Reader Wall Survey provides an In-depth View on Current Game Industry Trends
The most recent survey by the Reader Wall, conducted between October 11 and October 29, 2023, provides crucial insight into the current prevailing mindset and trends in the gaming industry. This informative study was drawn from the contributions of over 3,000 developers, thus providing comprehensive insights into the industry’s state.
PC Continues to Shine and AI’s Promising Growth
Amongst the significant findings, a substantial 66% of developers are seen to be primarily targeting PC platforms, which substantiates the continued strength of the PC gaming market. This growth in PC gaming is in conjunction with the expansion of platforms like Steam. However, Linux appears to be lagging, with only 7% of developers concentrating on its platform, which signals a potential area needing attention or growth.
Another considerable growth factor is the potential of generative AI. Approximately 49% of developers are either already weaving it into their work or are aware of colleagues using it. Its application isn’t limited to any specific department, and it’s being utilized in areas such as finance and programming. Interestingly, independent developers show more inclination to this tool, standing at 37%, compared to the larger AAA studios’ modest 21%.
Industry’s Mixed Feeling Towards AI
On the flip side, attitudes towards generative AI within the industry are not unanimously positive. Around 21% of developers showcase a positive perception, while 57% have mixed feelings. A minor 18% hold a negative view, 1% sees no effect, while 3% remains uncertain. With an immense 84% expressing worries, ethical questions around using generative AI are a significant concern.
Layoffs and Job Nature Impacting AI’s Reception
Insights on the repercussions of layoffs on developers also emerged through the survey. A considerable one-third of participants acknowledged the impact of layoffs, and over half shared their worries about prospective job cuts. These socio-economic factors could potentially steer the perception and embracement of generative AI in game development.
The survey interestingly mapped developer sentiments on AI against their job types. It implies that those in technical roles are more likely to have a positive reception compared to their peers in more creative roles. This variance in perspectives within the industry further contributes to the intricacy surrounding generative AI’s adoption.
