Devcom 2025 Speaker Survey Results: Insights into Trends and Business Models
– 2 min read
In the run-up to the devcom developer conference, the organisers asked 100 speakers about current industry topics, offering insights into trends, development strategies and business models.
One hundred devcom speakers responded to the 2025 edition of the survey, offering a snapshot of current industry sentiment and trends. For example, they provided insights into the use of AI. 33% of respondents would prefer to minimise AI involvement in the development process. The most valuable AI use cases cited were code & production (32%), art & animation (11%) and marketing & communication (9%).
While 45% think that traditional hardware, such as consoles and PCs, will remain dominant, another 46% believe that, in the coming years, major platform holders will shift their focus towards cloud and digital-first services. Only 5% think that cloud gaming will become the primary distribution method. Speaking of platform exclusivity: Only 6% believe that exclusivity will remain a core strategy. Most expect limited (28%) or timed exclusives (34%) to become the norm. Conversely, 32% predict that exclusivity will become less common altogether.
27% of those surveyed believe that digital/physical premium games will remain the most favoured business model in the near future, with paid subscriptions (20%) and free-to-play with in-game purchases (18%) also ranking prominently. Live service games were mentioned by 16%, community funding by 6%, and free-to-play with ads by 4%. By the way, 96% of the 100 people surveyed believe that Early Access is viable, either broadly (37%) or within specific genres and communities (59%).
Furthermore, respondents were asked whether large-scale digital showcases were still worthwhile. Visibility was the key reason for 54% of respondents who answered 'yes'. However, 21% felt that the costs outweighed the benefits and 8% said that they were too crowded to have a real impact.
The devcom developer conference 2025 will take place from 18 to 19 August at the Confex Center, Koelnmesse, in Cologne, Germany (program & side events). In addition, two sessions have been announced for the devcom Keynote Stage. These include 'Viva La Game Dev: How a YouTube Empire Became Indie Game Gold' (Nice Day for Fishing), featuring Adam King, Alan Morrison, Rowan Bettjeman and Konrad Kunze, and moderated by Markus Wilding. There will also be a live-action challenge, 'Mario Kart World: Beat the Pros", hosted by Tjan & DitoMido and featuring pro racers Bisalina (Lucina Hum) and WoloU.
Never miss anything from the German, Swiss and Austrian games industry again: subscribe for free to our Daily newsletter and get all news straight to your inbox.
Written by
