Exscape

Categories
Blog

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.

Categories
Blog

Crossplay Gaming in 2025 – Borderlands 4, Monster Hunter Wilds & More

Crossplay gaming n 2025, where gamers expect to pick up their phone, console, or PC and get straight into the same lobby with friends. But here’s the twist: while everyone’s hyping “accessibility,” the real story is how crossplay is reshaping competition, monetization, and even friendships.

Crossplay Feels Different Now

For years, crossplay was a wishlist item and now its a reality! Fortnite and Call of Duty may have broken the barrier, but the next generation of crossplay titles are baking it in from day one. That means no awkward updates, no waiting for console parity, no “coming soon” tags.

Best crossplay games of 2025 including Borderlands 4, Monster Hunter Wilds, Diablo 4. Learn about upcoming releases in cross-platform gaming.

Big Titles to Watch in 2025

  • Borderlands 4: Gearbox’s massive sequel is rumored to feature full crossplay support, letting squads loot-shoot together no matter the platform.
  • Monster Hunter Wilds: With its global release in 2025, this franchise finally looks ready to embrace true cross-platform hunting parties.
  • Returning Favorites: Games like Diablo 4 and Street Fighter 6 are still thriving thanks to their crossplay ecosystems, proving the model works.
  • Check out our blog to see the 8 best crossplay titles in 2025.

Best crossplay games of 2025 including Borderlands 4, Monster Hunter Wilds, Diablo 4. Learn about upcoming releases in cross-platform gaming.

But…What About the Hidden Friction Nobody Mentions?

  • Cheating at Scale: With PC and console lobbies colliding, wallhacks and aim-bots have new playgrounds. Developers are scrambling to keep competitive balance intact.
  • Pay-to-Win Gets Messier: When a mobile player with microtransaction boosts takes on a PC esports pro, fairness isn’t just about skill anymore.
  • Control Gaps: A touchscreen tapper vs. a mouse-click sniper? Crossplay doesn’t magically erase skill inequities.

Best crossplay games of 2025 including Borderlands 4, Monster Hunter Wilds, Diablo 4. Learn about upcoming releases in cross-platform gaming.

What’s Next: The Future of Fair Crossplay

Expect to see:

  • Adaptive Matchmaking by Input Type: Players in the community constantly ask for the ability to filter opponents by input device, controller vs. keyboard & mouse vs. touch. Some games already offer this, and it’s becoming a must-have for fairness.
  • Cross‑Progression & Unified Inventories: Gamers don’t just want to play together, they want their progress, skins, and purchases to move with them. Warframe and other titles are already experimenting with this, and players expect it to be standard going forward.
  • Global Events & Cross‑Server Play: One of the loudest demands is to end regional lockouts. Events and tournaments should include everyone, everywhere, no matter the platform or location. Games like Conqueror’s Blade have shown how unifying servers and events can energize entire communities.
  • Opt-In Crossplay Settings: Some players want the option to toggle crossplay on or off, especially in ranked or competitive modes, to avoid mismatched advantages.
  • Fair Esports Integration: Crossplay tournaments raise questions about balancing different devices. Communities are pushing for esports brackets separated by input type or with special rules to level the field.

Best crossplay games of 2025 including Borderlands 4, Monster Hunter Wilds, Diablo 4. Learn about upcoming releases in cross-platform gaming.

Crossplay Gaming 2025 FAQ

Q: Is Borderlands 4 crossplay?

A: Borderlands 4 is strongly rumored to include full crossplay support across platforms, though official confirmation is still pending. Gearbox has already supported crossplay in Borderlands 3, so fans expect the sequel to expand it even further.

Q: Will Monster Hunter Wilds have cross-platform play?

A: Monster Hunter Wilds is expected to launch in 2025, and community discussions point toward Capcom finally embracing full crossplay. While not yet officially confirmed, crossplay and cross-progression are two of the most requested features.

Q: What are the best crossplay games I can play right now?

A: Popular titles include Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Diablo 4, Street Fighter 6, Rocket League, and Apex Legends. All of these let you squad up with friends across multiple platforms.

Q: What’s the difference between crossplay and cross-progression?

A: Crossplay lets you play with friends on different platforms. Cross-progression means your progress, characters, and purchases carry over no matter where you log in. Many modern games now aim to support both.

Q: Do all crossplay games support mobile, PC, and console?

A: Not always. Some games limit crossplay to specific platforms. For example, a title may support PC and console crossplay but leave mobile out, depending on balancing or performance concerns.

Q: Is crossplay fair in competitive modes?

A: This is one of the biggest debates in the community. To balance fairness, some games use input-based matchmaking or let players opt out of