The Future of Game Development & Monetization

Discussion with Miguel Tomás 

The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, bringing new challenges and demanding innovative solutions to bridge platforms, enhance multiplayer experiences, and harness emerging technologies. With 15 years of experience at companies like Activision, Zynga, and Arkadium, Miguel Tomas offers deep insights into the complexities of game development—from building and scaling engineering teams to launching and monetizing successful titles. In this article, he explores the key challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today, from cross-platform integration to emerging trends in game design.

Cross-Platform Gaming: The Technical and Product Challenges

As gaming transcends devices, ensuring seamless gameplay across mobile, PC, and console platforms presents a unique set of challenges. At its core, the issue is not merely technical but deeply rooted in product design. Players interact with games differently based on their device. Mobile gaming thrives on short, frequent sessions, often in unpredictable environments, whereas PC and console players seek longer, immersive experiences that also make a call to competitiveness. "Designing and building a product that fulfills both audiences on mobile, PC, and console is a Herculean task" says Tomas,"Very few have succeeded—think Fortnite's success versus Apex Legends' struggle to gain traction".

From a technical perspective, developers must navigate the lack of universal third-party tools that cater to all platforms equally. While engines like Unity and Unreal offer cross-platform support, most SDKs and networking solutions are platform-specific. Additionally, mobile networks' instability requires asynchronous mechanisms to ensure smooth gameplay. "When designing for mobile, you have to account for unstable connections—players in transit, underground, or on poor networks. A game must be able to function with intermittent connectivity while maintaining a seamless user experience", Tomas explains. 

Developers also have to consider the economic and engagement models that vary by platform. Mobile games are predominantly free-to-play (F2P) with microtransactions, while PC and console games rely more on premium sales or hybrid monetization strategies. "You need to design an experience that makes sense for each audience while keeping them connected - It's not just about making the same game work on different platforms—it’s about ensuring the experience feels native to each one".

Despite these hurdles, successful cross-platform games find ways to create tailored yet unified experiences, leveraging cloud technology, intelligent matchmaking, and adaptive UI design. While the dream of truly universal gaming remains elusive, developers who balance platform-specific engagement with cross-device accessibility are more likely to succeed.

The Hidden Pitfalls of Multiplayer Game Design

Multiplayer gaming amplifies engagement but also brings significant challenges, ranging from latency issues to player toxicity. Beyond ensuring technical precision, developers must design experiences that foster fair competition and community building. "Competitive multiplayer games require low-latency infrastructure," Tomas emphasizes. "If you're playing Call of Duty or Fortnite, every millisecond matters. Lag can ruin the experience, making server stability and optimization a top priority."

One of the biggest hurdles in multiplayer game design is network reliability. Unlike single-player experiences where latency is less critical, multiplayer games require real-time communication between players. "If you're designing a game where timing is everything, like a first-person shooter or a competitive strategy game, your network infrastructure must be flawless", Tomas says. This means investing in dedicated servers, optimizing packet transmission, and implementing rollback netcode to compensate for lag spikes.

Security is another major concern, as hacking and cheating threaten competitive integrity. "Game balance is everything. If one player finds an exploit—say, rendering buildings transparent in a shooter—they have an unfair advantage, leading to frustration and churn", Tomas explains. Developers must implement robust anti-cheat measures, from server-side validation to real-time monitoring to avoid any type of hacking.

Beyond technical concerns, toxicity in online gaming remains an ongoing battle. "Multiplayer games bring out the best and worst in people", Tomas notes. "Games like League of Legends have struggled with toxic communities despite implementing reporting systems and behavior incentives". The challenge lies in designing mechanics that promote positive interactions, such as rewarding teamwork over individual dominance and providing effective moderation tools.

Balancing a multiplayer game requires constant iteration and deep player insights. Games that fail to address these challenges risk losing their player base, while those that build fair, engaging ecosystems can thrive for years.

Choosing the Right Technology and Talent for Development

The debate over game engines often centers on technical capabilities, but Tomas argues that the real deciding factor is talent availability. "Most engines today can build almost any game”, he states. "The question isn't what an engine can do, but rather where the talent and ecosystem are strongest”.

For mobile and AR development, Unity dominates due to its extensive developer base and third-party support. Meanwhile, AAA PC and console titles typically leverage Unreal Engine, which offers superior graphical fidelity and toolsets. "If you're making AAA games, Unreal is a safer bet because the talent pool is there" Tomas explains. "For mobile, Unity is the clear choice. VR is still split 50/50, and web-based gaming lacks a dominant engine, opening opportunities for custom-built solutions".

