Ustwo Shifts to PC First: A New Era for Game Development (2026)

Ustwo, the studio behind the beloved Monument Valley, is making a bold move: they're going 'PC first'. This shift signifies a major strategic pivot, and it's bound to stir up some discussion in the gaming world. But why the change? Let's dive in.

According to CEO Maria Sayans, Ustwo is prioritizing PC development. The team realized that being perceived as a mobile-first studio created limitations when bringing games to other platforms. The company aims to have a more direct connection with its audience on PC, whereas mobile and console platforms are seen primarily as ways to expand reach.

Ustwo has a history of mobile-focused development, but has already brought several titles to PC, starting with Assemble with Care in 2019. Other games like Monument Valley, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, and Desta: The Memories Between have followed suit.

"What has changed more recently is shifting our focus to ‘PC first’ in our future titles, rather than mobile first," Sayans explained. This decision comes from recognizing that being a mobile-first studio can lead to compromises in product design and marketing strategies when expanding to PC and consoles.

Sayans elaborated on the strategic shift: PC will serve as the foundation for building direct relationships with players and community, while consoles and mobile will be used to broaden the audience. This isn't about abandoning any platform, but rather being more strategic about audience engagement.

But here's where it gets controversial... The departure of Monument Valley 3 from Netflix after only six months raises some eyebrows. Sayans revealed that the removal was unexpected, but it presented an opportunity. The team redesigned the game's ending and post-launch content to better suit a premium product, quickly creating a version for app stores. The team adapted quickly, seeing an opportunity to improve the game.

And this is the part most people miss... This shift highlights the evolving landscape of game development and distribution. It underscores the importance of platform strategy and audience engagement in today's market.

What do you think about Ustwo's move to prioritize PC? Do you agree with their assessment of platform strengths? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**