Is the mobile gaming crash over? After a year of shrinking revenues, funding droughts, and mass layoffs, many predicted the end of the mobile gaming boom. But a new report reveals a surprising surge of optimism among developers, suggesting the industry may be poised for a comeback.
The Publisher Perception Report
A comprehensive survey of 454 senior mobile game developers from the US, Spain, and France has shed light on the current state of the industry:
• 51% believe the wave of layoffs is nearly over
• 83% have successfully secured funding for game development, launch, or marketing
This data suggests a renewed confidence in the sector’s future, despite recent challenges.
New Titles on the Horizon
Perhaps the most encouraging finding is that 81% of experienced mobile game developers are actively working on new titles. This surge in creativity demonstrates the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
Development Stages and Emerging Trends
• 9% of developers have reached the soft launch stage
• Hybrid-casual games are seen as the most viable (43%), followed by casual games (34%)
Publisher Relationships: A Mixed Bag
The survey reveals complex attitudes towards publishers:
• 34% of developers view publishers as valuable partners
• 27% feel publishers take more than they give
• Developers rate their collaborations with publishers at 7.7/10 on average
These findings highlight the need for publishers to demonstrate clear value in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Emerging Markets and Localization
Developers are eyeing new opportunities:
• Latin America is viewed as the most attractive emerging market
• Southeast Asia is recognized for producing quality homegrown content
• 93% of developers emphasize the importance of localizing and culturalizing gaming content
Embracing New Technologies
The industry is rapidly adopting cutting-edge technologies:
• 84% of developers are incorporating AI into their processes
• 34% are utilizing blockchain technology
• 90% believe AAA-quality gaming on mobile devices is crucial for the future
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the optimism, developers face significant hurdles:
• Access to talent remains a primary concern, even in the wake of layoffs
• Market saturation and discoverability issues persist
• Rising user acquisition costs pose challenges
• 67% of developers express concern about job security
The Road Ahead
While challenges remain, the mobile gaming industry shows remarkable resilience. David Fernández Remesal, CEO of Sandsoft, emphasizes the enduring positivity among developers:
“If you take one thing from our Publisher Perception Report, it should be that positivity and optimism endure among developers despite obvious challenges. In the quest to make fun and engaging experiences, nothing can be more important than that”.
David Fernández Remesal
