Emerging Trends in the Gaming Industry: AI, Consumer Protection, and Beyond

The gaming industry is poised for significant changes in 2026, with AI, consumer protection, and online platform regulation being key areas of focus. The use of AI in game development and the potential risks associated with it will continue to be a major topic of discussion. Consumer protection will also be a key area of focus, with the European Commission's guidelines on the protection of minors and the Digital Services Act being key drivers of change. Online platform regulation will also continue to evolve, with the Digital Markets Act and the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple being major factors. Other areas of focus will include youth protection, data protection, and esports. The industry will need to adapt to these changes and ensure that it is complying with the relevant regulations and laws.