GDC Trends Report 2026: Surge in generative AI adoption poses "infrastructure problem" for developers

At the 2026 GDC Festival of Gaming, the second annual Trends Report was unveiled, shedding light on the industry's latest tendencies.

The event spotlighted five significant developments: the increasing use of generative AI, a rise in co-development, expansion of dual monetization strategies in mobile gaming, difficulties in obtaining funding and publishing deals, and shifting advocacy and accessibility issues.

The report highlighted a broad endorsement for incorporating generative AI in tasks like planning, notably among seasoned experts and neurodivergent professionals. It was emphasized that AI should enhance rather than take over the developmental process, despite concerns about job reductions. Furthermore, agentic AI could potentially cut costs in AAA game development by handling coding tasks, debugging, and customer support.

Another focal point was co-development. According to the 2026 State of the Game Industry Report, 6% of studio employees are part of dedicated co-development firms, with many others engaging in co-development alongside core projects.

Co-development offers teams the chance to work on substantial game elements and allow for more creative input, providing a preferable alternative to outsourcing. Nonetheless, as this practice becomes more widespread, it has increased competition for securing lasting partnerships among new teams.

In mobile gaming, the report identified a surge in dual monetization—you'll find in-game advertisements paired with in-app purchases (IAPs). The rise of direct-to-consumer models is also noted, following a legal decision disallowing Apple from charging fees for purchases via external links.

Last year, industry experts faced challenges in procuring funding or connecting with publishers. Some studios are now looking at self-publishing to retain creative influence and avoid higher charges from publishers, though it lacks promotional and QA services typically provided by publishers. The self-advocacy trend also pointed out limited access to financial support and exposure, an issue described as an "infrastructure problem."

Conversations about anti-DEI policy impacts and merit-based system shifts suggested these might overlook marginalized developers' challenges, notably those identifying as LGBTQ+. Ageism concerns were voiced by veteran developers who face pressure to move into management or are perceived as too experienced for creative roles.

A mental health survey in the report revealed that a mere 20% of developers view their mental wellbeing positively, while an overwhelming 94% have experienced burnout symptoms.