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The global gaming industry continues to break records and is projected to reach over $522.46 billion in 2025.
Major players like Sony, Microsoft, EA and Activision dominate the space, but indie developers and small teams now have more opportunities than ever — especially in mobile, PC and web-based gaming.
But where should you start?
Should you develop a mobile game for iOS and Android, create an immersive PC or console experience, or explore browser-based and social media gaming? Choosing the right platform and game engine is key to your success.
Let’s break down the pros, cons and best opportunities for each.
Console Game Development: Breaking Into The Big Leagues
Best For: Developers with advanced programming skills, large teams, and access to funding.
Developing for Xbox or PlayStation means stepping into a highly competitive and resource-intensive market.
Major studios spend years and millions of dollars developing AAA titles. However, both Sony and Microsoft offer developer programs that allow indie creators to submit games for their digital stores.
Key considerations:
- High-quality standards: Console games require advanced coding, high-performance graphics and rigorous testing.
- Difficult market entry: Sony’s PlayStation Partner Program and Microsoft’s ID@Xbox allow indie developers to submit games, but acceptance is competitive.
- Monetization and exposure: Games that make it to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus can generate millions in revenue (GameIndustry.biz).
Pro tip: If you’re new to development, start with PC or mobile games before tackling console projects.
Mobile, Tablet And Web Gaming: Accessibility & Monetization
Best for: Solo developers, small teams and indie studios looking for high user reach and monetization opportunities.
Mobile gaming is projected to reach 176.07 billion downloads by 2027.
It represents the largest and most accessible platform for game developers.
With 70.1% of internet users worldwide playing games on their phones, the Google Play Store and Apple App Store offer massive potential.
Key considerations:
- Low development barriers: No need for large teams — many successful mobile games were created by solo developers.
- Revenue models: Mobile games thrive on ads, in-app purchases and subscription services like Apple Arcade.
- Fierce competition: The app stores are crowded, so strong marketing and ASO (App Store Optimization) are critical.
Exploring Game Development Engines
Selecting the right game engine is essential for turning your creative ideas into reality. Whether you’re an indie developer or a seasoned pro, here are some top game engines suited for different platforms and skill levels:
- Unity: A powerful, multi-platform engine for both 2D and 3D games. With an intuitive interface, extensive asset store and strong community support, Unity is a go-to choice for developers of all skill levels.
- Unreal Engine: Known for its cutting-edge graphics and professional-grade tools, Unreal Engine is ideal for developers aiming for visually stunning and high-performance games across PC, console and mobile.
- GameMaker Studio 2: Designed for streamlined 2D game development, the GameMaker Studio 2 engine offers an easy drag-and-drop system alongside scripting capabilities, making it great for both beginners and experienced creators.
- GDevelop: A beginner-friendly, open-source engine that enables game creation without coding. GDevelop‘s no-code interface makes it perfect for those looking to develop interactive 2D or lightweight 3D experiences.
The best engine for your project depends on your game’s complexity, target platform and development experience. Choose wisely to bring your vision to life with the right tools at your disposal.
PC Gaming: Flexibility & Creative Freedom
Best for: Developers looking to self-publish games on Steam, Epic Games Store or indie game platforms.
Unlike consoles, PC gaming allows for direct publishing on marketplaces like Steam (130M+ active users) or Epic Games Store (over 295M users). This makes it an attractive option for independent game developers.
Key considerations:
- Creative control: No approval process like consoles — publish directly on Steam or itch.io.
- Monetization options: Sell via one-time purchases, early access or free-to-play models with microtransactions.
- Modding support: Games with modding capabilities can build strong, loyal communities (Minecraft, Skyrim).
Like consoles, PC games require a great deal of coding and design expertise. On the other hand, there are a lot more opportunities in the PC sphere to create sellable customizations that improve the speed, efficiency and playability of current titles already available on the market.
