Globant's "Game On" Report Reveals Five Forces Redefining Gaming's Digital Future in 2026
MWN-AI** Summary
Globant’s recently published "Game On" Report sheds light on the significant trends that are reshaping the gaming industry as it approaches 2026. The report outlines five key forces that will redefine the digital landscape of gaming, highlighting a shift from traditional entertainment to a focus on infrastructure, intelligence, and trust, particularly influenced by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).
Projected global gaming revenues for 2026 are expected to reach $189 billion, driven by evolving player expectations and technological advancements. The report emphasizes that the future of gaming is not merely about enhanced graphics or expansive worlds, but rather the systems that underpin these experiences. Key transformations include:
1. **Platform Shift**: The rise of portable and cloud-optimized gaming prompts a transition from fixed consoles to handheld and hybrid platforms.
2. **AI Integration**: Almost 97% of developers are utilizing AI to streamline game development, enhancing processes like asset creation, playtesting, and localization.
3. **Deep Engagement**: The focus is shifting from attracting new players to maintaining lasting engagement through live services, expansions, and remastered titles.
4. **Creator-Driven Ecosystems**: Gamers are now pivotal in driving discovery and engagement, with platforms like TikTok and Twitch surpassing traditional advertising methods.
5. **Regulatory Pressures**: Increased accountability is influencing monetization strategies, as governments scrutinize features like loot boxes and gacha systems due to their psychological implications.
As the industry evolves, firms must adopt innovative practices while instilling trust among players. By integrating AI wisely, recognizing the importance of player safety, and embracing portable experiences, studios can stay competitive in this rapidly changing landscape. The report underscores that the studios that prioritize innovation and integrity are likely to lead the future of gaming.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Globant's "Game On" Report outlines essential trends that will redefine the gaming landscape through 2026, highlighting five key forces: the rise of portable and cloud gaming, AI integration in development, deep engagement strategies, creator-driven ecosystems, and the increasing regulatory focus on player trust.
For investors and stakeholders in the gaming sector, adapting to these forces is crucial for sustainable growth. With global gaming revenues projected to reach $189 billion in 2025, embracing cloud and portable gaming technologies offers a significant market advantage. Companies should prioritize investments in cloud infrastructure and ensure their games are optimized for seamless play on various devices, aligning with players' increasing desire for flexibility.
AI’s transformative role in game development cannot be overstated. Investors should look for companies that are effectively leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and creativity. The report notes that 97% of developers currently utilize AI to accelerate processes like asset creation and localization. Firms adopting AI responsibly can distinguish themselves in terms of innovation and player engagement, leading to higher long-term profitability.
Further, the emphasis on deep engagement through live services and the rejuvenation of legacy franchises suggests that studios should cultivate long-term player relationships rather than solely chasing new users. Partnering with or acquiring studios that excel in retention and content creation can yield significant returns.
The creator-driven landscape signifies a shift in how games are marketed and discovered, making it imperative for companies to build partnerships with influential content creators. This shift not only enhances visibility but also fosters community growth.
Finally, with increasing regulatory scrutiny, maintaining ethical practices in game design and monetization strategies is vital. Companies that prioritize accountability and player safety will likely build stronger brand loyalty.
In conclusion, the gaming sector is evolving rapidly, and aligning with these pivotal trends is essential for any business aiming to thrive in the increasingly competitive landscape of 2026.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
- New report from Globant uncovers the trends driving game development and player preferences in 2026
- Globant report analyzes how Gaming is being reshaped by AI-driven content, portable and cloud platforms, and creator-led ecosystems
NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant, a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today released its latest "Game On" Report, outlining the major shifts defining the next era of the global Gaming industry. 2026 will be defined not just by entertainment, but by infrastructure, intelligence, and trust, especially as AI adoption brings new opportunities and challenges for game developers.
Global gaming revenues are projected to reach $189 billion this year (Newzoo, 2025), with evolving player expectations and disruptive technologies transforming how the industry creates, delivers, and sustains experiences.
According to the report, gaming's transformation is no longer just about better graphics or bigger worlds — it's about the systems that power them. Portables and cloud platforms are changing where and how people play. AI is optimizing the development process. Creators are driving discovery, and regulators are redefining the rules of trust and monetization.
These shifts collectively mark a new chapter for the industry — one where innovation, responsibility, and player connection are inseparable. Globant's report identifies five forces that will define this new era:
- Platform Shift: The Rise of Portables and Cloud-Optimized Gaming. Gaming is moving beyond fixed consoles as handheld, hybrid, and cloud platforms rise in popularity. The focus has shifted from hardware power to seamless, portable access and play-anywhere continuity.
- AI Adoption in Development & Operations. AI is transforming how games are built, with 97% of developers using AI to accelerate asset creation (Google Cloud Games Report 2025), playtesting, and localization. When used correctly, AI becomes a creative ally that expands innovation capacity.
- Deep Engagement & the Power of Legacy Franchises. Growth is shifting from new players to lasting engagement, with studios prioritizing retention via live services, expansions, and remasters.
- Creator-Driven Discovery & UGC Ecosystems. Creators now dictate discovery and engagement. TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch have overtaken traditional advertising for game discovery, turning players into co-developers and monetized creators.
- Regulatory Pressure & the New Era of Trust. Accountability is reshaping monetization and design. Governments are targeting loot boxes, gacha systems, and opaque AI features for their psychological and ethical risks. Player safety is essential to every conversation around game development.
"Industry consolidation remains one of the most influential forces shaping gaming. Large acquisitions in 2025 will continue to redefine the competitive landscape well into the next decade. At the same time, smaller development teams are proving capable of producing blockbuster-level experiences—a dynamic expected to intensify by 2026," said Kevin Janzen, CEO of Globant's Gaming & EdTech AI Studio.
As the industry moves into 2026, gaming companies will need to evolve to survive. Success will depend on how effectively studios integrate AI responsibly, prioritize player trust, and design across platforms to meet players wherever they are. Those that embrace creator ecosystems, leverage data ethically, and invest in portable, cloud-first experiences will not only stay competitive but set the standard for what modern, meaningful play looks like. The next era of gaming belongs to studios that treat innovation and integrity as inseparable.
To learn more, download the full report here: https://more.globant.com/en/trends-that-redifine-future-of-video-games
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
- We have more than 29,000 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
- We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
- We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
- We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
- We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: pr@globant.com
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SOURCE GLOBANT
FAQ**
How is Globant S.A. GLOB leveraging AI in the gaming development process to enhance efficiency and creativity as outlined in their "Game On" Report?
What specific strategies does Globant S.A. GLOB recommend for gaming companies to build trust with players in light of increasing regulatory pressures highlighted in the report?
In what ways does the "Game On" Report suggest that portable and cloud-optimized gaming platforms will transform player experiences and industry dynamics according to Globant S.A. GLOB?
How can smaller development teams capitalize on the trends identified in the Globant S.A. GLOB report to compete with larger studios in the evolving gaming landscape?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Globant S.A. (NYSE: GLOB).
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