A recent report from Griffin Gaming Partners has revealed that an overwhelming 95% of game studios are either currently working on or maintaining a live service game. The 2023 Game Development Report, conducted in collaboration with Rendered VC, surveyed 537 game development studios worldwide.
According to the report, 66% of the surveyed studios agreed that live services are crucial for ensuring long-term success for their titles. Live services, as defined by the survey, encompass regular update schedules planned for a game.
The report highlighted a significant disparity in the development timelines between traditional game development and live production. While traditional game development typically spans two to three years, live service production extends beyond five years. The survey emphasized that multi-year game development follows a sequential process, whereas live service production involves constant planning and adjustment of game parameters to enhance player experience, alongside the continuous design and deployment of new features to add value for players.
Furthermore, the report underscored the desire of live service teams for faster content releases. Across the industry, live service teams expressed their preference for weekly to biweekly update schedules for live operations, and biweekly to monthly schedules for game content updates. This rapid pace of production stands in stark contrast to the multi-year timelines of traditional game development.
Jeffrey Rousseau, the Staff Writer at GamesIndustry.biz, commented on the report’s findings, stating that the intersectionality of games and media remains a focal point of his work. He emphasized the importance of staying informed and understanding how individuals are addressing various issues within the gaming industry.
This report sheds light on the increasing prevalence of live service games within the gaming industry and the critical role they play in ensuring the long-term success of titles. With the majority of game studios actively involved in live service game development, it is evident that this trend is set to continue shaping the gaming landscape in the coming years.
