Unity’s 2024 Gaming Report has identified five key trends in game development currently shaping the industry. These trends include a significant increase in multiplatform development and a strong focus on multiplayer features, as more studios strive to enhance audience engagement.
Indie developers, in particular, are leading the way in multiplatform development, with a remarkable 71% increase in the creation of multiplatform games over the past two years. The industry as a whole has also seen a 40% growth in multiplatform ambitions.
With the rise of multiplatform development, larger studios are now releasing more games across different platforms to expand their potential audience reach. The number of games launched on three or more platforms between 2022 and 2023 increased by 34%, according to Unity’s report.
Strategic Planning for Multiplatform Success
The report reveals that out of the 300 studios surveyed, 55% begin planning their multiplatform strategies during the preproduction phase. Smaller to mid-market studios are more likely to initiate this planning from the early stages, while some studios focus on other platforms once development on a primary platform is well underway.
Furthermore, the choice of platforms for game development is influenced by the game’s genre. For example, 38% of developers working on RPGs in 2023 were developing multiplatform games, compared to less than 15% of card game developers. This indicates that certain genres, like RPGs, have a broader audience appeal, making multiplat games more lucrative.
Emphasis on Multiplayer Gaming
In addition to multiplatform development, multiplayer gaming is becoming a central focus for developers. Unity’s research shows that 68% of developers are working on multiplayer games for two or more platforms, including online and couch co-op modes.
Games with multiplayer features saw a significant increase in monthly active users and spending in 2023, with a 10% rise in revenue compared to single-player games. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected 7% increase in multiplayer gaming revenue for 2024.
Unity’s report also highlights the importance of planning for multiplayer features early in the development process, with 63% of developers considering easy communication and lag-free connections as valuable multiplayer elements.
For developers looking to scale their multiplayer games, Unity’s full report offers insights on prototyping and post-launch player retention strategies. It also delves into the role of AI in game development, emphasizing the evolving landscape of technology in the industry.
