Although Sony and Microsoft have not fully revealed their next-gen consoles, it is widely believed that many development studios are already crafting gaming experiences for both platforms. Some of those games will launch alongside the console, like Gearbox Software's Godfall, and others will be available later down the line.
But fans may still be wondering how many developers are actively working on PS5 and Xbox Series X games and it seems that close to one quarter have PS5 projects in development. By comparison, about 17 percent of developers believe their next game will be available on Xbox Series X.
This information comes courtesy of a GDC survey of close to 4,000 developers. The developers were asked a number of questions about their projects, but the focus has been largely on comments regarding the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Perhaps the most eye-catching discovery from the survey is that 38 percent of polled developers are interested in making PS5 games and 25 percent are interested in Xbox Series X.
Why exactly there is favoritism towards the PlayStation 5 is unclear, but it might have something to do with the console's existing fan base. While Microsoft has been able to make up considerable ground in recent years, Sony outpaced its competitor in terms of sales and install base. Typically, that translates into strong sales for the next-generation of console, assuming that there is a lot of parity between competitors. Prior to this current generation most figured that Microsoft would start off strong, but the messaging surrounding the Xbox One shifted public sentiment in PlayStation's favor.
Ultimately, the reveals will shape developer perception and how hard studios push for one platform or the other. But realistically it's more likely that most new games will be available on both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X.
Still, it's interesting to consider potential reasons why the developers polled favor the PS5 over the Xbox Series X. The console sales numbers are not too far off from each other, but distinct enough to suggest some favoritism. Fans will see what that means when Sony and Microsoft eventually reveal their consoles later this year.
Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X will release later this year.
Source: GDC Survey
