Shifts in UK Gaming Development Focus
Recent insights from TIGA, the trade body representing the UK games industry, reveal a notable shift in the focus of local game studios towards PC development, while mobile platforms are increasingly being sidelined. According to exclusive data shared with GamesIndustry.biz, a significant 46% of studios have identified PC as their primary platform. This trend is particularly pronounced among start-ups, with 56% prioritizing PC development between May 2024 and September 2025.
In contrast, the percentage of studios engaged in mobile game development has seen a decline, dropping from 33% to 31.6%. This reduction is mirrored in the share of total industry jobs related to mobile gaming, which fell from 19% to 17.9%. Meanwhile, the console gaming sector has experienced a resurgence, with its share of industry jobs increasing from 47.2% to 50%, despite a slight 2.1% decrease in headcount at console-focused studios. This suggests that while some segments are contracting, others are gaining ground.
TIGA CEO Richard Wilson commented on these developments, stating, “PC and console development continues to underpin the strength of the UK games development sector.” He emphasized that the findings illustrate PC’s status as the leading primary platform for both established studios and emerging start-ups. Furthermore, he noted that console production remains a significant contributor to industry employment, even amidst challenging market conditions.
These observations come at a time when the UK gaming development sector is grappling with what has been described as its “most severe downturn on record.” Last month, TIGA reported a net loss of 1,537 development jobs over the same survey period, translating to a 4.5% annualized decline. Wilson remarked, “After 14 years of uninterrupted growth, we are now seeing a decline of unprecedented scale and speed.”
He cautioned that without decisive policy intervention, the UK risks losing thousands of highly skilled jobs and falling behind better-supported international competitors. The call for a supportive policy environment is crucial for fostering investment, growth, and job creation across the UK games industry, ensuring that it remains competitive on the global stage.
