80% of Devs Shift Focus to PC, sidelining PS5 and Switch Game Development

The gaming landscape is undergoing significant shifts as highlighted in the 2025 State of the Game Industry Report by GDC, released on January 21, 2025. This annual survey, which captures insights from developers globally, sheds light on the current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the gaming sector.

80 Percent of Game Devs Are Making Games for PC

According to the report, an impressive 80% of game developers are now focusing on creating games for the PC platform, marking a significant 14% increase from last year's 66%. This surge could be attributed to various factors, including the rising popularity of Valve’s Steam Deck. Although the Steam Deck was not listed as a direct option in the survey, 44% of developers who selected 'Other' mentioned it as a platform they are considering for game development.

Despite the emergence of user-generated content platforms like Roblox and Minecraft, and the anticipation around the Switch 2, PC continues to solidify its position as the "dominant platform." This trend has been steadily increasing, from 56% in 2020 to the current 80%. If this continues, we can expect an even broader selection of games available on PC. However, the upcoming Switch 2, with its promised graphical and performance enhancements, might slightly alter this trajectory.

One-Third of Triple A Devs Works On Live Service Games

The report also delves into the realm of live-service games, revealing that one-third (33%) of AAA developers are currently engaged in developing such titles. When expanded to all respondents, 16% are actively working on live-service games, while 13% express interest in doing so. Conversely, 41% of developers show no interest in pursuing this model, citing concerns such as declining player interest, creative stagnation, predatory practices, microtransactions, and the risk of burnout.

Developers who are invested in live-service games appreciate the financial and community-building benefits. Yet, the report warns of "market oversaturation," a challenge that affects the sustainability of player bases. Ubisoft's recent decision to shut down XDefiant just six months after its launch is a stark example of these struggles.

Some Devs Underrepresented in GDC’s State of the Game Industry

On January 23, 2025, PC Gamer highlighted a significant issue with the GDC survey: the underrepresentation of game developers from non-Western countries. Nearly 70% of respondents hail from Western nations, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Notably absent are developers from China, a powerhouse in mobile gaming, and Japan.

This skewed respondent makeup suggests that the report's findings might predominantly reflect the perspectives and experiences of Western developers. As a result, the report may not fully capture the global state of the game industry, potentially missing out on insights from diverse regions.