The buzz around live service games has cooled considerably, particularly after high-profile failures like Rumbleverse. Many predicted the decline of this model.  However, recent survey data reveals that live service development remains a key area of focus for many game creators.

The GDC's annual State of the Game Industry report reveals that one-third of AAA developers are still working on live service titles, a genre that previously saw widespread adoption following the success of games like Fortnite. Yet, recent cutbacks by companies such as Sony underscore a reevaluation of this development strategy within the industry.

Interestingly, the GDC survey also highlights a growing hesitancy towards this model. While 13% of respondents expressed interest in pursuing live service for their next project, a larger portion, 42%, explicitly stated they weren't interested.  Another 29% remain undecided.  Furthermore, the survey points to a strong preference for PC game development, with 80% favoring it over console platforms.

The report acknowledges the lucrative nature of successful live service games, but emphasizes the equally significant risks involved.  Failures such as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which resulted in layoffs at Rocksteady, and Rumbleverse, which led to the closure of its development studio by Sony, serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences.  Even for successful live service titles, the continuous demand for new content and updates places a heavy burden on development teams, raising questions about long-term sustainability.