GDC Survey: Devs More Interested in PS5 Than XSX or even Switch; 40% Think EGS Will Be a Success

The latest GDC survey suggests game developers are far more interested in Sony's PlayStation 5 than Xbox Series X (38% vs 25%). The PS5 even narrowly beat interest in the popular Nintendo Switch.

[Jimboms]

This stuff is super interesting

[solideagle]

grabs popcorn /s

[Gaming101]

Honestly, if PS5 is less powerful, I'll wait for a PS5 Pro. I have PS4 Pro and a 1080p tv, so I'll be fine till when that happens in a couple years.

[Christopher]

Eh, there's a few factors here.

1. Interest in Switch has died down since it's fully integrated and it's become so heavily used for Indies of all types. It's still a focus, but not really an "interest".

2. New hardware is always more interesting for potential.

3. PS5 is an easy one since people would expect the largest market share initially and they want to get in early if possible, before it becomes like current generation and Switch, where there's just so many options and it's easy for your game to get overlooked.

[Gemmol]

I disagree when ps5 only best switch by 1 percent it just meant people still have a brand loyalty to it

[Christopher]

You think Indie developers are brand loyal to just PS when Indie game exclusives have drastically seen a decrease on PS4 this generation while many of them have ported to Switch?

[Tech5]

"PC remains king, though, with 50% of the preferences."

there are multiple reasons why for that. the major reason for that, is that it doesn't cost practically anything to deploy games on it. so that boosts indie game development. and the last reason, is the types of gamers that have "console + pc" gaming setups. so there is quite a few reasons why PC makes up for a huge marketing number in gaming.

[starchild]

"PC remains king, though, with 50% of the preferences."

It's amazing the support the PC gets from developers.

[rainslacker]

It's by far the easiest to develop for because of higher level API's, and tends to have the fewest barriers for entry since you can self publish on any number of store fronts. Consoles you still need dev kits, which can sometimes be cost prohibitive. Plus, there are more game engine options which don't cost an arm and a leg to make your game on with PC development.

[nucky64]

why - EVERYONE has a pc - they're not stupid - that's a big market to sell to. i game primarily on ps4 but i still play some pc-only games.

[UltraNova]

Out of curiosity, how much does a console dev kit cost?

[itsmebryan]

Why was it that they prefer PCs more than pS5 left out of the title?

[KillBill]

Not really as that is simply where games development starts. So obviously the framework for PC build is inherent.

[MADGameR]

If PC is the bigger market then why are PS4 exclusive games outselling everything on PC? End thread

[Tapani]

I think the biggest reason devs are excited about PS5 more than any other platform is because it is the ONLY platform that has a next-gen BASELINE for developers.

Xbox Series X games need to work on Xbox One, One S and One X. Switch Pro is probably around Xbox One S level when it comes out. PS5 has a minimum requirement again for devs just like PS4 games had to be 1080p to pass Quality Assurance testing and get a green light to be launched on the platform. Maybe that's 4K resolution, who knows, but it will be a mandatory step up in resolution, frame-rate or overall audio visual fidelity to raise the bar.

Plus PS5 has BC for PS4, and online BC through PS Now resulting in world's biggest gaming library on one platform. (However, there still won't probably be BC for all PS games, so you'd still need an original fat PS3 to play all PS1/PS2/PS3 games for 100% compatibility, because of licensing issues and what not.) This means more sales for PS5, which makes Devs excited in turn to produce games for it.

Looking at the data it makes sense Devs are excited most about PS5.

[GrubsterBeater]

Regarding what you said about BC for PS5, I heard that PS5 could potentially (possibly just a rumor I saw, not sure) have BC from PS1 through 4 BC on the PS5 Console. Am I wrong, or is that just a rumor?

[Tapani]

@GrubsterBeater

(Please bear with me, this is by no means an attack, I'm just thinking aloud.)

