PC Gaming Surges: Developers Flock to Platform, Driven by Steam Deck and Accessibility
The purported demise of PC gaming has proven to be greatly exaggerated. According to the GDC's 2025 State of the Game Industry report, the platform's development has "skyrocketed," with 80% of surveyed developers actively creating games for PC.
This surge represents a significant increase from previous years, with PC solidifying its position as the dominant platform. In 2024, 66% of respondents reported developing for PC, while the percentage working on other platforms remains considerably lower (PlayStation 5: 38%, Xbox Series X/S: 34%).
Interest in PC development has also witnessed a substantial climb, reaching 74% of survey respondents, up from 62% in 2024. The GDC report attributes this growth to the rising popularity of Valve's Steam Deck, a device that combines PC and Mac gaming into a handheld format.
Accessibility is also believed to be a major factor in PC's appeal as a development platform. Its user-friendly nature, with a low barrier to entry, allows developers to create games more efficiently. The availability of distribution platforms like Steam, which boasts nearly 19,000 new game launches in 2024 alone, further contributes to PC's attractiveness.
Despite this positive trend, the GDC survey reveals that the industry faces challenges. One in ten respondents reported job loss in 2024, while 4% indicated studio closures.
In conclusion, PC gaming continues to thrive as the platform of choice for developers, driven by factors such as Steam Deck and accessibility. While the industry faces ongoing challenges, the dominance and growth potential of PC remain undeniable.