8 insights from experienced game devs on emerging trends
As we saw in the recent blog “Studios have spoken: What’s trending for 2025?,” devs began focusing on indie game popularity, player engagement and social gameplay, and a renewed focus on proven intellectual property (IP).
Throughout April, we sat down with other studios to get their thoughts on where the industry’s heading and how to navigate it. They recommended that devs keep resources tight, embrace change, and be quick to adapt.
Below are insights from studios to keep top of mind throughout game development and live operations.
Stay lean
As game developers continue to adjust to current financial unpredictability, our studio collaborators recommend focusing on speed and early feedback. Devs have the opportunity to innovate and test in a risk-averse way, as long as they’re quick and keep resources in check.
Here’s why devs recommend keeping costs low and staying nimble:
“Costly games lose their appeal for players and companies. The cheapest ones get more resources, and as a result, a new type of middle ground emerges that does not repeat AA criteria.”
– Alexander Pankov, Executive Producer, Owlcat Games
“Due to the industry-wide conversation around risk in game development, I think we will see more large studios scaling back scope and budgets, while doubling down on innovation. Players have shown a clear appetite for unique experiences, which is why I believe indie games will continue to thrive.”
– Anahit Fernandez, Lead Producer, Navegante
“The best VR developers of 2025 will be prioritizing how their games look and feel in short video format since their inception. Polish will come second. This trend started with free-to-play games but will carry over to premium titles.”
– Arturo Perez, CEO, Kluge Interactive
“As press and influencers consume the marketing mix, and fans expect more than ever from game companies, instant virality plays an ever-more-important role in a game’s success. This will lead to the continued rise of independent creatives where the scrappier teams will ascend.”
– James Deighan, Founder, Mega Cat Studios
Takeaway: Now’s the time to think big with smaller games. Even if a game doesn’t hit from the start, stay malleable, keep resources low, and test, test, test.
Don’t be scared to diversify
Whether it’s testing out a new game genre, expanding into a new market, or collaborating with other studios or brands, in today’s industry climate, it’s key to be open to new opportunities. Staying static and doing the same old thing that has worked in the past may not provide the same fruits it once did.
Here’s why studios recommend branching out:
“In the years following the pandemic, Gen Z and millennial audiences crave social connection more than ever – and gamers are no exception. In 2025, we’ll continue to see an increase in social features within both old and new game titles, from more multiplayer modes to chat capabilities, enhanced leaderboards, and beyond.”
– Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO, SYBO
“Based on the latest industry events that took place in Q1 2025 (e.g., Steam Next Fest) and on recent releases that have enticed players, outstanding party games, high-quality action RPGs, and open world survival games with a strong focus on base-building are gaining in popularity. Mixing genres with the goal of finding a new unique one is what will help a team stand out.”
– Ilya Grabelnikov, Chief Publishing Officer, META Publishing
“As developers adapt to the modern user acquisition landscape, we’ll continue to see studios with like-minded playerbases work together in 2025, as these partnerships offer games ample growth and branding opportunities. Through Subway Surfers’ recent crossover event with Crossy Road, we saw firsthand how interested our players are in these types of partnerships, and we’re looking forward to continuing to launch collaborations with other titles we admire moving forward.”
– Philip Hickey, CMO, SYBO
“Game development budgets will likely become more conservative, and studios may start looking to regions like Latin America for investment opportunities and to tap into new development markets.”
– Rodrigo Fernandez, Creative Director, Navegante
Takeaway: The gaming industry is evolving, and extra efforts must be made to keep players engaged. It’s important to take calculated risks to open up new audiences or revenue streams.
Looking to gain insights on the main trends of the past year and what’s to come in gaming? Check out the 2025 Unity Gaming Report.
To read more about incredible creations made with Unity, visit Unity’s Resources page.