How exactly would you have BC for PS1, PS2 and PS3 games that have licensing issues? What if a game IP holding companies have gone bankrupt and nobody ever bought the rights? Or if there are local Japanese laws licensing issues in regards to the music of said game? How on earth do you put those games on PS5, even if it did emulate the games? The only way is to make it read the original discs, and you'd need to find those said games in mint condition. On top of that you need flawless software emulator for PS1, PS2 and PS3. Now, they all have very different architecture and specs that are rather exotic, it costs a lot of money with almost close to zero ROI. So they would basically guess that people would buy a PS5 for PS1, PS2 and PS3 BC, whereas data says that most probably would buy PS5 for PS4 BC. Plus, the only real way to do real 100% BC is actually having the physical PS1, PS2 and PS3 and PS4 chips in PS5, just like the original PS3 had PS1 and PS2 hardware to ensure backwards compatibility.

Again, why would they do it when they already have a software service called PS Now which is extremely profitable and expanding its catalogue?

Taking all this into account, I'm really really skeptical about all the PS1-PS4 BC stuff.

[Cybermario]

cool article, yeah not really surprised

[Dovergamer]

Indeed, we SHOULD NOT BE surprised because we can't expect anything less from Sony.

Sony settled the bar way too high that right now such quality became the standard. It's not surprising to see an epic success of the PS5. Who here expects any less when their career where spectacular with the PS4?

[ccgr]

Can't wait for the PS5

[Dovergamer]

No one can't.

I'm deeply anxious to know how these guys are going to surprise us.

[StormSnooper]

Double negative. My brain is going in circles.

[RangerWalk267]

I can't............. Wait ...... For both

[Bronxs15]

As much as I like Xbox, gotta admit the hype before new PlayStation consoles is always crazy. Can’t wait to see what so y has up their sleeves.

[RazzerRedux]

More are interested in PC development than any console.

PC 50%
PS5 38%
Switch 37%
Xbox Project Scarlett 25%

[stuna1]

So that has a discrepancy of 50%. I understand PS5 accounts 38%, Switch accounts for 37%, which is 75%, adding Xbox's 25% into the equation equals 100%.

My question is how does PC fit into that percentage!?

[RazzerRedux]

Multiple platforms could be selected in the survey. And there are a lot more platforms listed in the survey than just those four. The fact that the percentage for Xbox, Switch, and PS5 add up to 100% is coincidental.

Here is the actual question asked in the survey:
"Which platform(s) most interest you as a developer right now? (Choose all that apply)"

@Monkeysmoke
"You are taking him seriously? like seriously?"

Not sure who you are referring to here. Those numbers are from the article so...

[Monkeysmoke]

You are taking him seriously? like seriously?

[Muzikguy]

New maths 😂

[sampsonon]

awww! pc player feels left out. it must get lonely sometimes eh? :(

[RazzerRedux]

Quite the opposite. I'm happy PC is getting so much love. You seem to be the one who is upset.

[starchild]

Huh? Lonely? The PC gets more games than any other platform. And the reason it gets that much support is because there are so many people buying PC games, which generates higher games revenue for the PC than any other platform. So, it's the exact opposite of "lonely" on the PC. There are so many games and so many people playing on PC. It's positively thriving.

"PC remains king, though, with 50% of the preferences." -From the article.

[sampsonon]

@RazzerRedux: you know what? you're right. I am upset. I am up set because i have to wait a few more months to play The Last Of Us 2, Ghost Of Tsusima, and FF 7 Remake.

why are you crying? no friends?

[RazzerRedux]

Happy as a lark, but thanks for the concern. I'm definitely looking forward to firing up my PS4 Pro to play TLOU2, GoT, and FF7:R as well. Those are going to be some awesome games. A bit of a last hurrah for PS4, but it will be great.

[sampsonon]

@RazzerRedux: well, they do have the best exclusives. I pc game but my hardware needs an upgrade for sure.

[RazzerRedux]

@sampsonon No doubt bro. I love my PC gaming, but I have to have a PlayStation for the exclusives.

What makes PlayStation different is you just can't find what PlayStation offers anywhere else.

[Christopher]

Lots of Indies at GDC. Developing for PC is always at the forefront because of its lower entry cost and ease of development in comparison.

[Automatic79]

Yeah click bait title to rule up the pundits.

