‘We’ve been a little bit too romantic:’ Ustwo CEO says lowering development costs is now paramount
Ustwo Games, the studio behind Monument Valley, is pivoting away from mobile development toward a PC-first strategy. CEO Maria Sayans announced the strategic shift following a comprehensive company review, stating that mobile no longer provides a sustainable foundation for long-term business growth.
The decision was prompted by Netflix’s decision to discontinue Monument Valley 3, forcing Ustwo to bring the title to additional platforms independently. Sayans emphasized that the studio must prioritize lowering development costs and expand its use of contractors to remain viable under this new direction, moving away from what she characterizes as an excessively “romantic” approach to game development.
This represents a significant reorientation for a studio historically defined by mobile gaming innovation. By shifting focus to PC and other platforms with broader commercial potential, and adopting leaner production practices, Ustwo aims to establish a more economically sustainable model for future projects. The pivot reflects broader industry pressures facing mobile-focused developers as the platform’s profitability and market stability continue to face challenges.