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2026, the year gaming changes dimension

In 2026, the video game universe is preparing to reach a new milestone. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the cloud gaming revolution, the boundaries between platforms, communities and experiences are fading.

Today’s gamers demand more than just playing: they want to live the entire gaming experience. And brands like Exscape have everything to gain by understanding these shifts to better anchor themselves within them.

Discover the major gaming trends in 2026: artificial intelligence, cloud gaming, cross-platform, monetization, VR and inclusion.

An industry in full revolution

No one can deny that the global video game market is in full growth, set to reach nearly $237 billion in 2026. Behind this striking figure, a general observation: gaming has become a universal language. More than entertainment, it’s a creative, social and economic ecosystem that shapes new cultures. But this growth also attracts competition, demands and innovation. In 2026, surviving in gaming means innovating quickly and effectively.

Discover the major gaming trends in 2026: artificial intelligence, cloud gaming, cross-platform, monetization, VR and inclusion.

AI at the heart of gameplay

Studios no longer simply use artificial intelligence for graphics: it’s becoming the engine of gameplay. Intelligent NPCs, dynamically generated stories or worlds that adapt to the player are redefining immersion.

Giants like Ubisoft or EA are already testing narrative AIs capable of reacting to every decision.

For Exscape, this trend opens the door to a more personalized gaming experience, where each session becomes unique.

Discover the major gaming trends in 2026: artificial intelligence, cloud gaming, cross-platform, monetization, VR and inclusion.

Cloud gaming takes flight

Playing without a console, without downloads and without storage limitations: it’s now a reality. Platforms like GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud or Amazon Luna are making AAA game streaming mainstream on smartphones and tablets. The cloud also expands access in regions where hardware is expensive. A key opportunity for Exscape: strengthening mobility, allowing gamers to play everywhere, all the time.

Discover the major gaming trends in 2026: artificial intelligence, cloud gaming, cross-platform, monetization, VR and inclusion.

Cross-platform becomes the norm

The 2026 gamer no longer wants to choose between PC, mobile or console: they want to switch from one to another without losing their progress. Developers are betting on interconnected ecosystems and shared experiences. For Exscape, it’s confirmation that competition and fun no longer know boundaries: what matters is the game, not the device.

Discover the major gaming trends in 2026: artificial intelligence, cloud gaming, cross-platform, monetization, VR and inclusion.

Monetization evolves

The “buy and play” model is giving way to hybrid formulas: subscriptions, battle passes, limited collections, and loyalty programs. Gamers are seeking transparency and added value, not constraints. Exscape, with its integrated rewards and playful approach to earning, fits perfectly into this evolution.

Augmented and mixed reality: total immersion

With the release of headsets like Apple Vision Pro 2 or Meta Quest 4, mixed reality is entering daily life. Games now integrate AR layers into social or competitive experiences. For Exscape, it’s a path to explore: imagining “phygital” challenges connecting the real and virtual worlds.

In conclusion

2026 marks a new era: gaming is becoming a space for creation, expression and shared innovation. The trends we observe today will redefine how we’ll play tomorrow, and Exscape has all the cards in hand to be one of its major players.

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The Tunisian video game scene is experiencing real acceleration

The Tunisian video game scene is experiencing real acceleration: bold indies, a few structured studios, and initiatives that are starting to connect local teams with international accelerators and trade shows.

Telling these stories, giving creators a voice, and promoting their games, that’s exactly the kind of work that Exscape promotes and showcases: highlighting Tunisian talent so they can find audiences, partners, and funders.

Discover the bold indie studios driving Tunisia’s gaming boom. Meet rising developers, Gamescom stars, and the teams shaping a global future.

Who to watch? Studios and collectives to know

Here’s a concise (and actionable) selection of Tunisian studios to mention in your articles, with why they’re relevant.

