Three Trends from Pocket Gamer Connects: 25/01/2024

The January 2024 Pocket Gamer Connects conference in London served as a bellwether for the global video games industry, highlighting a sector transitioning from the rapid growth of the pandemic era toward a more mature, albeit fragmented, state. The primary thesis suggests that the industry is currently navigating a period of reconstruction rather than immediate rebirth, characterized by a cautious "survive to '25" mentality as companies grapple with the lingering economic pressures of 2023, including inflation, high development costs, and reduced investor appetite.

Key findings from the event emphasize three major trends. First, the industry is experiencing a persistent hangover from previous years of over-exuberance, leading to ongoing layoffs and a more sober approach to business operations. Second, there is a strategic shift toward blurring boundaries, both between gaming platforms—with a record 15 of the top 100 grossing games now operating as cross-platform titles—and between developers and players. This is increasingly driven by the rise of user-generated content platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, as well as the strategic importance of social media discovery engines like TikTok.

Finally, the industry is demonstrating a newfound focus on regulation. Unlike previous years, where legal compliance was often treated as a secondary concern, there is now widespread awareness that policy, competition law, and online safety rules are mission-critical to long-term viability. The analysis concludes that while the industry faces significant structural challenges, this increased focus on maturity and regulatory awareness may ultimately foster a more sustainable and professionalized culture for the future. The insights are derived from industry observations, panel discussions, and market data presented during the conference.