The latest State of the Game Industry report from the GDC reveals that a notable 33% of AAA developers surveyed are engaged in creating live service games, highlighting a persisting trend despite mixed feelings about this genre.

Key Findings from the Survey

• Large Budget Projects: 16% of respondents are working on live service games, indicating that these projects are typically larger in scope, handled by bigger studios.
• Reservations on Future Releases: Interestingly, while some developers express enthusiasm, only 13% indicated interest in creating live service games for their next releases due to concerns over player engagement and market saturation.

One notable comment comes from Joe Tung, a former producer for Halo and Destiny, who stated that the live service model is “much better for developers and players… it allows for long-term thinking regarding player satisfaction.”

Conversely, concerns surrounding declining player interest and potential burnout among developers have also been voiced, reflecting the fragile nature of the current market.

Conclusion

While the recent setbacks, including studio closures, showcase the risks associated with live service development, the continued investment by major players suggests that this trend is not fading away anytime soon. Final considerations of the GDC survey remind stakeholders about the predominantly Western background of the respondents, prompting a need for a broader representation in understanding the true global impact of these trends.