Has the Video Game Industry Hit Rock Bottom and Is a Rebound Imminent?

Following a dismal 2023 and a rocky start to 2024, concerns about the gaming industry's future are rampant. However, a panel at Reboot Develop Blue 2024 suggested that the industry has reached its lowest point and is now poised for a comeback. The panel, consisting of Jonas Antonsson, Anders Leicht Rohde, Jussi Tähtinen, and Antonio Pašalić, noted that despite the challenges, including over 15,000 announced layoffs, the industry is likely to experience growth. The panelists pointed out that while many people are leaving the industry, new independent studios are emerging, and some regions, such as Serbia, are experiencing increased investment. They also discussed the potential impact of AI on the industry, with the general consensus being that it will simplify processes and create new job opportunities. The panel agreed that the market needs to support independent game development and that the indie scene is primed for significant growth. According to the panel, the industry has become more cautious, but this could be an opportunity for the industry to grow in a more rational way, with a focus on creativity and innovation rather than external investment pressures.