GDC Industry Survey Reveals 35% of Game Developers Focusing on XR Development

In the world of gaming, where innovative technologies continually reshape the landscape, XR development has shown a remarkable resilience despite the challenges facing the broader industry. This steadiness is highlighted in the annual State of the Industry Survey by the Game Developer Conference (GDC), revealing that a solid 35% of developers are still actively working on XR projects.

Set in the bustling atmosphere of San Francisco, the GDC is a pivotal gathering for game developers. It’s a hub where studios come to not only flaunt their latest creations but also forge connections and glean cutting-edge knowledge from leading platform holders and gaming companies. Although this conference happens every March, the survey behind these statistics is conducted online towards the year’s end, ensuring the data remains fresh. Notably, this year’s survey included specific questions about the creation of XR content, unearthing some fascinating information about the state of the industry.

When it comes to platforms, developers showed a marked interest in Meta Quest, with 63% expressing curiosity, followed by 45% for SteamVR, and 26% for Apple Vision Pro. PlayStation VR/2 attracted 25% interest, while Apple’s ARKit for smartphones captured the attention of 12% of respondents. These preferences, however, don’t always align with development efforts, as many have taken to crafting experiences for Quest (59%), SteamVR (31%), and PSVR 2 (16%).

Interestingly, while there’s a significant interest in Apple Vision Pro, with 26% showing enthusiasm, only a modest 8% are actually diving into development for Apple’s ambitious mixed reality device, the ‘spatial computer.’ This disconnect underscores the challenges and the cautious approach developers take when embarking on projects for new platforms.

Though GDC can’t definitively compare these figures with past data due to this being the inaugural inclusion of XR-specific questions, organizers suggest that the developer numbers have remained steady, as have the preferred platforms. This assessment draws from more informal polling methods employed in prior years.

Amidst the turbulence marked by studio closures and layoffs across both traditional and XR-focused sectors since 2023, the consistent interest in XR development is a beacon of hope. Even with a relatively smaller install base for XR games and experiences compared to traditional gaming platforms, the commitment to XR indicates a belief in its potential. This persistence is heartening, suggesting that developers are not solely chasing guaranteed successes but also betting on the promising future of XR.

We anticipate diving deeper into these insights at this year’s GDC, scheduled from March 17th to the 22nd at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. This event promises to be an exciting convergence of ideas and innovations.