A new report from Sandsoft, in collaboration with Atomik Research shows that the majority of mobile developers are forging ahead with new projects.
The Publisher Perception Report (via GamesIndustry.biz), conducted between June 4 and June 10, 2024, provides insight into the strategies and concerns of 454 developers from the USA, Spain, and France.
A striking 81% of respondents are currently working on a new title, while 83% have successfully raised capital for game development, launch, or marketing.
Developers are predominantly in the early stages of their projects, with 47% engaged in prototype testing. Meanwhile, 9% have advanced to the soft launch phase. The hybrid-casual genre emerges as the most popular, with 43% of developers focusing on this blend of casual and core gameplay mechanics. Casual games follow closely, attracting 34% of developers.
AI Integration And Developer Concerns
According to the report, 84% of developers are leveraging AI in their projects, with 38% considering it a core component of their development process.
However, the optimism around AI and new projects is tempered by concerns about job security. Nearly half of the developers surveyed (49%) anticipate further layoffs in the industry, with many expressing anxiety about their own positions. The report notes that unionization is viewed positively by a significant portion of the workforce, as it may offer a safeguard against these uncertainties.
AAA Quality And The Mobile Experience
Despite the challenges, there is a strong consensus on the importance of delivering AAA-quality games on mobile platforms. An overwhelming 90% of developers believe that high-caliber games should be available on mobile devices, even though recent efforts, such as Resident Evil 7 on iOS, have faced commercial challenges.
The iOS version of Resident Evil 7 reportedly attracted only around 2,000 paying customers, showing the difficulty of translating traditional AAA success to the mobile arena.
Funding And Publisher Relations
Funding remains a critical factor in mobile game development. The report identifies:
Strategic investment (31%) and direct publisher funding (27%) as the most common sources of financial support.
34% of developers acknowledge that publishers provide valuable services.
However, there is a noticeable undercurrent of dissatisfaction. Just over a quarter of respondents feel that publishers "take more than they give," citing concerns over unfavorable deal terms, revenue sharing, and loss of creative control.
Regional strategies are also evolving, with developers showing a 50% higher likelihood of pursuing publishing deals in specific regions. Latin America, in particular, is seen as the most promising emerging market.
