Top 10 Games Market Trends for 2025–2026

In 2024, Google Play and iOS Store saw noticeable improvement in consumer revenue. YoY growth rates were at 4% with an astonishing $8 billion in profits.

As the games market expands, advertisers need to approach advertising with intent. These are the top 10 mobile and video game industry trends to consider for the next year.

1. Mobile Games Lead the Global Market

Mobile games is at an all-time high, and it continues to grow at breakneck speed. This is due to more affordable internet and increased smartphone ownership. The popularity of hyper-casual games has also made this possible in several ways.

Statistics show that revenue from the games industry will reach $105.7 billion in 2025. China alone will contribute an estimated $36.89 billion to this figure. So not only are mobile games profitable for developers, it's also a viable market for advertisers.

2. Cross-platform Play is Now Standard

Although mobile games lead the global market, 42% of mobile gamers also play on PCs or laptops. Reports also show that at least 55% of users play on consoles.

This means that advertisers need to adopt an all-inclusive marketing approach. Since gamers don't limit themselves to one medium, cross-platform campaigns are the way to go.

3. AI Drives Personalization and Game Design

The market for AI in games will reach $8.29 billion by 2029. This represents an annual growth rate of 30% percent, indicating its importance in the game industry.

AI-powered game content holds player attention and leads to increased retention. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in game design. The immersive in-game environments and enhanced interactions promote engagement.

We've seen this in titles like No Man’s Sky, where players can explore various ecosystems. Each is created directly from unique player inputs and not driven by a static narrative arc.

4. Brand and IP Partnerships Grow

Brand and IP collaborations increase a game's Daily Active Users (DAU) by 11%. This occurred within the first seven days of launch for regular games. Premium games saw a more substantial increase at over 19%.

This shows that brand-IP partnerships are a significant trend to look out for. The relatable collaborative experiences they provide have the capacity to attract new players.

They also boost engagement by letting brands tap into dedicated fan bases to increase visibility. Games like Fortnite, have been successful at this. It showcases collaborations with pop icons, Star Wars, and Marvel.

5. Social Features Boost Engagement

Two-thirds of the top 50 mobile games have at least one feature for in-game communication. It's successful because it taps into the basic human need for connection.

With social games, advertisers have the perfect platform for engagement. Social features like in-game chats and PvP modes are now more popular. These elements have transformed gameplay into a community-driven experience that creates connection.

According to a Facebook survey, 4 in 10 new US players prefer chatting with others when playing games. This has encouraged developers to include more communication features in their mobile games.

In Asia, it's very common, but Western game designers aren't lagging behind either. A popular example is in Call of Duty: Mobile, where rooms for partying and Roblox are included.

6. Monetization Becomes More Personalized

The video game industry as a whole relies on in-app purchases and subscription-based monetization strategies. These models have become more successful due to improvements in personalization.

One of the most popular formats used by marketers is rewarded videos. Statistics show that the engagement rate with rewarded video ads is as high as 92%. The opt-in rate is at 79% because of how memorable the format is.

Other personalized monetization models that are trending include offer walls and subscription deals. Both offer users a set of options with rewards for completing an activity.

7. Cloud Games Expand Access

Moving games to cloud servers eliminates the need for expensive or complicated hardware. Players now have more access to high-quality games by owning a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

One major factor driving this is the availability of 5G networks and high-speed internet. These technologies also guarantee efficiency in gameplay. Players won't need to bother about regular updates or on-device storage.

Companies like Xbox Cloud, Google Stadia, and NVIDIA are market leaders in the segment. Advertisers also benefit from cloud gaming due to its expanding market. Reports show that worldwide revenue is projected to reach $10.46 billion in 2025.

8. Puzzle Games Keep Rising Globally

Adding meta-layers to puzzle games has become a hot trend in the mobile game industry. It's hard to compete with titles like Candy Crush which continuously leads the Match3 genre.

It currently holds a 27% share of the total genre’s revenues in the US. However, other developers have become more innovative to meet up. Titles like Royal Kingdom include special tasks to make the puzzle exciting.

Others like Project Makeover add meta-layers of fashion and decor that interest female gamers. As designers continue to integrate these features, the video game industry benefits. 

9. Remakes and Franchises Dominate Releases

The PC game industry has taken a cue from movies and is turning to reboots of established franchises. Unlike starting afresh, a fan base is in place to ensure that failure is minimal.

We've seen this with the Final Fantasy VII remake, which sold over 7 million copies. The Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes also did very well, so developers understand their impact.

Given the high chance of success with game franchises, dozens of reboots are expected. Top on the list are follow-ups to classics like Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear Solid.

10. Games Become a Key Media Channel

Games are a significant digital channel for reaching audiences. Recent studies show that around 54% of the Gen Z demographic engage with games daily.

Given this level of connection, there's a growing relevance of games as a primary media channel. Its influence among the younger generation is impactful. This gives brands the opportunity to craft messaging that resonates.

Knowing which platforms to focus on and understanding user preferences is all that's needed to key in.

Standing out in the Games Market

Our games market trends show what developers and studios need to know about the segment in 2025. There's a need for a more differential approach to marketing, which encompasses our top 10 insights.

At Blockchain-Ads, we've studied them and are at the forefront of helping brands reach a wider audience. You can check out our content piece on the marketing strategies used to promote games.