the online entry form at www2

    Submit your application through the online entry form at www2.fromsoftware.jp. If your portfolio or work samples are large files, upload them to online storage and include the download link in the Additional Notes field of the entry form, or send them as email attachments.

  4. 4
    Wait for the screening process, which may take up to six months

    Wait for the screening process, which may take up to six months. FromSoftware reviews applications on a project-needs basis, meaning they will contact you if a suitable project match is found within that window. There is no guarantee of a response if no match is identified.

  5. 5
    If selected, participate in an interview conducted either on-site at the Tokyo h

    If selected, participate in an interview conducted either on-site at the Tokyo headquarters in Kita-Shinjuku or via video call (Skype or equivalent). Interviews typically assess both technical competence and cultural fit, with questions about your creative process and familiarity with FromSoftware's games.

  6. 6
    Successful candidates receive an offer and must be prepared to relocate to Tokyo

    Successful candidates receive an offer and must be prepared to relocate to Tokyo, Japan. While initial communication can be in English, new hires are required to learn Japanese and use it as the primary working language. Visa sponsorship details are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Resume Tips for From Software

recommended

Lead with your shipped game titles and specific contributions

Lead with your shipped game titles and specific contributions. FromSoftware values proven experience on completed projects over theoretical knowledge. List each title with your exact role, the team size, development duration, and which platforms it shipped on.

recommended

Highlight proficiency in C++ and relevant game engines

Highlight proficiency in C++ and relevant game engines. FromSoftware uses proprietary engine technology, so demonstrating deep C++ skills, low-level systems programming, or experience with custom engines is more valuable than listing Unity or Unreal alone.

recommended

Include a dedicated portfolio section with direct links to playable demos, art s

Include a dedicated portfolio section with direct links to playable demos, art samples, or video reels. For art roles, FromSoftware explicitly requires work samples and will not screen applications without them. Programmers should link to code repositories or technical breakdowns.

recommended

Demonstrate knowledge of FromSoftware's design philosophy

Demonstrate knowledge of FromSoftware's design philosophy. Reference specific mechanical or artistic elements from their games that align with your skills. Showing genuine understanding of their approach to difficulty design, environmental storytelling, or interconnected world architecture signals cultural alignment.

recommended

If you have Japanese language ability, list it prominently with your proficiency

If you have Japanese language ability, list it prominently with your proficiency level (JLPT N1-N5 or equivalent). While English applications are accepted, Japanese fluency is a significant advantage and is ultimately required for the role. Even conversational ability should be highlighted.

recommended

Keep your resume format clean, structured, and conservative

Keep your resume format clean, structured, and conservative. Japanese business culture favors clarity and formality over creative resume designs. Use a chronological format with clear section headers, and ensure dates follow an internationally readable format.

recommended

Quantify your impact wherever possible

Quantify your impact wherever possible. Instead of listing responsibilities, describe results: optimization improvements in milliseconds, polygon count reductions, team leadership outcomes, or user-facing features you personally implemented that shipped in final builds.

recommended

Address your willingness to relocate to Tokyo directly in your cover letter or r

Address your willingness to relocate to Tokyo directly in your cover letter or resume summary. FromSoftware requires on-site work, and demonstrating that you have researched the logistics of relocating to Japan shows serious intent.

ATS System: Custom (Direct Application)

FromSoftware uses a custom, proprietary recruitment system hosted on their own domain (careers.fromsoftware.jp) rather than a third-party ATS like Greenhouse, Workday, or Lever. Applications are submitted through a simple web form that collects personal information, work history, and portfolio links. This means there is no automated keyword parsing or ATS scoring system to optimize against. Instead, applications are reviewed manually by hiring managers and HR staff who evaluate the complete package of resume, work history, and portfolio samples together.

  • Since FromSoftware uses a direct application form rather than keyword-scanning ATS software, focus on clarity and completeness rather than keyword stuffing. Your materials will be read by humans, not parsed by algorithms.
  • Upload portfolio materials to reliable cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, or a personal website) and include the download link in the Additional Notes field. Ensure links remain active for at least six months given the extended review timeline.
  • Write all application materials in clean, professional English or Japanese. Avoid informal language, slang, or overly creative formatting that may not translate well across cultures.
  • The entry form has limited fields, so your resume and cover letter must carry the full weight of your application. Make every sentence count since there is no supplementary profile or skills assessment system.

