Many gamedevs don't understand how bad it is...

About this Video

• Video Title: Many gamedevs don't understand how bad it is...
• Channel: BiteMe Games
• Speakers: One speaker (the video creator)
• Duration: 00:14:49

Introduction

This video discusses the speaker's observations of the game development industry after attending Defcom, a two-day event preceding Gamescom. The speaker highlights the challenges faced by game developers, particularly concerning funding, the prevalence of freelancing, and the need for a shift towards smaller, more sustainable game development models.

Key Takeaways

• The Current State of Game Development: The game development industry has been struggling for the past two to three years, following a period of boom, and the situation isn't improving. Many developers are unaware of this reality.
• Freelancing Dominates: The speaker notes that most developers at Defcom are freelancers, highlighting the instability and insecurity in the industry. This contrasts with a smaller number of long-term employed developers.
• Funding is a Major Concern: Securing funding is the primary worry for nearly all developers, and the situation is worsening. Many resort to unfavorable deals with publishers to secure funds, leading to further issues later.
• Small Games are More Sustainable: The speaker advocates for the creation of smaller, iterative games, as this approach is generally more sustainable than large-scale projects that require extensive funding and time. Many developers seem hesitant to adopt this approach.
• The Importance of Market Research: The speaker emphasizes that many developers lack awareness of market trends and fail to properly assess if their games are marketable. Utilizing resources like the speaker's YouTube channel can help mitigate this.