A new survey conducted by the Game Developers Conference (GDC) has revealed that twice as many developers express interest in creating games for the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Nintendo Switch 2 compared to the Xbox Series X/S.The annual State of the Game Industry survey, which reached over 2,300 game industry professionals, shows a significant shift in developer preferences towards Sony and Nintendo's platforms.
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videogameschronicle.comAccording to the survey results, 40% of respondents indicated they were interested in developing games for the PS5, while 39% expressed interest in the Switch 2.In contrast, only 20% of developers selected the Xbox Series X/S as a platform of interest.
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videogameschronicle.comThis striking difference illustrates a growing disinterest among developers in Microsoft's console, which is now seen as closer in popularity to platforms like Android and iOS, rather than its competitors.
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videogameschronicle.comThe survey also highlighted that 80% of developers are interested in developing for PC, showing that it remains the most popular platform among game creators.
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videogameschronicle.comThe results suggest a notable change in attitude toward Xbox, especially considering that 40% of survey participants reported that their last project was released on Xbox Series X/S, compared to 47% on PS5.
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videogameschronicle.comFactors influencing developers' platform choices include audience reach, business model success, and discoverability.A substantial 78% of respondents cited audience reach as the top consideration when selecting a platform for their games.
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videogameschronicle.comThis focus on audience engagement may explain the heightened interest in PS5 and Switch 2, both of which have established strong user bases.The GDC findings also indicate a shifting landscape in gaming, where platforms are increasingly viewed as avenues for broader multiplatform strategies.Xbox has been repositioning itself to cater to a wider audience by making its first-party games available on various platforms, including PS5.Notably, titles like Fable and Forza Horizon 6 are confirmed for simultaneous releases on both Xbox and PlayStation consoles in 2026.
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videogameschronicle.comThis trend towards multiplatform gaming is not only evident in developer preferences but also reflects changes in consumer demands.Gamers are increasingly looking for flexibility in how they access and play games, leading to a more competitive environment for console manufacturers.
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videogameschronicle.comIn addition to the interest in PS5 and Switch 2, the GDC survey showed that 40% of developers are also keen on creating games for the Steam Deck, which has emerged as a strong contender in the handheld gaming space.
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videogameschronicle.comThe Steam Deck's appeal is comparable to that of the Switch 2, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the current gaming landscape.As the industry evolves, developers are likely to continue reassessing their platform choices based on market trends and player preferences.With the GDC survey shedding light on these changing dynamics, it will be interesting to see how the competition between consoles plays out in the coming years.
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videogameschronicle.comUltimately, the findings from GDC's survey serve as a barometer for the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting not only the platforms developers are most excited about but also the factors that drive those decisions.With PS5 and Switch 2 clearly ahead in developer interest, Microsoft may need to rethink its strategy to attract more creators to the Xbox platform in the future.
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videogameschronicle.comthegamebusiness.comIn conclusion, the GDC survey underscores a significant trend in the gaming industry where developers are increasingly favoring PlayStation and Nintendo platforms over Xbox.As the landscape continues to shift, the focus on audience engagement and multiplatform strategies will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of game development.
