Key Takeaways
1. The GDC survey shows PC remains the top platform for game development, favored by 80% of developers.
2. PS5 and Switch 2 are gaining popularity among console developers, with interest levels at 40% and 39%, respectively.
3. Xbox Series X|S interest has declined sharply, with only 20% of developers expressing interest, linked to falling hardware sales.
4. The gaming market is still profitable for Sony and Nintendo, but development for Switch 2 may be delayed due to slow shipment of kits.
5. Microsoft is shifting away from hardware focus, with more studios canceling Xbox ports in favor of PC and other platforms.
As the Game Developers Conference nears on March 9th, the organizers have unveiled a fresh State of the Game Industry survey. The findings indicate which platforms might soon experience an influx of new games. Developers still favor creating PC games, but the PS5 and Switch 2 are leading in console popularity. On the other hand, interest in Xbox systems has sharply decreased amid falling hardware sales.
Survey Insights
Over 2,300 professionals from the gaming industry took part in the GDC survey, as reported by Video Games Chronicle. One of the questions asked was, “Which platform(s) most interest you as a developer right now?” Respondents could choose multiple options, and the PC emerged as the clear favorite at 80%. Following it were the PS5 and Steam Deck at 40%, with the Switch 2 close behind at 39%. The Xbox Series X|S lagged behind at just 20%.
Developer Preferences
Similar to the findings from the 2025 report, gaming on desktop and laptop computers remains a significant focus for developers. No single console boasts a user base as large as that of PCs, and popular platforms like Steam impose fewer limitations. This support extends even to the Linux-based Steam Deck, which achieved an impressive score of 40%.
Nonetheless, the gaming market continues to be profitable for Sony and Nintendo. There are rumors that slow shipments of development kits may have postponed the release of certain third-party games for the Switch 2. The GDC survey indicates that if tools become available, the rate of new game releases should keep growing.
Microsoft’s Strategy Shift
With Microsoft pushing its multi-platform strategy, some studios have even decided to cancel their plans to port games for Xbox consoles. The company’s recent Fiscal Year 2026 Q2 earnings report showed a 32% drop in hardware revenue compared to the previous year. With a decline in new users for the Series X|S, it seems less logical to allocate resources toward ports.
This trend is new, as highlighted by another survey question. About 40% of respondents reported using the Xbox Series X|S for a recent game or project, while the PS5 only slightly edged ahead at 47%.
Microsoft’s pivot away from hardware looks set to favor PC, PS5, and perhaps the Switch 2. First-party Xbox titles that were once exclusive to its consoles are now set to be released on Windows and other competing platforms.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply