It’s amusing to think back on the times when PC gaming was considered a dying breed. Time and again, that sentiment has been proven wrong. According to the 2025 State of the Game Industry Report from the Game Developers Conference (GDC), interest in PC game development is at an all-time high. A remarkable 80% of developers surveyed are actively making games for PC, more than double the number of those working on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S titles.
This marks a significant leap from 2024’s survey, where 66% of respondents were developing for PC. At the time, GDC labeled the platform as “dominant,” but this year’s numbers have pushed PC development into an even higher echelon. By comparison, only 38% of developers are working on PlayStation 5 projects, while Xbox Series X/S isn’t far behind at 34%.
Steady Growth Over the Years
The PC’s rise as the preferred platform for game developers has been a consistent trend. In 2020, 56% of developers reported working on PC titles, a figure that inched up to 58% in 2021, 63% in 2022, and 65% in 2023. The interest has surged this year, with 74% of developers expressing a desire to work on PC games—a sharp jump from 62% in the previous year.
Why the Shift?
While the exact reasons behind this spike remain unclear, the report suggests the Steam Deck may have played a pivotal role. Valve’s handheld PC has garnered significant attention, even though it wasn’t specifically categorized as a platform in the survey. Nearly half of the respondents (44%) listed Steam Deck as a platform of interest, showcasing its influence in the industry.
Another key factor could be accessibility. Unlike consoles, which require specialized development kits, creating games for PC is relatively straightforward. From learning programming languages to publishing games on Steam (for a modest $100 fee), PC development offers an approachable and efficient route for creators. In 2024 alone, nearly 19,000 new games launched on Steam, further solidifying its status as the go-to platform for aspiring and seasoned developers alike.
Regional Bias in the Data
While the survey highlights PC’s popularity, it’s worth noting that the results lean heavily toward Western developers. A majority (58%) of respondents are based in the United States, with additional representation from the UK, Canada, and Australia. Regions like China—where mobile gaming dominates—are underrepresented, as are Japanese developers. This Western-centric focus inevitably shapes the survey results, potentially downplaying the global appeal of mobile game development.
Challenges Amid Growth
Despite PC’s growing prominence, the industry is grappling with significant challenges. The survey revealed that 1 in 10 respondents experienced layoffs in 2024, and 4% reported that their studios had shut down entirely. This paints a sobering backdrop to the platform’s growth, highlighting the volatility of the gaming industry.
Looking Ahead
Even with these hurdles, it’s heartening to see PC development thriving. The platform’s accessibility, combined with the innovative potential of tools like Steam Deck, makes it a fertile ground for creativity. As the industry evolves, one thing is clear: PC gaming isn’t just alive—it’s leading the charge.
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