PC game development surges in Steam Deck handheld era — But don't count Xbox and PlayStation out
PC game development surges in Steam Deck handheld era — But don't count Xbox and PlayStation out
The GDC survey also reveals more about layoffs, sheds light on which devs are using AI, and shows that Xbox is ahead of PlayStation in one key way.
In last year's survey, 66% of developers reported working on games for PC, while this year's number is significantly higher at 80%. In comparison, 38% of developers said they were working to put their game on PlayStation while 34% said they were developing for Xbox.
Now, GDC clarifies that "Steam Deck" was not specifically listed as a platform option in the survey. However, when answering which platforms they were developing for, 44% of respondents who chose "Other" did mention "the Steam Deck as a platform they’re interested in," which potentially shows a significant focus on Valve's handheld.
the steam deck sits in a pretty decent position long term because the switch 2 has roughly similar performance levels as it. so developers would have double the reason to get a game working at said performance level.
They'll also have potentially more exposure, as many other companies have and will be coming out with SteamOS handhelds of their own. So if anyone had to choose, it might make more sense to skip the Switch 2.
Nintendo has moved over 140 million Switch consoles. The Switch 2 might become more, or less successful, but let's just conservatively assume they'll only sell half as many this time around.
Last time I checked, the entire Deck-like category amounted to some seven-digit number of sold devices. The idea that anyone targeting that level of performance is going to skip the Switch 2… is wildly unrealistic.
Also dedicated gpus are getting expensive and I think PC gamers are going to need to game on integrated gpus as Ai will use all the dedicated ones.
How many of them are indie developers and how many do AAA? (Edit: The article says "Something to remember here is that the majority of devs are indie developers rather than larger AAA studios.") I think one of the biggest contributors to this is that supporting Steam Deck is much easier thanks to Proton, especially if they already have a Windows version. And the extra exposure they get through the Steam store and various articles and forums by having a Steam Deck version.
My thoughts exactly, it's much easier and cheaper to make your first game for PC
I think if/when valve release the SD2, development will pick up even more. And now Lenovo is in the game. I think we are good, folks.
I wanted to shit on Lenovo because when I bought my laptop last year they had no Linux laptops (anymore) and specifically an article on how to install Linux links to one that just explains what an OS is… but I actually double checked before posting and it’s looking promising! There’s a list of “best laptops for Linux” including the Mr Moneybags version of mine, and a bunch of FAQ that looks very much not Microsoft approved. So that’s a good sign.
"... Don't count XBox and PlayStation out"
Article proceeds to list item after item of damning news for Xbox and PlayStation. Lol.
- 80% of developers target PC vs much smaller numbers targeting anything else
- SteamDeck puts up substantial numbers, when left off the survey, as a write-in comment option
If Valve re-releases a "Steam Machine" console, Microsoft and Sony can look forward to their next console sitting next to the Atari Jaguar and Nintendo Virtual Boy on museum shelves.
Edit: What Sony could do is release PlayStation hardware that runs Linux and Steam. I would pay a premium for their hardware (including their best in class controllers) running software I already trust.