[PrinceOfAnger]

Even last year ,same in 2018 etc

"GDC 2019 PC remains the best platform as the majority of developers are interested/making games for it"

games
like Witchfire / bloody spell ,and many others release on pc first before any other platforms
even lost souls aside was being developed for PC before Sony got involved.

[stuna1]

Thanks for the reply. It was a serious question. I just missed the part about having more than 1 choice.

[RazzerRedux]

@stuna1
No worries bro

@fatbastard11
Have your feelings been hurt or?

[fatbastard11]

has your ego been stroked or?

[Profchaos]

It's good to see that number shooting up placing of as the primary focus is what gave us crysis.

[bluefox755]

I mean, look at steam, it has an infinite supply of obscure indies. Presumably it's more cost efficient for low budget games to get on PC. Nothing wrong with that, but I think indie and low budget game developers will obviously prioritize PC. Obviously many multiplats go for PC these days too, but there ain't many AAA exclusives on PC anymore, unfortunately.

[slavish0]

Why is the article title this way 🤔

[maximumburrito]

Right but they just want to develop new mahjong games, and ways to check your email. That's what PCs are for. Grandma's emails and doing your taxes.

[Traecy]

Of course!! Sony PS5 will lead next gen.

[sprinterboy]

Google stadia (19%) beating xbox one X, pro project xcloud and psnow.
Oh dear
Edit: 27% vr headsets 😊

[Muzikguy]

Good stuff. Getting more hyped all the time for the new system. February reveal is getting close

[DVAcme]

Not surprising at all. Sony is offering devs a powerful system with a loyal, well-established userbase. Microsoft is pretty iffy after this last gen, with many MS fans jumping ship to Sony at the beginning of this gen and staying there, and Nintendo simply doesn't have the powerful hardware.

[isarai]

Wonder what the sample size is? also important to note this is interest "as a developer" not a consumer, which leads me to believe the yet to be announced "Bigger Differences between PS5 and PS4" Jim Ryan mentioned may be something more beneficial on the development side of things, something that it seems may be unique to PS5 vs the competition. Or maybe i'm just reading too much into it who knows.

[Thundercat77]

I remember that before the start of this generation, the tendencies were the same.

Can't wait to see the official PS5 reveal.

[Gemmol]

No the numbers were very low for Nintendo

[Automatic79]

Click bait title. PC beats out all console and no mention of it.

[starchild]

Yeah, the title here is misleading. The PC is actually the leading platform in terms of support.

"PC remains king, though, with 50% of the preferences."

Moreover, in terms of VR platforms, the Oculus Quest has far more support than any other VR platform. The Oculus Rift likewise leads all other VR platforms. Albeit not to the same degree as the Oculus Quest.

"The greatest interest in a VR or AR platform lies by far in the Oculus Quest, though, which is again expected after the runaway success of the wireless, untethered device.”

[ShadowWolf712]

How's that misleading? The headline never says the PS5 is the #1 platform, just that it has a noticeable lead over interest in the next Xbox or the Switch.

[Abnor_Mal]

Looks like devs are interspersed in developing for PSVR, and VR as a whole. Which is surprising for such a "niche platform which still hasn't reached mainstream yet."

PS5 already capturing the hearts and minds of developers above and beyond all other consoles.

[WickedLester]

I'm sure this goes for most gamers as well.

[SolidGamerX]

Not surprised. Gamers are more interested in it too.

[gravedigger]

Don't worry, Xbox fans. You'll get the games. Or uncle Phil will buy more studios. Maybe all of them. You know, MS has moneeeey!

[TheHateTheyGive]

DUH. Xbox failed miserably this gen and switch is just a kiddie handheld.

[mrmikew2018]

This is definitely an excited time. This holiday is going to be insane!

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Makes sense...why would you not want to develop for the platform who has the largest install base going into the next gen?

[AK91]

No surprises there since PS4 is the lead platform worldwide, the only thing that can compete with it is a Switch Pro/2.

[Jon_Targaryen]

If rumors are true and the Xbox series X runs Steam and Epic Game store and is already fully backwards compatible. Its a day one for me.

