Latest Gaming News

đź“…January 10, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Major gaming news centers on CES hardware reveals, 2026 release lineups, AI and UGC trends, esports developments, gambling regulation, and blockbuster franchise expansions.
1

Corsair unveils connected gaming and local AI platform at CES 2026

Corsair is showcasing an expanded ecosystem at CES 2026, shifting from pure peripherals to a **smart connected platform** spanning gaming, streaming, content creation, productivity, and local AI computing.Source 3 Stream Deck is positioned as the central control layer, integrating hardware and software across this ecosystem to unify user workflows.Source 3

2

Nintendo details Mario Tennis Fever for Switch 2 with largest roster in series

Nintendo released a new overview trailer for **Mario Tennis Fever**, launching exclusively on **Switch 2** with 38 playable characters, the most in franchise history.Source 3 The game introduces new modes and over-the-top arcade-style tennis, reinforcing Nintendo’s early first-party support for its new hardware generation.Source 3

3

2026 packed with major releases including Grand Theft Auto 6

Games industry schedules highlight **Grand Theft Auto 6** as one of the year’s largest entertainment launches, alongside numerous sequels and new IP across console, PC, and mobile.Source 1 January alone features titles such as *The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon*, *Code Vein 2*, and *The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin*, signaling a dense release calendar from the start of the year.Source 1

4

Hand‑drawn aesthetics and Soulslikes drive 2026’s most anticipated games

Coverage of 2026’s most anticipated games notes a strong trend toward **hand‑drawn visuals** in titles like *Mouse: P.I. for Hire* and *Avatar Legends: The Fighting Games*.Source 4 “Soulslike” design has shifted from buzzword to guiding blueprint, influencing games such as *Mortal Shell II*, *Phantom Blade Zero*, and *Beast of Reincarnation*.Source 4

5

AI and rising hardware costs emerge as key 2026 gaming trends

Industry analysis identifies **generative AI** as a central theme for 2026, with publishers like Krafton openly pushing AI‑first production strategies.Source 2 The growing demand for GPUs and RAM for AI workloads is contributing to sharply rising component prices, which could delay future console generations and increase smartphone and gaming hardware costs.Source 2Source 6

6

China’s growing influence and transmedia expansions reshape the games market

Mobile and online developers from **China** such as Microfun and Century Games are expected to further expand their global footprint across genres like merge and 4X strategy.Source 2Source 6 Analysts also highlight more **transmedia** projects, including upcoming Super Mario and Angry Birds films, as gaming IP continues to expand into film and TV.Source 2

7

User-generated content platforms like Roblox remain under scrutiny amid growth

User‑generated content platforms, especially **Roblox**, had a strong 2025 with experiences like Grow a Garden and Steal a Brainrot breaking concurrent‑user records.Source 2 Analysts expect continued growth in 2026 but warn that concerns over child safety and potential country‑level bans could disrupt expansion.Source 2

8

Block Blast! mobile title hits 70M daily active users through heavy experimentation

Hungry Studio announced that puzzle game **Block Blast!** has reached **70 million daily active users** and 300 million monthly active users worldwide.Source 3 The studio attributes this growth to running more than **10,000 A/B tests** over the past year, underscoring the data‑driven nature of modern mobile game live ops.Source 3

9

Xsolla launches UK events program to deepen game commerce presence

Game commerce company **Xsolla** announced a coordinated program of events and activations across the United Kingdom from January 10–22, 2026.Source 3 The initiative is framed as a strategic investment in the UK and European games ecosystem, aiming to connect developers, partners, and publishers around monetization and growth.Source 3

10

New gender-focused video game site Mothership announced

A new site called **Mothership** has been announced, positioning itself as a gender‑focused outlet for video game coverage.Source 11 The publication aims to spotlight underrepresented voices and perspectives in gaming media, broadening critical discussion around games and the industry.Source 11

11

Regulated iGaming and video gaming terminals face fresh US legislation

Gaming industry reporting notes that US states such as **Missouri, Indiana, and Mississippi** are introducing new 2026 legislation around video gaming and lottery terminals.Source 9 Analysts frame these moves as part of a broader regulatory shift affecting how gaming machines and iGaming are deployed and taxed, with implications for operators and suppliers.Source 9Source 7