According to a report, 77% of developers anticipate growth in the gaming industry by 2025

According to a report by Metaplay, 77% of game developers foresee industry expansion by 2025, with 90% of game studios intending to launch at least one new game. The "Game Development Renaissance" report gathered insights from 150 senior Unity developers across the UK and US, researched by Atomik Research.

The majority of participants in the study are positive about growth in the gaming sector this year. More than two-thirds anticipate a reduction in layoffs and studio closures, with nearly three-quarters expecting an uptick in acquisitions and exits.

In terms of financial backing, 77% predict that there will be more funding options for startups owing to a rise in crowdfunding, investment from angel investors, and support from community-backed ventures. Metaplay highlights that this trend allows "for more creative control, flexibility, and early community support."

The report also reveals that 63% of developers surveyed believe the cost of game creation will decrease this year due to advancements in AI technology.

Furthermore, over one-third of developers consider cross-platform functionality critical for delivering live service games, with 71% predicting a rise in demand for cross-play.

Regarding live service games, 76% of respondents expect this area to enhance revenue, with 38% indicating that "regular content and updates" are crucial for launching a successful live operations game.

Metaplay co-founder and Chief Product Officer Teemu Haila remarked, "Our findings have shown that live ops, cross-platform development, and external technology are at the heart of the game development renaissance." He added, "This era signifies that studios can achieve growth through smarter tooling, smaller teams, and more refined strategies, rather than relying solely on increasing their workforce."