AI and device shifts reshape gaming industry, report

Globant has released its Game On Report, mapping the shifts expected to influence the global gaming industry as it heads into 2026. The study highlights how infrastructure, intelligence, and trust are becoming central to the sector, driven largely by expanding AI adoption and changing player expectations.

Global gaming revenues are projected to reach 189 billion dollars this year, with disruptive technologies reshaping how games are created, delivered, and maintained. According to the report, the industry’s evolution is now defined less by graphical improvements and more by the systems that underpin play.

Portable devices and cloud platforms are changing access, AI is reshaping development, creators are influencing discovery, and regulators are redefining standards for trust and monetization.

Five forces defining the next era

Globant identifies five dynamics expected to guide the sector’s progress. Portables and cloud-optimized platforms are accelerating a shift away from fixed consoles by promoting seamless access and continuity across devices.

AI is becoming central to development and operations, with most studios using it to accelerate asset creation, playtesting, and localization. Long-term engagement is rising in importance, with studios focusing on live services and updates to extend the life of established franchises.

Creator-driven ecosystems continue to influence discovery, with platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch playing a larger role than traditional advertising. Regulatory pressure is also increasing as governments scrutinise monetization models and the ethics of AI-powered features.

Industry consolidation and shifting competition

Kevin Janzen, CEO of Gaming and EdTech AI Studio, Globant: “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.”

The report notes that companies will need to adapt quickly as AI, data use, and platform diversification reshape expectations. Success will rely on responsible AI integration, a commitment to player trust, and the ability to design experiences that adapt to players’ preferred platforms.

Studios that embrace creator ecosystems, apply data responsibly, and invest in portable and cloud-first experiences are likely to set the tone for the future of play. Globant argues that the next era of gaming will reward organisations that treat innovation and integrity as mutually reinforcing principles.

The full report can be accessed here

www.globant.com

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