Today, a lot of the world’s top developers even offer free software to help you get started on building your own video game from scratch, which is particularly helpful for anyone learning the skill on their own or even attending school.
You can even specialize in areas such as video game character creation to make yourself a valuable asset to software companies looking for that particular skill set. Yet, if you have a really great idea for a web-based game and feel like it may take off with gaming fans, you could always create something and set it up on your own website to test its popularity out.
Whatever you decide to do, making video games is probably one of the more fun ways to spend your time and your career. Really, it’s about taking your passion for gaming to the next level and putting your creative pedal to the game development metal.
Web-Based And Social Media Games: Instant Accessibility
Best for: Casual game developers and businesses looking to reach wider audiences without downloads.
Web games are making a comeback, thanks to HTML5, WebGL and social media integration.
With over three billion monthly active users on Facebook alone, social gaming is a powerful tool for engagement and monetization.
Key considerations:
- No downloads needed: Games run directly in the browser, increasing accessibility.
- Fast development: Many engines like Phaser and PlayCanvas make web game creation simple.
- Monetization: Earn through ads, microtransactions, and subscriptions.
Remember FarmVille? The game became a global phenomenon with over 30 million daily users, proving social games have serious revenue potential.
Game engine recommendations:
- Phaser: Ideal for 2D HTML5 games.
- PlayCanvas: WebGL engine for 3D browser games.
- GDevelop: Great for simple, no-code browser games.
Emerging Platforms And Technologies In Gaming
The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, introducing new platforms and technologies that open up fresh opportunities for developers.
- Virtual reality (VR) & augmented reality (AR): VR platforms like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive offer fully immersive experiences, while AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, creating interactive and dynamic gameplay.
- Cloud gaming: Services such as Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce Now allow players to stream games directly to their devices, removing the need for high-end hardware and broadening accessibility.
- Cross-platform play: Supporting cross-device compatibility ensures seamless interactions between players on different platforms, fostering larger gaming communities and extending a game’s reach.
Keeping up with these emerging technologies can help developers stay competitive, adapt to industry trends, and create future-proof gaming experiences.
Final Thoughts: Which Gaming Platform Should You Choose?
Your choice of platform depends on your goals, experience and resources:
- Want AAA-quality games? PC or Console Development is for you.
- Looking for a quick start? Mobile Games offer high accessibility.
- Want fast, accessible play? Web-based & Social Games reach millions instantly.
No matter where you start, game development is about creativity, strategy and persistence!
Make Your Video Game FAQs
The best platform depends on your experience level, game type and target audience. If you’re new to development, opt for beginner-friendly engines like GameMaker Studio 2 or Construct 3. For 3D or AAA games, Unity and Unreal Engine offer powerful tools. Also, consider whether you’re building for PC, mobile or consoles, as each platform has different requirements.
For first-time developers, platforms like Unity, GameMaker Studio 2 and Construct 3 offer intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop features and extensive tutorials. If you want to avoid coding altogether, GDevelop and GameSalad allow you to build games using visual scripting.
Yes! No-code game engines like GDevelop and GameSalad let you design and build games using drag-and-drop tools instead of traditional programming. While they’re great for beginners, learning basic coding can unlock more customization and advanced features.
Unity is great for 2D and 3D games, offering a user-friendly interface, a vast asset store and strong cross-platform support. Unreal Engine, on the other hand, is best for high-end 3D games with photorealistic graphics, making it ideal for AAA titles and immersive experiences.
Engines like Unity and GameMaker Studio 2 provide built-in tools for mobile optimization and allow easy deployment to iOS and Android. If you want a simpler option, Construct 3 lets you develop mobile games directly in a web browser with minimal setup.
Yes, but it’s a more complex process. To publish on PlayStation or Xbox, you’ll need to become a registered developer, meet the console’s technical requirements and pass a certification process. Microsoft’s ID@Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation Partner Program offer resources for indie developers looking to break into the console market.
