GDC survey shows developers prefer PS5, Switch 2 over Xbox by 2:1 margin

Xbox Series X/S attracts only 20% of developer interest versus 40% for PS5 and 39% for Switch 2, new GDC survey reveals. Microsoft's multiplatform push may be reducing console appeal among game makers.

Developers are twice as interested in making games for PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2 compared to Xbox Series X/S, according to the latest Game Developers Conference survey. As reported by Video Games Chronicle, the annual State of the Game Industry survey polled over 2,300 global industry professionals about platform preferences, revealing a significant gap in Xbox's appeal among developers.

The platform preference gap

The survey results show PC maintaining its dominance with 80% of developers expressing interest in the platform. However, among console options, PlayStation 5 attracted 40% of developer interest, while the upcoming Switch 2 garnered 39%. Xbox Series X/S lagged significantly behind at just 20%.

This places Microsoft's console closer to mobile platforms like Android and iOS (both at 16%) or the original Nintendo Switch (13%) than to other current-generation consoles. The gap becomes more striking when considering that 40% of developers said their last project was released on Xbox Series X/S, compared to 47% on PS5.

For handheld PCs, Steam Deck emerged as the clear favourite with 40% developer interest, vastly outpacing the ROG Ally at just 7%.

What drives platform choice

When asked about factors influencing platform selection, developers prioritised audience reach (78%), business model success (44%), and discoverability (43%). These metrics may explain Xbox's declining developer interest, as Microsoft continues repositioning its consoles as just one avenue for playing first-party games.

Xbox's multiplatform strategy has accelerated, with major 2026 titles already confirmed for PlayStation 5. Fable will launch day-and-date on Sony's console, while Forza Horizon 6 is planned for PS5 release later in the year. This shift toward broader platform availability may influence how developers view Xbox as a primary development target.

Industry implications

The survey data reflects broader industry trends affecting platform dynamics. Microsoft's focus on Game Pass and cloud gaming services, while expanding Xbox's reach, may have inadvertently reduced the console's perceived importance among developers.

Meanwhile, the strong showing for Nintendo Switch 2 demonstrates developer confidence in Nintendo's next-generation hardware, despite the console not yet being officially announced. PlayStation 5's sustained developer interest aligns with its market performance and continued exclusive content strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the GDC survey reveal about developer platform preferences?

The GDC survey found that 80% of developers are interested in PC, 40% in PS5, 39% in Switch 2, and only 20% in Xbox Series X/S for future game development.

How does developer interest in Xbox compare to PlayStation and Switch 2?

Developer interest in Xbox Series X/S (20%) is half that of PS5 (40%) and the upcoming Switch 2 (39%), according to the GDC survey.

What are the most popular platforms for game development according to the GDC survey?

PC is by far the most popular platform for game development, with 80% of developers expressing interest, followed by PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.