The IGDA in partnership with Western University runs the Developer Satisfaction Survey as a biannual survey to understand and gauge the current demographic composition, quality of life, and overall career satisfaction of those within the game development industry. The Developers Satisfaction Survey is a critical tool for the IGDA to achieve our mission of empowering and supporting game developers around the world.
Interested in staying updated on future Developer Satisfaction Survey (DSS) distributions and/or the release of affiliated reports? Fill out this contact form here.
Reports
2024
- DSS 2023 – Developer Satisfaction Survey Summary Report
- DSS 2023 – Developer Satisfaction Survey Summary Infographic
2022
- DSS 2021 – Diversity Report
- DSS 2021 – Diversity Report Infographic
- DSS 2021 – LGBTQA2+ Diversity Report
- DSS 2021 – Diversity Report Regional Snapshots
2021
- 2021 Developer Satisfaction Survey Summary
- 2021 Developer Satisfaction Survey Infographic
- 2021 Developer Satisfaction Survey COVID-19 Report
- 2021 DSS COVID-19 Report Infographic
2019
- 2019 Developer Satisfaction Survey Summary
- 2019 Developer Satisfaction Survey Infographic
- 2019 Industry Trends Report
2017
2016
2015
2014
FAQ
Why did the IGDA create the DSS?
In order to carry out our mission more effectively, the IGDA created and conducted the annual Developer Satisfaction Survey (DSS) to update our knowledge of the current demographic composition of the game industry, to better understand quality of life issues and to gauge developers’ overall satisfaction with their jobs and the state of the industry.
Who takes the survey?
The DSS is open to anyone who is involved in the video game industry in a professional or academic capacity may take part in this survey, including professors, students, contractors, independents, and so forth.
How long does it take to complete the survey?
The survey typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
When is the survey conducted?
The survey is conducted annually in March and April, typically launched at the beginning of the annual GDC event in San Francisco.
When are the survey results released?
The initial Summary Report is typically released in late Q3/early Q4 of the same year, then followed by more detailed thematic reports over the following months.
What does the IGDA do with the survey results?
The IGDA uses the results to inform us about developers’ priorities and the most critical issues affecting their overall satisfaction, and in turn use that information to help us prioritize our advocacy efforts and organization initiatives. Also, the DSS has become a key source of information for media and has been quoted in the New York Times, the Washington Post and other outlets, as well as even referenced in a museum exhibit.