The GDC State of the Game Industry survey has been released and shows how game developers feel about the industry.
As part of the Game Developers Conference, the results of the 11th annual State of the Game Industry survey have drawn out trends and insights within the gaming market. This is just before GDC 2023 is set to take place in San Francisco from March 20, 2023.
The past year has been one of highs and lows. For many, it’s still a time to recover from the impact of Covid-19 and return to some sense of normality. While these battles have left some feeling in uncertain times, the gaming industry has proven its resilience. Game developers are looking ahead to the future and how to continue to shape this growing space.
GDC findings
The survey was put to over 2,300 game developers to ask about their work within the industry. Of those surveyed the majority, 57%, have been involved in game development for 10 years or less. The leading job role of respondents was game design, followed by programming/engineering. According to survey data, 38% of respondents work for an indie studio while 23% work for a triple-A studio.
In terms of platform, PC continues to lead the way in current and future development. Respondents answered that 65% of them were currently developing games for PC. Console gaming, PS5 33% and Xbox Series X/S, 30% were the second highest. This was followed closely by both Android and iOS.
This year’s survey also focused on the metaverse. Asking participants which company is in the best position to deliver the promise of the metaverse. Of the companies currently working with that space 14% of respondents believe that Fortnite is in the best position to deliver. Considering the highest vote only came in at 14, this represents an uncertainty around the metaverse. Nearly half of the respondents, 45%, didn’t select any platform, and instead stated that the metaverse concept will never deliver on its promise. Marking an increase from 33% in 2022.
Other areas of interest
Virtual and augmented reality gaming spaces have seen a lot of development over the last few years. With the Meta Quest Pro and PSVR2 boasting new technology. Although only 38% of respondents said they were or have been involved in VR/AR game development. This number is down from 42% in 2022. The Meta Quest remains the top AR/VR platform for developers with 35% currently making games for the platform.
When asked which platform interested developers most, 39% responded with a vote for Meta Quest. However PlayStation VR2 is closely following with a vote of 35%, this shows a steady increase in interest for the platform ahead of release.
Blockchain technology has seen much of the same consensus as the previous year. When asked what a studio’s interest in blockchain technology was, 75% said they were not interested. Only 7% stated they were very interested and 16% voted for being somewhat interested. Only 2% claimed to already be using blockchain technology.
It would seem that there is still much to be done to sway opinions in favour of blockchain technology. With a wider focus on triple-A quality blockchain gaming this year, this could be the first step in changing some opinions in the space. As for the metaverse, it would seem that Bill Gates would be inclined to agree with some of those survey participants as he commented on the metaverse not being revolutionary.
Paige Cook is a writer with a multi-media background. She has experience covering video games and technology and also has freelance experience in video editing, graphic design, and photography. Paige is a massive fan of the movie industry and loves a good TV show, if she is not watching something interesting then she's probably playing video games or buried in a good book. Her latest addiction is virtual photography and currently spends far too much time taking pretty pictures in games rather than actually finishing them.
