This video review breaks down the "game dev crisis" and what it's really like to be an indie game developer navigating today's challenging climate. The game industry changed massively going into 2026: massive gaming industry layoffs, cancelled AAA projects, studio closures, and skyrocketing budgets have transformed the landscape. In this game dev deep dive, I cover: • Why game development has become more challenging than ever • The truth behind AAA game development struggles and studio closures • Indie game development opportunities despite industry chaos • Real talk about Unity development and making games independently • Game dev tips for surviving (and thriving) as an indie dev in 2026 Subscribe for more indie game dev insights and devlogs from my journey building Digi-Gears! ☕🎮 🎥 Latest Devlog: 🎮 Wishlist Digi-Gears on Steam: It genuinely helps more than you think. ☕💚 Here are some of the games shown in this video including some great indie dev projects: Twisted Tower: Cultic: Chapter Two: Coromon: Inscryption: Arc Raiders: Expedition_33: Soundtracks Used: Cody Quinn: 8 Bit Music - "Battle Man" (Mega Man Style Chiptune) 8 Bit Music - "Action Man" (Mega Man Style Chiptune) ADVENTURE - 8-Bit Chiptune #gamedev #gamedevelopment #indiedev #unity3d #gameindustry #gamingnews #gamecrisis #indiegamedev #developerlife 0:00 – The Reality of Game Dev in 2026 0:42 – Industry Changes in 2025 1:33 – Why Indie Dev Is Getting Harder 2:40 – AAA Decline & Indie Rise 3:55 – Why 2026 Might Be Better for Indies 4:45 – Final Thoughts & Community Questions