Globant's "Game On" Report Reveals Five Forces Redefining Gaming's Digital Future in 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Globant (GLOB) released its "Game On" Report on Nov 18, 2025, identifying five forces reshaping gaming in 2026: platform shift to portables and cloud, AI adoption in development and ops, deep engagement via franchises, creator-driven discovery, and rising regulatory pressure on monetization and AI. The report cites $189 billion projected global gaming revenues in 2025 (Newzoo) and a 97% developer AI adoption rate (Google Cloud Games Report 2025). It warns that large acquisitions in 2025 are altering competition and that studios must integrate AI responsibly, prioritize player trust, and design cloud-first experiences to stay competitive.

Positive

• $189B projected global gaming revenues in 2025
• 97% of developers using AI for asset creation and ops
• Shift to portable and cloud platforms expands play-anywhere access

Negative

• Regulators targeting loot boxes, gacha and opaque AI monetization
• Large 2025 acquisitions are reshaping competitive landscape

• 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

What are the five forces Globant says will define gaming in 2026 for GLOB investors?

Platform shift to portables/cloud, AI adoption, deep franchise engagement, creator-driven discovery, and regulatory pressure on monetization and AI.

How large is the gaming market cited in Globant's Nov 18, 2025 report?

The report cites projected global gaming revenues of $189 billion in 2025 (Newzoo).

What AI adoption metric does Globant report and why does it matter to GLOB shareholders?

Globant cites 97% of developers using AI for asset creation, playtesting, and localization, implying broad industry operational change.

How could regulatory pressure in 2026 affect gaming companies mentioned in the GLOB report?

The report warns governments are targeting loot boxes, gacha systems, and opaque AI features, which could force design and monetization changes.

What strategic moves does Globant recommend for studios to remain competitive in 2026?

Integrate AI responsibly, prioritize player trust, adopt cloud-first and portable design, and embrace creator ecosystems.