The gaming industry is heading into 2026 with an interesting blend of momentum and uncertainty. In some areas, high-end gaming destinations continue to enjoy strong performance, buoyed by resilient travel demand and a steady appetite for premium leisure experiences.
But, elsewhere, operators are contending with softer consumer confidence, shifting player habits and the emergence of new digital formats that are subtly reshaping where and how people choose to play.
Recent analysis published in the Global Gaming 2026 Outlook by Bloomberg Intelligence suggests that 2025 has been marked by contrasts.
Traditional gaming hubs have seen periods of weaker footfall, online betting platforms have faced tighter margins, and many regional markets have had to navigate inflation, redevelopment projects and evolving customer expectations.
Even so, the general outlook for 2026 remains optimistic, with anticipated improvements in operational efficiency, stabilising tourism and renewed strength in the upper tiers of the market.
Essentially, the sector isn’t slowing down by any means – rather, it’s transforming, and it’s happening rapidly. Indeed, 2026 may prove to be one of the most unpredictable yet significant years for global gaming in recent memory.
Will Technology Will Redefine What Counts as “Gaming”?
As we head into 2026, the line between gaming, entertainment and everyday digital life is likely to blur even further than it already has.
Advances in AI, real-time personalisation and immersive interfaces are gradually shifting gaming from a standalone hobby into a fully integrated digital experience. Rather than simply launching a game, players may find themselves entering dynamic worlds that adapt to mood, behaviour and even time of day, creating play sessions that feel more like living ecosystems than static environments.
Another emerging trend is the expansion of gaming beyond traditional screens. Wearables, voice-driven systems and lightweight mixed-reality devices are expected to accelerate, offering new ways to play that feel more intuitive and less tethered to hardware.
This shift could also potentially broaden the demographic of gamers, as interfaces become more accessible and gameplay becomes more passive, ambient or woven into daily routines. In essence, 2026 may be the year gaming transitions from something you choose to do into something that surrounds you.
A New Era of Player Expectations and Digital Behaviour
Players are becoming more discerning, and their expectations in 2026 will likely extend far beyond graphics or mechanics. With digital services in every industry becoming faster, smarter and more adaptive, gamers may demand the same level of sophistication from their favourite platforms. This could mean deeper customisation, more transparent reward structures, and experiences that feel genuinely tailored rather than broadly segmented.
There is also a growing awareness around digital well-being, attention and the value of time. As people become more conscious of how they engage with technology, gaming platforms may face pressure to offer healthier structures – things like shorter play bursts, better content pacing or tools that help players manage engagement without compromising enjoyment. At the same time, communities may play an even larger role, with social connection becoming a core component of long-term retention.
All of this points toward a landscape where success is defined not just by innovation, but by how meaningfully gaming fits into the rhythms and values of modern life.
What Do The Experts Have To Say?
- Danielle An: Senior Tech Lead at Meta
- Anna Zhang: Head of Marketing at U7Buy
- Gary Knight: CEO of WOLF
- Dmitry Kandratsyeu: Head of Product at Solitaires.com
Danielle An, Senior Tech Lead at Meta
“At its core, VR provides users with “adventures from the comfort of your home, in a budget-friendly way.” It’s often said that every human dreams of traveling the world. For some of us, that means exploring exotic places like ancient caves in Iceland; for others, it might be the perfect dive in the Maldives. And often, it involves activities we may never be able to do in real life.
“VR experiences provide a unique blend of adrenaline and comfort — allowing you to replay the experience from your couch, at a fixed cost, without the real-world risks. These sensations simply weren’t achievable in traditional 2D adventure games without the immersive environment VR creates.
“While VR has faced adoption challenges in recent years, continued technological advancements will likely help it gain momentum in 2026.
Anna Zhang, Head of Marketing at U7Buy
“The gaming industry is experiencing its most transformative period yet. By 2026, we expect the global market to reach approximately $250 billion, driven by three major shifts.
“First, mobile gaming will solidify its dominance, accounting for over 55% of revenue as cross-platform experiences become standard. Second, subscription models will largely replace traditional ownership, players want access over possession. Third, security will become paramount as digital assets gain real value through blockchain integration and cross-game economies.
“Games are evolving from entertainment products into persistent digital worlds. Players increasingly view in-game items as investments, not purchases. This shift demands robust security infrastructure and marketplace transparency. Studios focusing on player trust, seamless cross-platform experiences, and sustainable monetization will surely thrive, while those clinging to outdated models will struggle to compete.”
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Gary Knight, CEO WOLF
“By 2026, gaming will be even more deeply intertwined with social connection, particularly in regions where community-focused digital behaviour is accelerating. At WOLF, we’ve seen firsthand how audience expectations are moving beyond stand-alone gaming and toward integrated entertainment ecosystems.
“What we believe is clear is that 2026 will be the year when social gaming becomes the gateway to long-term community participation. Simple, competitive, multiplayer formats will act as instant ice-breakers, drawing new users into wider conversations, friendships and shared experiences.
“Looking ahead, we expect to see richer spectator features, social media integration and new monetisation mechanics shaping the next wave of growth in this sector.”
Dmitry Kandratsyeu, Head of Product at Solitaires.com
“By 2026, the global gaming industry is expected to grow even further, building on the strong momentum of 2025. Market analysts project worldwide games revenue to exceed $200 billion around 2026, driven largely by mobile, casual, and cross-platform gaming. Mobile gaming remains the fastest-growing segment, continuing to outpace both console and PC in audience reach and monetisation.
“At the same time, we’re seeing a major shift as the largest entertainment companies move deeper into gaming. Netflix has already launched a growing catalogue of mobile titles, and Disney has begun investing heavily in interactive content and casual game formats like match-3 and solitaire. This signals a broader trend and in 2026, mainstream media giants will increasingly enter the gaming market not as side experiments but as strategic pillars of their strategy.
“The result is a new era where gaming becomes a core extension of global entertainment brands.”
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