Unity: "The more platforms your games are on, the more opportunities for discovery" | GDC 2024

As the Game Developers Conference kicks off in San Francisco, the gaming industry is facing significant challenges, including rising costs and the ever-changing obstacles between games and potential players. According to Marc Whitten, Unity's chief technology and product officer, the industry is mature, but it's becoming increasingly difficult for new games to break in. The 2024 Unity Gaming Report highlights five key trends: the adoption of AI tools, diversification of revenue approaches, shipping to multiple platforms, prioritization of multiplayer games, and building stronger brands through extended engagement. Whitten notes that these trends are accelerating, and smaller studios are catching up with larger ones. Discoverability remains a significant problem, with the number of games available on console and mobile devices making it harder for games to stand out. Whitten suggests that forming a community for a game before its launch is crucial, and that newer business models, such as Game Pass, may create new opportunities for discovery. The report also highlights the growth of multiplatform games, with a 40% increase in Unity-made games between 2021 and 2023. Whitten believes that the more platforms a game is available on, the more opportunities there are for discovery. The industry is also seeing a shift towards more efficient processes, with 96% of studios spending three months or less on prototypes. The use of AI is becoming more prevalent, with 62% of studios surveyed using AI in their workflows, primarily for quicker prototyping and worldbuilding. However, there is still some resistance to the use of AI, with 38% of studios remaining reluctant to adopt the technology.