Key insights cover the professional ethics of AI, the growth of co-dev partnerships, and challenges of securing publishing and funding
Organizers of GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 have released the second annual GDC Trends report, providing insights into emerging industry trends. The report highlighted five key trends: adoption of generative AI, growth in co-development, increased dual monetization in mobile gaming, challenges in securing funding and publishing partnerships, and evolving advocacy policies and accessibility concerns.
Professionals emphasized the importance of AI tools supporting rather than replacing the development process, with some concerns raised about potential job displacements. The report also mentioned that agentic AI could help reduce AAA development costs by managing bugs, coding, or player support.
Co-development was a significant topic, with developers preferring it over outsourcing due to the ability to work on essential parts of a game and have more creative input. However, increased competition in co-dev has made it harder for new teams to secure long-term partnerships.
The report identified dual monetization, combining in-game ads with in-app purchases, as a growing trend in mobile gaming. It also noted the expansion of the direct-to-consumer monetization model following the ruling against Apple's ban on external payment links.
Industry professionals discussed challenges faced in securing funding or finding publishing partners, encouraging studios to consider self-publishing as an alternative to maintain creative control. The report also highlighted self-advocacy as a major trend, addressing limited access to funding, networks, and visibility as an 'infrastructure problem.'
Issues such as anti-DEI policies and the shift to 'merit-based systems' were also discussed, with concerns raised about overlooking initial disadvantages faced by marginalized developers. Ageism and mental health challenges within the industry were also significant points covered in the report.
