# The Growth of PC Game Development: An Examination of the 2025 Boom
The gaming sector is well-acquainted with fluctuations in platform popularity, yet the latest insights from Informa’s *State of the Game Industry* survey indicate a remarkable trend: PC game development is witnessing a remarkable upswing. The survey shows that 80% of game developers are currently focused on PC projects, a rise from 66% just a year prior. This represents the highest recorded percentage for PC development since tracking began in 2018. The results underscore the increasing preeminence of the PC as a development platform and its lasting allure within a continually changing gaming environment.
## A Milestone in PC Development
The yearly *State of the Game Industry* survey, conducted with Omdia, surveyed over 3,000 professionals in the gaming industry in anticipation of the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC). The findings indicate a substantial rise in the proportion of developers engaged in PC projects, with 80% of respondents currently involved in PC game development. This is a significant leap from the 56–66% range seen in former years.
The survey also highlighted a growth in developer enthusiasm for the PC platform, with 74% expressing excitement for PC projects, compared to 62% last year. This simultaneous rise in active development and interest emphasizes a wider trend: the PC is not just a fundamental part of the gaming industry but a flourishing center for innovation and creativity.
## Rationale Behind the PC’s Preeminence
The PC has long been a preferred choice for game developers, consistently outshining consoles and mobile devices in terms of active projects. While console and mobile engagement ranges from 12% to 36% of developers, the PC’s adaptability, scalability, and global reach make it a lasting selection. Informa’s report describes this year’s increase as a “passion for PC development surging,” reinforcing the platform’s leadership.
The statistics also resonate with broader market movements. Steam, the leading PC gaming platform, recorded an extraordinary 18,974 individual game releases in 2024, as reported by SteamDB. This marks a 32% growth from 2023 and highlights the rising interest in PC gaming from both developers and gamers. However, it’s notable that not all Steam releases fulfill Valve’s minimum engagement criteria for features such as Badges and Trading Cards, indicating a blend of high-quality titles and smaller, less-refined projects.
## The Impact of the Steam Deck
A potential catalyst for the boom in PC game development is the rising popularity of Valve’s Steam Deck. This portable gaming device has revolutionized the way players experience PC games, offering the ability to enjoy favorite titles on the move. While Valve has confirmed “multiple millions” in sales, industry analysts estimate that between 3 million and 4 million Steam Deck units have been sold by late 2023, a substantial rise from 1 million units reported in 2022.
The success of the Steam Deck has likely encouraged developers to emphasize PC projects, as the device connects traditional PC gaming with the portability of consoles like the Nintendo Switch. The opportunity to play PC games on the couch, in bed, or even while traveling has widened the attraction of the platform, appealing to both developers and gamers.
## Expanding Market for PC Gaming
The increase in PC game development reflects a broader trend that underscores the platform’s resilience and growth. DFC Intelligence indicates there are nearly 2 billion PC gamers globally, solidifying its position as one of the largest gaming markets. Steam, a major player in the PC gaming ecosystem, recently recorded 39 million concurrent players, further highlighting the platform’s extensive popularity.
The versatility of the PC is another key element driving its success. In contrast to consoles, which are bounded by specific hardware generations, PCs offer various configurations that cater to both budget-conscious gamers and those seeking top-tier performance. This flexibility enables developers to craft games that can appeal to a wide audience, ranging from casual players to hardcore enthusiasts.
## Obstacles and Considerations
While the data suggests a positive outlook for PC gaming, it is essential to consider potential challenges. The *State of the Game Industry* survey derives from a self-selected group of developers, mainly those present at the GDC. This demographic may not fully represent the global game development community, which encompasses hobbyists and professionals outside traditional industry centers.
Moreover, the rise in PC game development might be influenced by temporary factors, such as the excitement surrounding new hardware like the Steam Deck. There is also a possibility that this year’s data reflects an atypical sample, as all major platforms (except the Xbox Series X/S) experienced slight increases in developer engagement.
## The Horizon of PC Gaming
Notwithstanding these considerations, the 2025 survey reaffirms the PC’s role as a cornerstone of the gaming industry. The platform’s adaptability to emerging trends, such as portable gaming and advanced graphical capabilities, guarantees its sustained significance. As developers continue to explore the opportunities presented by
