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GamesIndustry.biz
GamesIndustry.biz
· 7 months ago • Rob Fahey

A decade of gaming hardware stagnation? That might not be a bad thing | Opinion

Briefing

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in the gaming hardware sector, particularly with supply chains. As demand for gaming soared during lockdowns, manufacturers struggled to keep up with production targets, leading to significant shortages. The PlayStation 5 became a symbol of this issue, being perpetually out of stock for almost a year after its release.

For developers, this stagnation could mean a prolonged period of reliance on existing hardware capabilities, impacting everything from graphics fidelity to game design. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for adapting development strategies in a landscape where hardware upgrades may not be as frequent as before.

“Manufacturers found themselves unable to meet their existing production targets.”

— Article Author · Discussing supply chain issues
At a glance
what
Supply chain disruptions affecting gaming hardware production
who
Manufacturers like Sony with the PlayStation 5
when
Pandemic period starting in 2020
impact
Developers may face limitations in hardware capabilities
Signal Mixed

While stagnation poses challenges, it also allows developers to innovate within constraints.

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