Complete Custom (Direct Application) Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

FromSoftware's interview process reflects the broader values of Japanese corporate culture combined with the creative intensity of a world-class game studio.

Interviews are conducted with careful formality, and candidates should approach them with the patience and respect characteristic of Japanese business interactions. Unlike the rapid multi-round interview cycles common at Western studios, FromSoftware may take considerable time between application review and interview scheduling, sometimes weeks or months. This is not a sign of disinterest but rather reflects their project-driven hiring approach, where they match candidates to specific team needs rather than filling generic headcount. During interviews, expect questions that probe both technical depth and creative sensibility. For programming roles, you may be asked about engine-level systems, performance optimization, and your approach to solving complex technical problems under constraints. Art candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio in detail, explaining creative decisions and how they would adapt their style to FromSoftware's distinctive dark fantasy and science fiction aesthetics. Design candidates may discuss their philosophy on difficulty, player agency, and emergent storytelling. Cultural fit matters enormously at FromSoftware. The studio operates with a relatively flat creative hierarchy where director Miyazaki's vision guides all projects, and team members are expected to internalize and contribute to that vision rather than impose their own competing direction. Interviewers will assess whether you can thrive in a collaborative environment where the collective vision takes precedence over individual expression. Humility, persistence, and a willingness to iterate are valued over flashy self-promotion. Be prepared to discuss what you admire about FromSoftware's games with specificity and depth. Generic praise will be transparent; interviewers want to see that you understand the craft behind the games, not just that you enjoy playing them. Discussing specific design decisions, artistic choices, or technical achievements in their titles demonstrates the kind of attentiveness they seek in colleagues. Finally, be honest about your Japanese language abilities. The studio requires employees to learn and use Japanese, so overstating your fluency will create problems. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to learning the language and adapting to life in Japan is more valued than pretending to have skills you lack.

