The landscape of game development has undergone a dramatic shift, with PC platform emerging as the undisputed leader in developer preference. Recent findings from the Game Developers Conference's 2025 State of the Game Industry report reveal a significant transformation in how developers approach platform selection for their projects.
PC Development's Unprecedented Growth
The surge in PC game development has reached a historic high, with 80% of developers now creating games for the platform. This represents a remarkable increase from 66% in 2024, and an even more striking rise from 56% in 2020. The platform's dominance becomes even more apparent when compared to console development, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S attracting only 38% and 34% of developers respectively.
PC Development Growth Timeline:
- 2020: 56%
- 2021: 58%
- 2022: 63%
- 2023: 65%
- 2024: 66%
- 2025: 80%
Steam Deck's Influence
The dramatic increase in PC development may be partially attributed to the Steam Deck's growing influence in the gaming ecosystem. While not explicitly categorized as a separate platform in the survey, 44% of developers specifically mentioned Steam Deck as a platform of interest when asked about additional development targets. This suggests Valve's handheld gaming PC has become a significant factor in development decisions.
Web Browser Gaming Renaissance
An unexpected trend has emerged in the form of renewed interest in browser-based game development. The sector has seen an increase to 16% of developers working on browser games, up from 10% in the previous year. This revival is driven by advances in web technologies that enable more sophisticated gaming experiences without requiring downloads or installations.
Developer Platform Preferences (2025):
- PC: 80%
- PlayStation 5: 38%
- Xbox Series X/S: 34%
- Web Browser: 16%
Development Accessibility
The PC platform's dominance can be partially attributed to its accessibility for developers. With minimal entry barriers and straightforward distribution channels like Steam, which saw nearly 19,000 new game launches in 2024, developers can bring their creations to market with relative ease. This accessibility has made PC an attractive starting point for both independent and established developers.
Survey Demographics:
- US Respondents: 58%
- UK, Canada, Australia Combined: 16%
- Total Survey Participants: >3,000 developers
Industry Challenges
Despite the positive trends in PC development, the gaming industry faces significant headwinds. The survey revealed concerning statistics about industry stability, with 10% of respondents experiencing layoffs in 2024 and 4% reporting complete studio closures. These figures highlight the volatile nature of game development, even as the PC platform continues to strengthen its position.