Labor organization is gaining significant momentum, with 55 percent of developers supporting unionization and nearly 25 percent of workplaces actively discussing collective bargaining.
See it on page 27Work-life balance has improved, as 60 percent of developers now report working 40 hours per week or less.
See it on page 19Despite progress in working hours, a majority of studios have failed to effectively address internal reports of workplace toxicity and misconduct.
See it on page 26Developers are increasingly seeking autonomy from platform holders, evidenced by 34 percent of the industry supporting Epic Games in its legal battle against Apple.
See it on page 24Accessibility is a growing priority, with 39 percent of developers incorporating inclusive design features into their projects.
See it on page 13Industry interest in speculative technologies like the metaverse, cryptocurrency, and NFTs remains low due to concerns over environmental impact, ethics, and long-term viability.
See it on page 11PC remains the primary development platform and the PlayStation 5 is the leading console, while developer interest in mobile gaming has declined over the last decade.
See it on page 4The global game development landscape in 2022 reflects a period of significant structural and cultural transition. PC remains the primary development platform, while the PlayStation 5 maintains its position as the leading console choice. Conversely, mobile development has experienced a decade-long decline in developer interest. Emerging hardware like the Steam Deck and PlayStation VR2 continues to capture attention, yet the industry remains deeply skeptical of speculative technologies such as the metaverse, cryptocurrency, and NFTs. These concerns are rooted in anxieties regarding environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and the long-term viability of blockchain-based models.
Workplace culture and labor dynamics have emerged as central themes, marked by a measurable improvement in work-life balance as 60 percent of developers now maintain a 40-hour work week or less. Despite this progress, the industry struggles with systemic issues, as a majority of studios have failed to adequately address internal reports of misconduct and toxicity. This environment has fueled a growing movement toward collective bargaining, with 55 percent of developers supporting unionization and nearly one-quarter of workplaces engaging in active discussions regarding labor organization.
The industry continues to prioritize accessibility, with a record 39 percent of developers integrating inclusive design features into their projects. However, broader efforts toward diversity and social activism remain inconsistent across various studios. Furthermore, the workforce remains predominantly male and early-career, highlighting a demographic imbalance that persists alongside ongoing tensions between developers and major platform holders. As evidenced by the 34 percent of developers who support Epic Games in its legal conflict with Apple, there is a clear desire for greater autonomy and a shift in the power dynamics that currently govern the digital distribution ecosystem.
