ReportPerforce
State of Game Development & Design Report 2023
1 Jan 202322 pages~16 min full read
Talent acquisition and retention has overtaken funding as the industry's primary challenge, cited by 32% of developers as their leading hurdle.
Development velocity is a critical issue for AAA studios, with 49% of respondents identifying time-related bottlenecks and lengthy build times as their greatest operational obstacle.
Unreal Engine is the industry's leading game engine with 57% usage, while Perforce Helix Core has become the standard for version control, utilized by 73% of developers.
Interest in immersive technology has waned, as developer engagement in VR projects dropped from 28% in 2022 to 13% in 2023.
PC remains the dominant development platform at 90% usage, with 45% of studios now choosing to self-publish their titles.
Generative AI is identified as the most anticipated technological advancement, while the industry is simultaneously shifting focus toward reducing 'crunch' culture and prioritizing original gameplay over aggressive monetization.
The 2023 State of Game Development & Design Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends, technological preferences, and operational hurdles facing the global gaming industry. Based on an annual survey of creators ranging from indie developers to AAA studios, the findings highlight a significant shift in industry priorities. While funding was previously the primary concern for developers, talent acquisition and retention have emerged as the leading challenge in 2023, cited by 32% of respondents. This labor shortage is compounded by development velocity issues, particularly for AAA studios, where 49% of respondents identify time-related bottlenecks—such as lengthy build times—as their greatest obstacle.
The geographic and sectoral scope of the data reveals a consolidation toward established markets and platforms. Despite previous forecasts suggesting a surge in immersive technology, interest in AR and VR has declined sharply, with only 13% of developers currently working on VR projects compared to 28% the previous year. PC remains the dominant platform, utilized by 90% of developers, while 45% of studios now opt for self-publishing, frequently utilizing Steam for distribution.
Technologically, the industry shows a clear preference for specific toolsets. Unreal Engine remains the most popular game engine at 57%, while Unity saw a significant drop in usage. Perforce Helix Core has solidified its position as the industry standard for version control, used by 73% of respondents. Looking forward, the report identifies generative AI as the most anticipated technological advancement, with creators expecting it to revolutionize the creative process. Simultaneously, there is a growing industry-wide push for improved work-life balance, reduced "crunch" culture, and a shift away from profit-driven monetization models in favor of original gameplay experiences.
