The Game Developers Conference 2024 (GDC 2024) State of the Game Industry survey results have been released, and while there’s a focus on AI and layoffs, it seems developers and fans have the same worries in common.
GDC 2024 touts itself as the world’s largest professional game industry event and has now officially released the results of the 12th annual State of the Game Industry Survey. The survey is intended to shine a light on industry-wide concerns ahead of the official Games Developer Conference, and this year, it seems the developers and fans are sharing the same concerns. 2023 was a year filled to the brim with layoffs and AI advancements, so the GDC 2024 survey has effectively reflected that. With over 3,000 game developers who took part in the survey, 80% are concerned about the ethical use of AI.
GDC 2024 State of the Game Industry Survey Notable Trend Focuses
- 4 in 5 developers have ethical concerns about Generative AI in video game development and elsewhere. Those working on the business side of things said it would maintain a positive impact, while those on the creative side said it would have a negative impact.
- 51% of companies have instituted a policy of some kind regarding the use of Generative AI, with 21% of AAA devs saying their companies have banned them, versus 9% of Indie companies saying they removed the use of generative AI.
- 56% of developers are worried about future layoffs, and January has already started troubling layoffs with Thunderful Group’s announcement.
- 26% of AAA developers have games being adapted into movies or shows.
- As accessibility continues to grow in importance, the industry saw a 26% increase in games with accessibility measures.
- Younger devs are 157% more likely than older devs to support unionization.
While the full survey report can be found on the official Game Developers Conference 2024 website, fans should also note the GDC 2024 will take place from March 18 until March 22 in San Francisco, CA. Fans can find more information on attendance on the website as well.
