The game industry is changing in 2024, and after over 20 years in the business, I can say this feels like a major shift. Attending industry events like Gamescom, it’s clear we’re on the cusp of significant transformation. While things aren’t all positive—layoffs and closures continue—the good news is there’s a renewed focus on single-player games and indie developers who are breaking new ground.

In this blog post, I’ll share my observations on why single-player games are making a comeback, how multiplayer fatigue is setting in, and why self-publishing is shaping the future of game development.

Multiplayer Fatigue and the Shift Toward Single-Player Games

For years, the games industry has pushed multiplayer experiences as the next big thing. Publishers loved multiplayer games because they generate recurring revenue through microtransactions, live services, and constant updates. But in 2024, there’s an undeniable fatigue with these models.

Players are getting tired of always-online, buggy, and incomplete games that require constant patching. Take, for instance, two recent releases: Black Myth: Wukong and Concord. Both launched around the same time, but the buzz around Black Myth: Wukong, a well-crafted single-player game, was far greater than that of Concord, a multiplayer-focused title. Players are craving polished, standalone experiences that don’t rely on endless updates to feel complete.

This trend toward high-quality single-player games isn’t isolated. Games like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 have shown the world that single-player experiences can dominate the market, even in today’s multiplayer-driven world.

The Resurgence of Indie Developers and Self-Publishing

One of the most exciting trends I saw at Gamescom 2024 was the resurgence of indie developers and their willingness to self-publish. A few years ago, it was rare to see an indie studio with a large, polished booth at a major event, but that’s changing fast. Walking through the halls at Gamescom, I saw multiple indie studios with AAA-quality booths showcasing their games—without any big publishers backing them.

These developers are self-publishing through platforms like Steam, which has become a great equalizer in the market. With self-publishing on the rise, developers are no longer reliant on major studios to get their games out to the world. This shift gives creators more control over their projects, allowing them to release high-quality, finished games directly to the market.

The Importance of Community in Game Development

Another crucial change I’ve noticed in 2024 is the way indie developers are connecting with their communities. The power of community is something I’ve always believed in—especially after my experience working on Star Wars Battlefront—and it’s great to see more developers embracing this.

Take Dog Studios and their recent dev vlog for their game Forever Winter. Instead of a heavily polished, PR-driven update, they delivered a raw, honest message to their community, focusing on respect, transparency, and collaboration. This is exactly the kind of approach that resonates with today’s players. When developers listen to their community and genuinely involve them in the process, it creates better games and fosters stronger relationships between players and creators.

The Future of Game Industry Changes in 2024

While we’re not out of the woods yet—layoffs and closures are still happening—there’s real hope for 2025. With the renewed focus on single-player games, the rise of indie studios taking control of their own destiny through self-publishing, and the emphasis on community-driven development, the future of the game industry looks promising.

If you’re as excited as I am about where the industry is headed, leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Do you think single-player games will continue to rise, or is there still room for multiplayer to bounce back? And don’t forget to check out my other videos for more deep dives into game industry trends.