  • Sinister Scripts Studio – female-led indie studio, creator of the survival/psychological horror game Alienated, which was announced/showcased ahead of Gamescom 2025: strong symbol (female leadership) and great international visibility. Games Industry Africa+1
  • Herodot Studios – Tunisian studio selected by the European Video Game Accelerator (EVA): proof that local projects are attracting European support initiatives. Games Industry Africa
  • NewGen Studio – indie team developing PC projects (e.g., Steam games) with original concepts (narrative mechanics / AI). newgen-studio.com
  • Lanterns Studios – focus on narrative / AR / VR and mocap services – good example of tech/creative offerings in the country. lanterns-studios.com
  • Pet Pals, Stolen Pad, Broken Mug Studio (and other small studios listed by aggregators) demonstrate the diversity of the casual/indie sector in Tunisia.

Games in development (concrete examples)

Several Tunisian teams are currently working on exportable projects: from narrative-driven auteur games to survival/horror titles and PC/console experiences. Alienated (Sinister Scripts) is the most publicized example recently, partly because it brings international visibility through Gamescom. Other prototypes and Steam projects (like those from NewGen) illustrate a clear ambition: targeting international stores rather than just the local market.

Concrete opportunities to seize

Several immediate levers are available to accelerate growth:

  • Accelerators & residencies (EVA, festivals): provide mentoring, visibility, and sometimes pre-financing – as Herodot’s experience shows. Games Industry Africa
  • International trade shows (Gamescom, GDC, IndieCade): a showcase for securing publishers/partners; Sinister Scripts’ example at Gamescom speaks volumes. Games Industry Africa+1
  • Exportable ecosystem: targeting Steam, consoles, and mobile platforms with localized games/cultural exports is a realistic strategy. newgen-studio.com
  • B2B services (mocap, AR/VR, outsourcing): studios offering tech/artistic services can generate stable revenue (e.g., Lanterns). lanterns-studios.com
  • Communities & education: meetups, game jams, and local training programs to professionalize the talent pool.

FAQ – Tunisian Video Game Studios & Industry

1. What is the Tunisian video game industry known for?

Tunisia’s gaming scene is known for its bold indie studios, creative storytelling, and emerging tech talent. Local teams are gaining international attention through platforms like Steam, Gamescom, and European accelerators. Many studios blend narrative innovation with global market ambitions.

2. Are there successful Tunisian indie game studios?

Yes. Several Tunisian studios are making waves internationally:

  • Sinister Scripts Studio – female-led, creator of Alienated, showcased at Gamescom 2025.

  • Herodot Studios – backed by the European Video Game Accelerator.

  • NewGen Studio – focuses on PC and narrative-driven games.

  • Lanterns Studios – specializes in AR/VR and motion capture services.

3. Where can I find Tunisian games to play?

Many Tunisian indie games are available on Steam, PC platforms, and at international festivals like Gamescom or IndieCade. Some are still in prototype stages but actively seeking publishers, making Tunisia a promising hub for game discovery.

4. How is Tunisia supporting its game developers?

Support comes from:

  • International accelerators (like EVA) offering mentorship and funding.

  • Trade shows that provide global visibility.

  • Local communities, meetups, and game jams that help talent grow.

    This mix is helping studios find audiences, partners, and investors abroad.

5. Why is Tunisia becoming a gaming hotspot in Africa?

Tunisia combines strong creative talent, multilingual teams, and a strategic location between Europe and Africa. With increasing participation in international accelerators and festivals, it’s emerging as one of Africa’s most dynamic gaming markets.

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How Gaming Cafés Are Shaping Youth Culture in Dubai

In Dubai, gaming cafés are not simply entertainment venues: they are profoundly redefining how young people meet, interact and spend their free time. These spaces offer an accessible and friendly setting, with common areas and more intimate configurations. You’ll find high-performance equipment – high-end PCs, consoles – arranged in a way that encourages exchanges and community life.

Cutting-edge technology, collective intelligence, inclusive design, economic accessibility and enriched social life.

This design conceived for sharing transforms these cafés into true “third places” where people relax while creating connections. The attractiveness of these cafés doesn’t only lie in their atmosphere: their financial accessibility, compared to traditional outings (cinema, amusement parks), makes them popular destinations for young people. Moreover, their location in the city, well-served by public transport, amplifies their reach.

