Chasing Fortnite: Why Big Studios Are Still Betting on Live Service

The 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC) Game Industry Status Report shows that continuous operation of games still occupies a place. Although some predict that such games will decline after some high-profile games fail (such as Concord), one-third of "AAA-level developers" are still developing such games. Obviously, big publishers can’t give up on their dream of becoming the next Fortnite.

Who is making these games?

About 16% of the respondents said they are developing and operating the game ongoing. As expected, big production studios are leading the trend – because it’s not cheap to make and maintain these games.

Interestingly, although many people are developing such games, only 13% of respondents said they would be happy to make a game that will continue to operate. Meanwhile, 42% firmly expressed "not interested" while the rest shrugged and said, "Maybe?"

Why bother making and running games?

Some developers see the huge value of the continuous operation model. Joe Tung, a producer who has been involved in the production of Halo and Destiny, once said that continuing to operate the game is great for both players and developers because it allows you to "look at the long term". His studio Theorycraft Games is currently working on Supervive – a game that combines MOBA, battle royale and...hero shooting elements? (To be honest, it sounds like a type of feast.)

Others pointed out the benefits of community building and stable income flows. On the other hand, some developers have expressed serious concerns about this model. Complaints include:

• Market saturation : Everyone is making it so it’s hard to stand out.
• Player fatigue : Gamers can only play so many "permanent games" at the same time, otherwise they will...give up.
• Creative Stagnation : Chasing trends can kill innovation.
• Developer Burnout : Continuous updates mean constant pressure. It's really fun.

Risk is real

When the game continues to operate successfully, they will have great success (for example: Apex Heroes or Warriors). But if they fail, it's like tripping over their own shoelaces in front of a crowd. Ask Rocksteady, they face layoffs after Suicide Squad: Kill Justice League failure, or Firewalk Studios, which completely shut down after Concord failed. Even successful games require constant updates to content, which can push developers to their limits. Remember the overtime story of Fortnite? Yes, it's tough.

Is this just a Western matter?

GDC surveys have some limitations. Most of the respondents were from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia. Developers in China and other non-Western countries are underrepresented. So while the results provide us with a snapshot, they do not necessarily reflect the current status of the global industry.

In addition, there is no way to know what makes a person a "AAA-level developer". Large studio? Huge budget? Premium coffee machine in the office? We may never know.

Final summary

Despite some problems, large studios are not ready to give up on continuing to run games. Even Sony has shrunk its size after Concord, but has not given up completely. Warner Bros.? They are redouble their efforts, betting on continuous operations and free games to smooth out the financial roller coaster of big production releases.

Whether you love or hate them, the continuous operation of the game will not disappear in the short term. So, buckle up and get ready for more battle passes, updates, and complaints when server crashes.

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