Developer Satisfaction Survey 2019: Industry Trends and Future Outlook Report

Key insights

6 slides

Growth projection

Most industry professionals project moderate to considerable growth for the sector.

90 percent of industry professionals project this growth over the next three years. This is primarily driven by investments in PC and console platforms.

Page 24 of the report — See it on page 24

Labor sentiment

Nearly half of the game development workforce supports unionization.

This support is seen as a mechanism to address professional grievances.

Like a team coming together to set ground rules for a fair game.

Unionization support. Nearly 50 percent of the game development workforce supports unionization as a mechanism to address professional grievances and improve workplace standards.

See it on page 38

Nearly 50%

of the game development workforce supports unionization.

1 / 6

Ask AI about this report

Summary

The 2019 game industry landscape reflects a period of significant transition, marked by a tension between technological innovation and systemic workplace challenges. While the industry demonstrates resilience through a strong focus on game design, storytelling, and cultural localization, developers report a complex environment characterized by declining job satisfaction and growing pessimism regarding the industry's current trajectory. Despite these internal concerns, there remains a robust long-term outlook, with 90 percent of professionals projecting moderate to considerable growth over the next three years, primarily driven by continued investment in PC and console platforms.

Workplace culture remains a central point of contention, as the industry grapples with the legacy of mandatory crunch and persistent issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. Although public perception of gaming has improved since 2015, developers remain acutely aware of how working conditions and internal culture influence the industry's reputation. This awareness has catalyzed a notable shift in labor sentiment, with nearly half of the workforce expressing support for unionization as a viable mechanism to address ongoing professional grievances and improve workplace standards.

Ultimately, the industry is defined by a workforce that is highly innovative yet increasingly polarized. While core developers maintain a commitment to their craft, the prevalence of negative sentiment regarding job opportunities and industry stability suggests a need for structural reform. Future success depends on the industry’s ability to foster more inclusive environments and address the underlying causes of developer burnout. As the sector moves toward the next cycle of development, the prioritization of diverse perspectives and equitable labor practices will be essential to sustaining long-term growth and maintaining the creative vitality of the global gaming market.