Last year, the popular saying floating around the gaming industry was “Survive ’til 25.” The economic climate was rough, layoffs were rampant, and understandably, morale was low. But many of us hoped the dawn of a new year might usher in better times. As I roamed around the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2025, the sense that perhaps more hopeful days could be on the horizon was palpable—even if last year’s motto felt, in hindsight, a tad unrealistic.
The central theme at GDC seemed to echo that sentiment. This year, rather than chasing new game releases or intriguing storylines, the real treasure lay in reconnecting with the people behind the scenes. There was a widespread acknowledgment that the industry is facing challenges, but what’s refreshing is the budding optimism that’s starting to course through the industry—a stark contrast to the jittery atmosphere of 2024.
Walking the halls of the Moscone Convention Center, I noticed GDC felt scaled down. Key industry players like Unity and Epic had opted out of having booths, giving the event a smaller vibe—it reminded me of those later years of E3 when major companies like Sony and EA withdrew from the main event, leaving the show feeling incomplete. Yet, it wasn’t just about the booths; there was a noticeable dip in attendees too.
Let’s call it for what it is: the industry has contracted. This downsizing largely stems from executive decisions, corporate mismanagement, and the fallout from overexpansion during the pandemic. Roaming the ground at GDC, these cutbacks were evident—not just in the expo but around the neighborhood cafés and hotel lobbies.
Beyond the economic strains, GDC’s notoriously high entry fees likely deterred some, especially during such belt-tightening times. Official numbers suggest attendance didn’t see a significant drop compared to last year, hovering around the same, but fewer people opted to go the unofficial route—attending without passes and capitalizing on the networking opportunities GDC naturally provides.
Geopolitical uncertainties do also play a role. The eagerness to travel wasn’t as strong as it might have been, with people weighed down by various global concerns. However, amidst these challenges, you could feel an undercurrent of transformation beginning to stir. The show felt less about absences warning of existential shifts, like you’d see at E3, and more about the natural ebb and flow of generations within the industry.
Many of those who did stick around—often wheeling and dealing in private hotel meeting rooms or informal coffee catch-ups—didn’t see the reduced scale as negative. In fact, some executives I spoke with off-the-record revealed they appreciated the quieter atmosphere—it cut through the noise, allowing for more meaningful exchanges. Even developers from companies that recently went through layoffs seemed to have a more positive outlook.
“I’m feeling more hopeful,” one developer shared with me. “Getting the last game out felt like a small miracle, but currently, things seem to be improving. My new project is shaping up nicely. It’s a world of difference.”
Interestingly, for developers from East Asia, particularly Japan, the mood was notably positive. One Japanese developer, reflecting on global concerns, said they found it hard to relate to some Western apprehensions because “things are currently pretty great in Japan.” This might hint at a shift where Japan’s revival and China’s ascent are setting a new pace, potentially encouraging the West to match their energy. The buzz suggests this might just be happening.
Encounters with old friends and colleagues led to exciting discussions about fresh projects—people who, not too long ago, seemed dejected, are now filled with inspiration. This year at GDC, the joy of gaming has made a more vivid comeback. Yes, the industry remains as tough as ever. But amidst job cuts and corporate instability, the artistry and vibrant spirit of gaming shine through more brightly than they have in a long time. The hardships and losses are still remembered, underscored poignantly at the awards with tributes cautioning against industry pitfalls like AI misuse and the undervaluing of experienced talent.
Collaboration was another striking theme this year. Three tech giants—Nvidia, AMD, and Intel—shared a stage to highlight shared advances in graphics, and major publishers united under the ESA banner to push a groundbreaking accessibility initiative. There’s an unprecedented sense of collective forward momentum.
Yet, alongside these triumphs, serious issues persist. Conversations on tariffs and AI were commonplace, some debates heating up quickly with a little encouragement from after-hours refreshments. AI remains a hot topic—it’s everywhere, from enhancing game performances to controversial roles in the job market. Especially gratifying, though, was witnessing the decline of web3 discussions, once touted as the future but now subtly ebbing away.
While job instability still lingers, this year’s GDC was less about the visceral outcry of 2024 and more about a structured protest for unionization. What’s evolving is a transformation—from raw rage to organized advocacy. The anger is being redirected, channeling into demands for better conditions and processes.
The atmosphere, though still marked by anxiety, pulses with a fresh ambition that feels decidedly less toxic than last year. People are excited about creating games again. Let’s move on from survival mode; 2025 feels like the year where the industry’s creatives aim to redefine their path and build something greater.
