adminThe GDC Trends Report 2026 examines changes shaping the game industry, including generative AI, co-development, mobile monetisation and the difficulties studios face when seeking funding or publishing partners. Its findings also highlight advocacy, accessibility and mental health concerns among industry professionals.
Image credit: GDC Festival of Gaming
Key findings in the GDC Trends Report 2026
Organisers of the 2026 GDC Festival of Gaming released the second annual trends report, outlining five areas of interest: generative AI adoption, co-development, dual monetisation in mobile games, funding and publishing challenges, and evolving advocacy policies and accessibility issues.
For studios and developers, these topics are closely connected. Decisions about tools, partnerships and revenue models can affect production plans as well as the creative and working conditions of teams. Reviewing each trend in the context of a project’s needs can help teams identify practical opportunities and risks.
Generative AI in game development
The report found ongoing support for using generative AI in planning and routine tasks, particularly among older professionals and neurodivergent individuals. At the same time, respondents stressed that AI should assist development rather than replace the process or the people involved in it. Some also raised concerns about potential layoffs.
Agentic AI was identified as a possible way to lower AAA development costs by handling tasks such as bug management, coding or player support. These are potential applications, not guaranteed savings. Teams considering AI tools should assess how they affect quality, oversight and existing workflows before relying on them for production work.
Co-development and long-term partnerships
Co-development was another major theme. The 2026 State of the Game Industry Report found that 6% of studio employees work at dedicated co-development companies, while other teams take part in co-dev alongside their primary projects.
Developers told the report they may prefer co-development to outsourcing because it can involve larger, more foundational parts of a game and provide greater creative input. However, as the model becomes more popular, competition makes it harder for new teams to secure long-term partnerships. Studios exploring co-dev can clarify responsibilities, creative decision-making and the expected length of a partnership early in discussions.
Mobile monetisation and direct-to-consumer payments
The report described dual monetisation—combining in-game advertising with in-app purchases (IAP)—as a growing mobile gaming trend. It also noted the expansion of direct-to-consumer monetisation following the ruling against Apple’s ban on external payment links.
When evaluating revenue options, developers need to consider how different approaches fit the game and its audience. In particular, the report identifies these models as industry trends; it does not suggest that one approach will suit every title.
Funding, publishing and self-publishing
Industry professionals reported difficulties securing funding and finding publishing partners. The report suggested that studios consider self-publishing as an alternative. This can avoid higher publisher sales percentages and preserve creative control, but it does not provide publisher services such as marketing, testing or quality assurance (QA).
Studios weighing this route should account for the work and resources needed to cover those services themselves. Comparing the trade-offs can help teams decide whether greater control is worth taking on additional responsibilities.
Advocacy, access and developer wellbeing
Self-advocacy by individuals and studios was another central topic. Limited access to funding, professional networks and visibility was described as an “infrastructure problem.” The report also considered anti-DEI policies and the move toward “merit-based systems.” Critics argued that these systems can overlook disadvantages faced by marginalised developers, particularly people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Older developers also discussed ageism, including pressure to move into management and being seen as overqualified for creative contributor roles. The report’s mental health findings were also concerning: only 20% of developers described their mental health as good or very good, while 94% experienced at least one symptom of burnout.
These findings underline the importance of considering working conditions alongside production and business decisions. For anyone following the GDC Trends Report 2026, the central takeaway is that technology and new business models are only part of the picture; sustainable teams also need access to opportunities, support and healthy working environments.