This ecosystem-driven approach reflects broader industry trends. Major studios like EA and Activision, which once relied on proprietary engines, are shifting toward Unreal due to cost-effectiveness and talent availability. "At the end of the day, it's about efficiency" , Tomas notes, "You want an engine that your team can leverage without reinventing the wheel".

Another consideration is the longevity of the technology. Proprietary engines can offer greater control and customization but require dedicated internal teams for maintenance. Public engines, on the other hand, benefit from continuous updates and industry-wide support. "Unless you have the resources to maintain your own engine long-term, leveraging established technology is the smarter choice", Tomas advises.

Web3 and Blockchain: Hype vs. Reality in Gaming

The rise of blockchain and Web3 gaming has been met with both excitement and skepticism. While the technology offers unique monetization opportunities, the industry has been plagued by speculation-driven projects rather than genuine innovation. "The problem with Web3 gaming isn't the technology—it's the audience it attracts", Tomas explains. "Right now, 90% of users are 'crypto degens' looking for quick profits rather than real gaming experiences. This creates an unsustainable ecosystem".

Despite this, Tomas sees long-term potential in blockchain’s ability to introduce new economic models. "Tokenization allows developers to monetize assets beyond the initial sale. If a player resells a skin, the developer earns a cut of each transaction, creating ongoing revenue rather than one-time purchases".

Additionally, Web3 offers opportunities for emerging markets. "Traditional gaming focuses on high-income regions like the US, Japan, and Europe. Blockchain enables monetization strategies that cater to tier-2 and tier-3 countries, providing economic incentives for sustained engagement."

While mainstream adoption remains distant, blockchain’s ability to enhance network effects and player-driven economies suggests it may still play a role in gaming’s future—if developers can navigate its current pitfalls.

Emerging Trends in Gaming Over the Next Five Years

Looking ahead, several key trends will shape the gaming industry. Web-based gaming is expected to see a resurgence, as players become more platform-agnostic and demand seamless, instant access to games without downloads. This shift will make browsers a more serious distribution channel for gaming content. According to Tomas, "The web is becoming an increasingly viable platform due to advancements in browser-based game engines and the rise of cloud gaming services, which will remove the traditional barriers of downloading and installing games".

AI-driven personalization is a trend that will redefine the industry. Games will increasingly tailor content dynamically for each player, offering unique experiences based on their preferences. This will enhance engagement and retention, moving the industry towards an era where no two players experience a game in the same way. "Chinese developers are already experimenting with AI-generated content that adapts to player behavior in real-time", says Tomas, "creating a 'TikTok-style' gaming experience where every session feels fresh and highly individualized".

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) will continue to evolve, with hardware advancements making immersive gaming experiences more accessible. While VR has yet to reach mass adoption, improvements in AR technology could create new interactions that blend digital and physical worlds in innovative ways. "The challenge with AR/VR has always been its hardware limitations and lack of mass-market penetration - But as companies continue to push advancements in headsets and accessibility, these platforms could see a major shift within the next five years".

Another significant development is the mass customization of content. AI will allow for the real-time generation of missions, levels, and storylines, adjusting the gaming experience based on player behavior. This will create an ever-changing and highly personalized environment for users. Tomas explains that dynamic content generation is already being tested in strategy and role-playing games, where different players receive varied in-game experiences based on their playstyle, ensuring longer engagement and increased replayability.

Finally, blockchain technology has the potential to reshape digital ownership in gaming. While still in its early stages, blockchain could introduce new ways for players to own and trade in-game assets, creating secondary markets that benefit both players and developers. However, Tomas remains cautious about blockchain’s current implementation in gaming, emphasizing that while the technology has potential, "Many early attempts have been speculative cash-grabs rather than genuine innovations that enhance the gaming experience". He believes that blockchain’s true impact will come when it is integrated seamlessly into gameplay rather than existing purely as a financial mechanism.

The gaming industry is undergoing a transformation, and developers who anticipate these changes will gain a significant competitive advantage. Those who fail to adapt may struggle to keep pace with this rapidly evolving landscape.

Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders

For executives navigating the gaming landscape, Tomas offers three critical insights:

1. Invest in High-Performing Teams – The foundation of any successful gaming company lies in its team. High-performing teams bring not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the industry and the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. 
2. Embrace Cross-Platform and Social Play – Games that enable players to seamlessly transition between devices and interact socially tend to have longer lifespans and stronger engagement. 
3. Stay Ahead of Emerging Technologies – The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with AI, blockchain, and AR/VR shaping the next wave of innovation. Companies that closely follow these advancements and strategically integrate them into their products will gain a significant competitive advantage. 

As gaming continues to evolve, success will depend on the ability to anticipate trends, foster innovation, and create experiences that resonate with players across platforms. Whether through AI-driven personalization, blockchain economies, or seamless cross-platform play, the future of gaming remains as dynamic as ever.