GDC banner with Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox consoles is shown (Image source: GDC, Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, Xbox Gaming with edits)
A survey sponsored by the Game Developers Conference shows declining support for Xbox consoles. While implementing a multi-platform strategy, Microsoft may have boosted PC gaming’s popularity. In the GDC report, devs also prefer creating PS5 and Switch 2 games by a growing margin.
As the Game Developers Conference on March 9th approaches, organizers have released a new State of the Game Industry survey. The report predicts which platforms may soon see a surge in new titles. While devs prefer making PC…
GDC banner with Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox consoles is shown (Image source: GDC, Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, Xbox Gaming with edits)
A survey sponsored by the Game Developers Conference shows declining support for Xbox consoles. While implementing a multi-platform strategy, Microsoft may have boosted PC gaming’s popularity. In the GDC report, devs also prefer creating PS5 and Switch 2 games by a growing margin.
As the Game Developers Conference on March 9th approaches, organizers have released a new State of the Game Industry survey. The report predicts which platforms may soon see a surge in new titles. While devs prefer making PC games, the PS5 and Switch 2 are the most popular consoles. Meanwhile, amid declining hardware revenue, interest in Xbox systems has fallen sharply.
The Xbox may be dead to some devs
As Video Games Chronicle discusses, over 2300 game industry professionals participated in the GDC survey. One question asked, “Which platform(s) most interest you as a developer right now?” With respondents allowed to choose multiple selections, at 80%, the PC was the clear winner. The PS5 and Steam Deck are next at 40%, followed by the Switch 2 at 39%, with the Xbox Series X|S trailing at 20%.
Like in the 2025 report, desktop and laptop gaming remain a top priority for these creators. No individual console has the same massive user base, and popular marketplaces like Steam have fewer restrictions. That support even extends to the Linux-based Steam Deck, which scored an impressive 40%.
2026 GDC survey question about future platform support (Image source: 2026 State of the Game Industry report)
Nevertheless, the gaming market remains lucrative for Sony and Nintendo. Rumors of slow dev kit shipments may have delayed the arrival of some third-party Switch 2 games. The GDC survey suggests that if the tools are available, the pace of new releases should continue to accelerate.
Studios have begun to move on from the Series X|S
With Microsoft’s multi-platform campaign in full swing, some studios have even cancelled ports for Xbox consoles. The company’s latest Fiscal Year 2026 Q2 earnings statement revealed a 32% decline in hardware revenue compared to the previous year. With fewer new adopters of the Series X|S, it makes less sense to spend resources on ports.
The trend is recent, as confirmed by another query. 40% of those questioned used the Xbox Series X|S in a recent game or project. The PS5 was only marginally ahead at 47%.
Microsoft’s shift away from hardware will only benefit the PC, PS5, and possibly the Switch 2. First-party Xbox games that used to be exclusive to its consoles will launch on Windows and competing platforms.
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Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 971 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
Adam Corsetti, 2026-01-29 (Update: 2026-01-29)