We asked 5 games industry professionals their opinions on Covid-19’s impact

From the effect on investments to what the industry will look like after normality is restored

In the midst of a global pandemic, ironSource reached out to a diverse group of games industry professionals, from San Francisco to Helsinki, to get their thoughts on Covid-19’s impact on the industry. So far, the industry has proven resilient, with more people turning to games for entertainment during self-isolation, and engagement rates for ads increasing in line.

Based on ironSource data, people aren’t just gaming more, but they’re also installing more new games, as signified by the 25% increase we’ve experienced in IPM in the U.S. While data should be watched carefully by all in the industry, the opinions of experienced professionals can be equally insightful, which is why we sent out this survey. Let’s dive in.

What has been most useful for ensuring productive and efficient remote work from you and/or your company?

Joakim Achren, Founder, Elite Game Developers: Adjusting to new routines.

Brett Nowak, Founder, Liquid and Grit: First, that we were remote prior to Covid. Second, giving our team a Covid stipend to buy supplies and 2 weeks of sick pay to all contractors. Third, messaging the team our company’s status and response to COVID both short and long term.

Jo Kim, CEO, Tiazu: A structured process, daily documentation, and good tools (Zoom, Asana, etc.)

Jeff Witt, Chief Game Economist, Laguna Games: That is still TBD. My clients are taking different approaches. I find some companies trying to overcompensate for remote work by scheduling a lot of unnecessary meetings.

Will Luton, Founder, Department of Play: We’ve been remote from the start. I think the big thing from an operations perspective is the right communications channel (e.g. Slack, Google Meet etc). But from a culture perspective it’s trust: people will put on a washing load, stare out a window or go to the post office. That’s okay. Especially with the backdrop of a global pandemic. Have faith people are doing their best and that the work will get done.

What changes are you seeing in the mobile gaming industry, from consumers to studios, due to COVID-19?

Joakim Achren: The biggest change for me has been the fundraising for startups, where deals are not happening or it’s just taking much longer to get funding. Also, existing companies are scared about their funding runway. If they run out of cash before they get their game out, what will they do?

Brett Nowak: A slow down of decision-making due to WFH.

Jo Kim: Generally, coronavirus has been net positive for gaming: increased activity by consumers, and investment into gaming studios.

Jeff Witt: So far I’ve seen free energy given to players so they can play longer as well as easier access to free energy and more lives.

Will Luton: I think there are many. Firstly, VC investment is going to slow for growing studios. Secondly, UA is going to shift as non-gaming gets thrown into turmoil and ad spends are down, while gaming is up. Finally, we’re seeing a whole bunch more engagement. As new movies and TV can’t be shot, games are one of the few pieces of media with new releases, so will fare better in the post-COVID-19 world (whenever and however that is).

Why are we seeing these changes?

Joakim Achren: There is money out there, but everyone wants to be cautious about their spend.

Brett Nowak: Large offices are now going remote.

Jeff Witt: Game companies recognize that players have more time right now and are adjusting accordingly.

How will the industry look when normal life is restored? Will these changes be long-lasting?

Joakim Achren: There will be more remote work than ever, and people will start to prefer Zoom calls and online conferences over the old way of flying for meetings and conferences.

Brett Nowak: I hope more companies WFH or at least WFH partially. It’s the way to go!

Jeff Witt: I think mobile gaming companies will be more versatile in what their systems can do regarding time. Whereas previously many mobile game developers designed around the notion that spenders don’t have enough time to play their games, now they will design features that can be adjusted to the time their players have to play the game.

Will Luton: WFH doesn’t go back in the box. It’ll be a lot harder for managers to justify. I expect a small number of studios to fully switch to remote, but the majority to adopt flexible approaches. I also think the need for social interaction will be apparent in games. The titles that will do the most will be the ones that allow players to play with friends and make new ones.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Brett Nowak: Although we are going through hardship, my hope is that there are a lot of positives learned from it and mobile gaming companies come out of it stronger than before this started.