Updated

GDC released its 15th annual State of the Game Industry survey on November 12, 2026, drawing answers from over 2,600 anonymous game developers. Generative AI use rose to 40% of professionals, up four points, with 57% of adopters using it daily. Usage was highest at mobile-only studios (70%) and free-to-play games (58%). Some 55% said generative AI has a negative impact on games, roughly unchanged from 54% last year. Only 10% are developing for PlayStation 6 and 8% for Xbox Project Helix, while Switch 2 interest rose to 47%. IGN reported that union membership among respondents rose to 15% from 12%, though US support for unionization slipped from 82% to 80%. The survey also found 65% said their mental health had suffered because of their job, and a third had been laid off in the last two years. Among those laid off, 54% had not found new work, and overall unemployment among respondents reached 21%, up from 13%.