What From Software Looks For

  • Deep technical expertise in your discipline, whether that is C++ programming, 3D art, animation, game design, or systems engineering. FromSoftware hires specialists who have mastered their craft, not generalists who dabble across domains.
  • Genuine passion for and knowledge of FromSoftware's catalog. They want team members who understand the studio's design philosophy from the inside, not just fans who enjoy the games casually.
  • Humility and collaborative mindset. The studio operates under a strong directorial vision, and employees must be comfortable contributing to a shared creative direction rather than pursuing individual creative agendas.
  • Resilience and comfort with iteration. FromSoftware's development process involves extensive refinement cycles, and the ability to receive critical feedback, discard work that does not meet the bar, and rebuild without frustration is essential.
  • Willingness to relocate to Tokyo and commit to learning Japanese. This is a non-negotiable requirement for all positions, and candidates who demonstrate they have seriously considered the logistics of this move stand out.
  • Experience shipping complete game titles, ideally in action, RPG, or combat-focused genres. FromSoftware prioritizes candidates who have contributed to finished products over those with only prototype or student project experience.
  • Strong visual or mechanical sensibility appropriate to their games. Art candidates should demonstrate comfort with dark fantasy, gothic architecture, creature design, or mecha aesthetics. Design candidates should show understanding of challenge-based game design and spatial storytelling.
  • Self-motivation and professional discipline. Japanese work culture values reliability, consistency, and quiet dedication. FromSoftware employees are expected to maintain high standards without requiring constant supervision or external motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FromSoftware hire international candidates who do not speak Japanese?
Yes, FromSoftware accepts applications in English and conducts some interviews via video call for international candidates. However, all successful hires are required to learn Japanese and use it as their primary working language. The careers page explicitly states that candidates must be able to converse smoothly in Japanese or English, and that successful candidates will be required to learn Japanese and use it as much as possible at work.
What is the typical salary range at FromSoftware?
FromSoftware's salaries have historically been lower than Western game studios, with reports indicating average annual compensation around 4-5 million yen (approximately $27,000-$34,000 USD). New graduates are offered approximately 300,000 yen per month. In 2024, the company implemented a roughly 12% base salary increase to improve competitiveness. While pay is below Western industry averages, it is supplemented by Japanese benefits including health insurance, transportation allowances, and bonus payments.
What portfolio requirements does FromSoftware have for applicants?
FromSoftware requires all applicants to submit a resume, work history, and work samples. Applications without samples will not be screened. For art roles, this means a visual portfolio showcasing relevant skills such as concept art, 3D modeling, environment design, or animation. For programming roles, code samples, technical breakdowns, or links to shipped projects are expected. Portfolio materials can be uploaded to online storage with a download link included in the application form, or sent via email attachment.
How long does FromSoftware's hiring process take?
FromSoftware's hiring process can take up to six months from initial application to interview. The studio reviews applications on a project-needs basis, meaning they match candidates to specific openings on active development teams rather than maintaining a rolling recruitment pipeline. If no suitable project match is found within the six-month window, you may not receive a response. This timeline is significantly longer than most Western studios and reflects the Japanese business practice of careful, deliberate hiring.
Does FromSoftware offer remote or hybrid work arrangements?
No. FromSoftware requires all employees to work on-site at their headquarters in Kita-Shinjuku, Tokyo. There are no publicly listed remote positions. Game development at the studio is highly collaborative and relies on in-person communication, particularly given the importance of shared creative direction under Miyazaki's leadership. International applicants must be prepared to relocate to Tokyo.
What game engine does FromSoftware use?
FromSoftware develops games using proprietary internal engine technology rather than commercial engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. This means that experience with C++ and low-level programming is particularly valuable, as engineers must work directly with custom tools and systems. While experience with commercial engines demonstrates relevant skills, the ability to work with bespoke technology, understand engine architecture, and write performant low-level code is what the studio truly needs.
What departments and roles does FromSoftware typically hire for?
FromSoftware recruits across multiple departments including game planning (game planner, system planner), programming (game programmer, R&D graphics systems, server engineer), art (concept artist, character designer, background designer, character 3D artist, background 3D artist, effects artist, UI artist), animation (motion designer, cinematic artist), and sound. The studio primarily hires mid-career professionals with shipped game experience, though they occasionally recruit new graduates through separate programs.
Does FromSoftware sponsor work visas for international hires?
FromSoftware does not publicly detail their visa sponsorship policies on their careers page. However, given that they actively recruit international candidates, accept English-language applications, and conduct interviews via video call, visa sponsorship is handled on a case-by-case basis. Candidates with existing Japanese work authorization (such as a spouse visa or permanent residency) will have a smoother process. It is advisable to address your visa situation directly in your application materials.
Is there crunch culture at FromSoftware?
Reports from current and former employees indicate that crunch periods do occur at FromSoftware, particularly as projects approach milestones and release dates. However, employee satisfaction surveys and Glassdoor reviews consistently show high overall satisfaction despite these periods, with employees citing creative fulfillment, the quality of their colleagues, and the prestige of the studio's output as strong positives. The 2024 salary increase was seen as a step toward improving overall working conditions. Japanese labor law also provides stronger overtime protections than many Western countries.
Does FromSoftware accept applications for internships?
No. FromSoftware's careers page explicitly states that they are not accepting applications for internships at this time. The studio primarily focuses on mid-career recruitment, seeking professionals with existing game development experience and shipped titles. Students and early-career professionals should focus on building portfolio-quality work at other studios or on personal projects before applying to FromSoftware.
Check Your Resume Before Applying → Review From Software role context

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Sources

  1. FROM SOFTWARE RECRUITING WEBSITE — Open Positions — FromSoftware, Inc.
  2. FROM SOFTWARE RECRUITING WEBSITE — Portfolio Requirements — FromSoftware, Inc.
  3. FROM SOFTWARE RECRUITING WEBSITE — Entry Form — FromSoftware, Inc.
  4. FromSoftware — Wikipedia — Wikipedia
  5. FromSoftware Has High Employee Satisfaction Despite Crunch, Says Report — Game Rant
  6. FromSoftware boosts employee wages following years of low pay — TweakTown
  7. Working at From Software — Glassdoor — Glassdoor
  8. About FromSoftware, Inc. — FromSoftware, Inc.
  9. What to Expect from Elden Ring Developer FromSoftware in 2026 — Game Rant
  10. FromSoftware has now over 450 employees — ResetEra