These places become catalysts for active socialization, where young people are no longer spectators, but actors – united around popular games like Fortnite or League of Legends, often organized in tournaments that strengthen team spirit and camaraderie.

Cutting-edge technology, collective intelligence, inclusive design, economic accessibility and enriched social life.

Why This Topic Inspires Exscape

At Exscape, we love exploring trends at the intersection of tech and community, especially when they influence youth and urban culture. Gaming cafés in Dubai perfectly illustrate this crossroads: cutting-edge technology, collective intelligence, inclusive design, economic accessibility and enriched social life.

We enjoy taking interest in these dynamics: understanding how usage patterns shape places, how spaces modify themselves to welcome, bring together and open up perspectives. This is exactly the kind of topic that fascinates us and that we would be delighted to develop further.

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Exscape Awards – Winners Spotlight!

It was more than just a prize ceremony, it was a moment of connection, celebration, and pure excitement.

Hosted at the Orange FAB headquarters in Tunis, the event brought together the Exscape team and our valued partner, the Orange team, for a vibrant and friendly gathering.

The venue buzzed with a festive energy.

Colorful lighting, dynamic displays, and enthusiastic conversations set the tone for a joyful afternoon.

Victory in Tunis

winner of the exscape games competition holds his check up proudly

Winners from across the country arrived with smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes.

For many of them, it was the first time meeting the people they’d been playing and competing with for months, and the joy of turning virtual connections into real ones was truly special.

When the prizes were handed out…phones, gaming consoles and cash rewards, the emotions were genuine and contagious.

Adem, Brahim, Maïssa, Hamdi, Amal and Achref ….lit up the room with their reactions.

There was laughter, applause, and even a few surprised gasps.

The pride and gratitude on their faces spoke absolute volumes!

This was not just about winning it was about being seen, celebrated, and connected.

The Exscape Awards are a reminder that behind every username, there’s a real story, a real player, and a community ready to cheer them on.

The winners

a winner is handed his check ands looks on at the crowd joyfully

 Adem Ben Ahmed (20 years old, Sfax)
  • Winner of 10,000 TND!
  • Adem discovered the app through friends and has been playing for 6 months. His persistence paid off with a major win!
Brahim Haj Massoud (22 years old, Mahdia)
  • Winner of 10,000 TND!
  • Brahim excelled in the game Medina’s Secret”, a world filled with fierce rivalries and imcredible adventures…his favorite kind of challenge!
 Maïssa Riahi (24 years old Tunis)
  • Winner of 200 TND!
  • Maïssa found Exscape through social media after seeing gameplay videos that impressed her. She joined just 2 months ago and is already winning. She’s made it clear thats she’s not stopping anytime soon!
Hamdi (25 years old, Sfax)
  • Winner of 3,000 TND + 5,000 TND!
  • What he enjoys the most about Exscape is the social experience, chatting with friends and playing together directly through the app makes every session more interactive and fun.

a player receives her winnings from Exscape and looks down shyly and happily art her check

Amal Haj Massoud (25 years old)
  • Amal is a true video game enthusiast who used to play Free Fire before discovering Exscape.
  • Since joining, she plays several times a day and has fully embraced the experience.
  • She loved her time on the app and actively encourages her friends to join in and play too.

 

Achref Manai (28 years old, Tunis)

Through the app, Achref connected with many new friends and even had the chance to meet them in person at the prize-giving event, proof that Exscape isn’t just a game, it’s a community.

Conclusion

A top winner sits on a stool and looks into the camera feeling proud as the Orange prize venue is in the background. a camera is on a tripod in the foreground

The Exscape Awards event was more than just a prize ceremony, it was a celebration of community, connection, and the real people behind the game.

With unforgettable moments, heartfelt reactions, and joyful encounters, the event brought the Exscape universe to life in a powerful, human way.

From impressive victories to meaningful interactions, it’s clear that Exscape is not just a game, it’s where friendships are built, stories are shared, and players are truly celebrated.