[gravedigger]

More devs wants to develop games for VR than for XSX. That says something.

[Profchaos]

Switch will unfortunately and I hope in wrong be left behind once development of the ps4 and Xbox One ceases as it's not powerful enough to continue to port AAA experiences to.

It will be similar to the Wii U which the last triple a game it received might have been watchdogs 1

[RosweeSon]

This surprises me devs wanna make games for a great gaming platform, one likely to clear 100 million again like they have 3 out of 4 of their previous gens 😱🥴😂
28540;
They also sold a billion+ games this gen alone.

[masterfox]

Well duh, of course developers will be more interested in the real gaming console and not PR nonsense or Gimmick nonsense.

[drunkenspy007]

Most devs are interested in PC, but for consoles, PS5 is definitely most exciting.

[UnbreakableAlex]

I don’t know anybody who bought a pc in the last 5 years or more. Everybody has consoles now.

[bluefox755]

To the surprise of...who?

[KratosKonundrum]

Hopefully Sony execs see this number. If devs aren't excited or prioritizing the failing xbox brand based on this poll they could incentivize devs by making typical 3rd party big hitters PlayStation exclusives or timed exclusives so they could eliminate the brand from the industry thus giving PlayStation brand 30-40 million more users. I honestly see this happening.

[Tazzy]

I look at it like this if the developers are that interested in PS5 don't bring your games to Xbox Series X or Switch then so you can make more money.

[StormSnooper]

Well it is the PlayStation brand we are talking about here. As far as interest goes, I’m fully invested.

[S2Killinit]

Makes sense.

[BlaqMagiq1]

Not shocked whatsoever

[Sophisticated_Chap]

I'm sure that none of Microsoft's 14 studios were surveyed, and i would assume that some Japanese studios would have been included in the survey, which wouldn't be a surprise, since Japanese anything supports Japanese anything. It would be nice if all Americans supported their companies like the Japanese support theirs. Aside from that, seeing as how PS4 has sold over 100 Million units, this is hardly a surprise, since everyone is interested in the market leader.

[AmUnRa]

Yeah, America first..when you are an American its your obligation to buy American products first and formost...right??🙄

[Sophisticated_Chap]

That's what the Japanese do.....

[RazzerRedux]

So you are saying Microsoft wasn't included in the survey and Japanese studios were? And the reason is because Japanese support Japan more than Americans support America? lol.....that makes no sense whatsoever.

It seems clear you are just bitter about the results and are making up paranoid stories because this really bothers you......for some reason.

" It would be nice if all Americans supported their companies like the Japanese support theirs."

Translation: Americans should buy Xbox because......Murica!

[Sophisticated_Chap]

"Translation: Americans should buy Xbox because......Murica!"

That's what the Japanese do, but you don't seem opposed to that for some reason.

[RazzerRedux]

"That's what the Japanese do, but you don't seem opposed to that for some reason."

Yeah....I'm not too concerned of the buying habits of the Portuguese either. Your rationale here is misguided. All these products are made by global corporations and manufactured in China. Pretend you are buying American, but the fact is that you would barely own any consumer electronics at all if you practiced what you preach.

[Zool 08]

This might be why, but take with a pinch of salt
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Einhander1971]

Switch ain't going no where regardless of ps5 or Xbox Series. The best is still yet to come on the Nintendo platform.

[Father__Merrin]

I predict Ps5 to come In at 10tf games will be identical to xbox xs because the ballpark of the TF is so high there wo t be resolution or fps differences

[bluefox755]

No surprise there.

[Bobertt]

I think they would be more interested in the PS5 because PS4 won this gen and unless Sony screws up and lets go of the exclusives or does something bone headed they should maintain the lead. Also the xbox series x is supposed to be just one in a series so Microsoft may end up splitting their player base too much if they release too many versions and games play differently on each which may be annoying for the developers. Good to see a decent percent are interested in VR. I think once the tech becomes powerful enough and the developers actually make full fledged games and not VR tech demos VR could be the future of gaming.

[Max_Eckhardt]

Latest rumour is that the Xbox one X’s SSD is gimped...