Gaming genres to dominate in 2026

The increase in global smartphone use and faster more reliable internet speeds, are key factors in the growth of the online gaming industry. Mobile phones allow players to access thousands of new and exciting games, giving them the freedom to play anytime and anywhere they choose.

Analysts project the global market to reach $225 billion by the end of 2025, with mobile gaming generating a staggering $115 billion in revenue. The biggest winner is expected to be online casino providers, with softening government regulations and changing cultural attitudes creating a more fertile market for operators.  

Looking ahead

All eyes will soon be turning to ICE Barcelona, on the 19-21 January, 2026. The world’s leading gaming technology trade event, bringing together businesses and professionals from all sectors of the industry, is expected to see lots of new tech and game releases.

Next year already promises to be an exciting one for gamers, with a whole host of eagerly anticipated titles to be released, including:

• Grand Theft Auto VI
• Resident Evil 9: Requiem
• Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra
• Nioh 3
• Atomic Heart 2
• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
• The Witcher 4 
• Gears of War: E-Day

Gaming Genres

Gaming genres continue to evolve as technology and cultural attitudes change. The popular gaming genres of the 1980s typically involved space shooters and maze games, such as the classic Space Invader and Pac-Man titles. 

Fast forward to 2026, and the gaming genres expected to dominate could not be more different – although there’s still room for some 80s retro gaming action! Popular genres in 2025 include:

• Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
• Battle Royale and Multiplayer
• Puzzle and Casual Games
• Shooter 
• Sports
• Open-World / Sandbox
• Racing 
• Casino
• Sims
• Strategy
• Survival

Popular game genres for 2026:

Role Playing Games

RPG’s are expected to continue to populate the game charts as advances in technology create ever more immersive stories and complex worlds. Improved customisation and player choices, plus stunning graphics will also ensure this genre remains popular moving forward.

Popular RPG titles include: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Skyrim, Baldur’s Gate 3, Mass Effect 2, Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VI, and Pokémon. 

Casino Games

They may be one of the oldest games around, with some dating back hundreds of years, but there is no stopping the phenomenon that is online casinos. Blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, slots, and more, look set to dominate as the relaxation of gambling regulations, particularly in the US, open up new audiences.

Advances in technology have made these classic casino games mobile friendly and available to more people than ever before. Game designers are also utilising AI, AR, and VR, to replicate the experience of physical casinos and make games more immersive and exciting than ever before.

As competition in the sector increases, gamers can expect to benefit from more innovation and a wealth of titles to choose from. 

Puzzles and Casual Games

Statistics indicate that in 2026, mobile gaming will overtake traditional platforms such as consoles, tablets and PCs. The convenience and accessibility mobile gaming offers players suits modern lifestyles, offering seamless, on-the-go, gaming experiences. 

Much like casino games, puzzle and casual games benefit from the convenience and accessibility of playing on a mobile. Roblox, Monument Valley, and Tetris are classic examples of the genre.

Battle Royale

Games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends have millions of global fans, and the popularity of these titles has seen them draw huge audiences to Esports. The games provide elements of competition and socialization, while an ever-improving cross-platform experience allowing players on different devices to play together and boost game participation. 

The eagerly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, highlights the popularity of this genre, and surely ensures it’s continued success into 2026 and beyond. 

Sports

Sports titles were popular way before the ultra-realistic graphics of today. Fans of hockey, soccer, football, basketball, and more, were all keen to showcase their sports skills and compete against friends.

Now, powerful gaming consoles provide players with immersive experiences that put them at the centre of the action. Playing alongside their sporting heroes has never been more believable or thrilling.

EA Sports FC, the all-conquering soccer title is one of the best-selling franchises of all time, and its presence alone is enough to guarantee the continued success of the sports genre. However, with titles such as Madden NFL, NBA, NHL, and the recent release of EA Sports FC 26, the future looks brighter than ever.

Open World

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated game release of 2026 is Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto VI, scheduled for May 2026. This open-world game is a mixture of genres in truth, including role playing and action/adventure, but ultimately, the freedom and originality of the game is what made the original title so successful.

The first game in the franchise was released way back in 1997, and advances in technology, combined with the loyal global fan base for this iconic game, ensure the Open World game genre will continue to entertain fans in 2026.