IGN Entertainment has launched its latest innovation, the Gaming Trends platform, to shed light on the ever-evolving gaming landscape. With a vast reach of 500 million monthly visitors across 110 countries, IGN's data-driven insights provide a comprehensive temperature check of what's trending in the industry.

The initial 2026 Gaming Trends report highlights six key areas that are reshaping the industry, including mobile gaming, user-generated content, and nostalgia. By analyzing these trends, we can gain valuable insights into the future direction of gaming and entertainment.

One of the most significant findings is the rise of mobile gaming as king. According to IGN's segmentation study, 93% of Gen Alpha prefer playing on mobile, while 32% of Millennials also call it their preferred device. This growth in popularity is largely attributed to Fortnite's massive success on Switch, with an estimated 81 million players.

The report also delves into the world of user-generated content (UGC), revealing that Roblox has become a powerhouse with around 40 million user-made experiences. In contrast, Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) has resulted in almost 200,000 games being made within the Fortnite ecosystem.

The trend towards nostalgia is another significant finding, with 71% of respondents agreeing they're feeling more and more nostalgic for franchises that were around when they were kids. This sentiment is driving a resurgence in interest for older games, as seen on subscription services like Humble.

The report also highlights the growing importance of AI in mobile apps, specifically in the gaming industry. As gamers increasingly identify with specific experiences rather than platforms or genres, developers are leveraging AI to create more immersive and engaging experiences.

Other notable findings include the growth of eSports, led by one-on-one fighting games, as well as the increasing demand for new IP breakthroughs, such as Split Fiction and Black Myth: Wukong. The report also notes that subscription services are getting bigger, with old games on these services always being new to someone.

For a deeper dive into the findings, be sure to check out the video hosted by IGN's SVP of publishing, John Davison, which provides many more data points that informed the study.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mobile gaming is king, with 93% of Gen Alpha and 32% of Millennials preferring mobile devices
  • User-generated content (UGC) is growing rapidly, with Roblox hosting around 40 million user-made experiences
  • Nostalgia is driving a resurgence in interest for older games, as seen on subscription services like Humble
  • AI in mobile apps is revolutionizing the gaming industry, creating more immersive and engaging experiences