Globant’s “Game On” Report Reveals Five Forces Redefining Gaming’s Digital Future in 2026 in the Middle East
- 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
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), whilst in the Middle East, the gaming market is projected to reach $9.57 billion by 2030 at 12.9% CAGR (Mordor Intelligence, 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. The Middle East cloud gaming market is projected to surge from $1.25 billion in 2025 to $7.85 billion by 2031 (35.4% CAGR) (Mobility Foresights, 2025), supported by Gulf data-center capacity expanding from 1 GW to 3.3 GW by 2030 to meet ultra-low latency demands (Mordor Intelligence, 2025).
- 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. The shift is also influencing major publishers: following its acquisition by a Gulf investment group, Electronic Arts announced plans to leverage AI to streamline operations and cut costs, a move seen by investors as a signal that automation is now central to growth strategy.
- 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. In the MENA region, Saudi Arabia recently hosted the Esports World Cup with $70M+ prize pool and the UAE is building more than 70+ studios under AD Gaming (techscoop.io).
- 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 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.
“Gaming is emerging as a cultural and economic force in the Middle East shaping national strategies for innovation and youth engagement. Gulf investments in major publishers, coupled with AI-driven development, signal a future where the region is not just consuming global trends but creating them.
With gaming projected to contribute billions to GDP and anchor initiatives like Vision 2030, the industry is becoming a catalyst for jobs, digital infrastructure, and creative economies across MENA,” saidFederico Pienovi, CEO of MENA and APAC at Globant.
