To ensure financial viability, 70% of studios now integrate monetization and LiveOps within the first 30 days of development, contributing to a 33% increase in average game lifespans.
See it on page 46Development efficiency has accelerated, with 62% of indie developers now shipping titles in under a year by utilizing premade assets and reducing average developer hours.
See it on page 5Monetization models are shifting toward a balance between ad-supported structures and in-app purchases, supported by a 27% rise in battle pass adoption.
See it on page 31Mobile gaming daily active users have grown by 8%, even as the industry sees a slight decline in the number of paying players.
See it on page 29Large studios have increased multiplatform development by 16%, while emerging markets like Kazakhstan are driving a 15.7% year-over-year increase in total game builds.
See it on page 17Industry success is increasingly dependent on shifting from simple user acquisition to maintaining long-term player relationships through community building and real-time operational updates.
See it on page 47The global gaming industry in 2023 is defined by a strategic shift toward development efficiency and long-term player retention. Studios are increasingly prioritizing speed to market, with 62% of indie developers now shipping titles in under a year. This acceleration is largely fueled by the widespread adoption of premade assets and a reduction in average developer hours. While large studios are expanding their reach through a 16% increase in multiplatform development, indie studios remain predominantly focused on single-platform desktop releases. Simultaneously, there is a notable pivot toward mobile production, where global daily active users have risen by 8% despite a slight decline in the number of paying players.
Monetization strategies are evolving to address this shift in player behavior, moving toward a balanced model where ad-supported structures and in-app purchases hold nearly equal weight. To ensure financial viability, 70% of studios now integrate monetization and LiveOps within the first 30 days of development. This early focus on the product lifecycle has contributed to a 33% increase in the average game lifespan, supported by frequent core content updates and a 27% rise in battle pass adoption. Emerging markets, particularly in regions like Kazakhstan, are driving a 15.7% year-over-year increase in total game builds, signaling a lower barrier to entry for new creators.
Looking forward, the industry is embracing generative AI and user-generated content to streamline workflows and deepen engagement. The rise of "hybrid-casual" mobile games reflects a broader trend of blending accessible mechanics with sophisticated retention loops. Success in the current economic climate requires rigorous scope control and a transition from simple user acquisition to the maintenance of long-term player relationships. By leveraging achievements, community building, and real-time operational updates, developers are successfully extending the relevance and profitability of their titles in an increasingly competitive global market.
