Niko Partners Predicts 10 Major Trends Shaping 2026

Niko Partners has been a leading source of data and insights in the video game market for over two decades. As we look ahead to 2026, multiple significant trends are poised to shape the gaming industry across various regions. Their analysis focuses on five key areas: China, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the MENA region.

2026 Predictions: Major Trends in the Gaming Industry

Based on thorough research and prior forecasts, Niko Partners outlines ten pivotal trends expected to influence the gaming landscape in 2026.

1. Growing Female Player Base

• Women are projected to represent over 40% of gamers across Asia and MENA.
• This marks an increase from 37% in MENA-3 and 40% in India.
• Popular titles among female players include “Love” and “Deepspace.”

2. Mobile Gaming Growth

• Mobile game revenue in Asia and MENA is expected to rise by 3.8% year-on-year.
• This growth outpaces Western markets, which are projected to see only 1-2% growth.

3. Nintendo Switch 2 Price Increase

• The Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to experience a price hike due to economic pressures.
• This follows recent price increases for the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

4. Increasing Game Approvals in China

• Over 2,100 games are expected to receive ISBNs for release in China.
• In 2025, approvals rose by 25%, highlighting a shift toward more frequent licensing.

5. Regulations on Child Safety

• Governments are likely to propose regulations addressing child safety and addiction in gaming.
• Age verification may be required for certain online features.

6. Embracing GenAI in Game Development

• Asian developers continue to adopt generative AI despite some backlash.
• Focus will remain on practical applications like quality assurance and marketing.

7. Shift in M&A Focus

• Mergers and acquisitions are expected to concentrate on smaller firms rather than major players.
• 2025 saw significant deals, but 2026 may focus on niche developers.

8. Expansion of UGC Tools

• More live service games are likely to incorporate user-generated content tools.
• This shift positions UGC as a distinct revenue generation stream.

9. Decrease in Gacha Monetization

• Developers are moving away from character gacha monetization amidst market saturation.
• Players are responding positively to games marketed as pay-to-win free.

10. Barriers for New Titles

• Established games will increasingly dominate the market, making entry challenging for new titles.
• However, there is still potential for innovative indie games to thrive.

As the gaming industry evolves, these trends will play a significant role in shaping player experiences and market dynamics in 2026 and beyond. For those interested in a deeper dive into Niko’s past predictions and market forecasts, additional resources are available at Filmogaz.com.