Most Game Developers Are Choosing Windows PC Over Consoles, GDC Survey Reveals

If you’ve ever wondered what platforms game developers are prioritizing behind the scenes, a new survey from GDC sheds light on it, and the details are quite striking, to say the least. According to the “State of the Game Industry” survey, game developers are increasingly prioritizing Windows PC over consoles (via TheGameBusiness).

GDC survey reveals Windows PC dominates developer priorities

The survey, which collected responses from over 2,000 industry professionals worldwide, offers a clear picture of platform focus for 2026. Interestingly, a staggering 80% of respondents plan to develop games for Windows, which is a clear indication of the dominance of Steam.

In comparison, only 40% said they would target PlayStation 5 or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Apparently, not many game developers are interested in Xbox, as the survey revealed only 20% of participating developers plan to build for the platform, which is reportedly a significant drop from last year’s 34% (via Windows Central).

That said, some niche platforms have registered developer attention. The Xbox Ally, a PC-compatible system, accounted for 7%, while Xbox Cloud Gaming stood at around 5%. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck drew 40% of developer interest, on par with PlayStation 5, suggesting handheld PCs have been getting the attention alongside desktop Windows.

Consoles face growing pressure from PC-first development

The survey highlights a growing challenge for console makers when it comes to developer interest. Even though the PS5 still has a massive install base, ease of publishing and platform friction seem to matter more than raw reach. Windows, on the other hand, is simply easier to work with, which is why many studios default to PC first.

Looking at the year-over-year numbers, Windows PC continues to be the safest and most flexible platform for developers, while consoles are becoming more selective targets. Well, it could be one of the reasons why Microsoft is pushing the next Xbox closer to a PC experience, allowing developers to stick with familiar Windows tools and workflows.