New Times Bring New Concerns, Even for Physical Media Consumption in Games

The latest Game Brasil (PGB) survey on gaming trends in 2026 was released today. The study, conducted by Sx Group and Go Gamers with contributions from Blend New Research and ESPM, collected responses from 7,115 individuals aged 16 to 55 between March 5 and 13, 2026. The survey indicates that while gaming remains popular in Brazil, its growth has slowed since the boom observed in 2025. Digital game play decreased from 82.8% to 75.3% since last year. Gamers also expressed that being a “gamer” has evolved to encompass a stronger sense of belonging, engagement, and recognition. Notably, 86.7% of respondents still consider digital games to be a top entertainment choice, with 80.7% ranking it as their number one option. Guilherme Camargo, head of Sx Group and the Postgraduate course in Digital Game Business at ESPM, attributes the decline in reported video game play after the 2025 peak to market stabilization following the introduction of gaming regulations that year. These regulations clarified the distinction between digital and lottery games, better defining the market for companies and players. Regarding platform preferences, mobile devices remain the most popular choice among gamers (44.1%), but PCs (21.1%) and consoles (24%) are gaining traction.

According to Carlos Silva, founder of Go Gamers, which was formerly known as PGB, mobile gaming has matured, showing less expansion but deeper engagement, as players invest more time and money into their gaming experiences. Silva also noted a demographic shift, with Gen Z (ages 16-29) surpassing Millennials (ages 30-44) as the dominant gaming demographic. Women still constitute the majority of gamers (52.8%), and most gamers belong to the middle class. The rise of PC gaming aligns with the growing influence of Gen Z in the digital gaming landscape, as this platform offers the competition, customization, and community that younger gamers seek, resulting in more active relationships with games, longer playtimes, specific game choices, and participation in competitive scenes. In 2025, PGB examined the impact of luck-based games, while the current study focuses on the use of generative AI and digital game ownership.

Regarding the use of AI in game development, respondents expressed nuanced views. While not outright opposed to AI, they voiced concerns about potential job losses (45.7%), the expansion of the gig economy in game creation, disapproval of using AI to copy artists’ work without permission (39.6%), and fears that AI-generated games might suffer in quality and lack artistic merit (38.4%). At the same time, 39.3% stated they would purchase a game even if AI created most of its art, voiceovers, and texts, while another 40.9% agreed they might. Mauro Berimbau from Go Gamers and ESPM emphasized that attitudes toward AI in games are not simply positive or negative. Instead, people are more concerned with fairness, job security, the continued role of professionals, and overall game quality. Concerns about access to purchased digital games also emerged, with approximately 34% expressing slight worry about potentially losing access due to the increasing shift toward online and digital distribution. Around 27% reported no concerns, while nearly 22% voiced significant worry about being unable to play games without physical copies.

Nostalgia Fuels Game Repurchases: Low Prices, Remasters, and Compatibility in Focus

Nostalgia plays a significant role in gaming, as approximately 63% of respondents enjoy replaying older games solo, and around 55% enjoy playing them with friends. When repurchasing games, consumers are primarily motivated by low prices or promotions (44%), followed by remakes and remasters with improved graphics (36.3%), and compatibility with current platforms (23.8%). The complete PGB 2026 survey is now available for review by those interested in learning more.

In Case You Missed It

If you’re eagerly awaiting news from the world of gaming, we’ve got three exciting posts you won’t want to miss! Kicking things off, Sophie Laurent brings great news for fans of Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series. In her latest post, “Metal Gear Solid Movie Officially Confirmed by Sony” Metal Gear Solid Movie Officially Confirmed by Sony, published on April 9th, Laurent shares the official confirmation of a Metal Gear Solid movie under Sony Pictures. With Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein attached as directors and veteran producers Avi Arad and Ari Arad involved, this promises to be an action-packed cinematic adaptation. Meanwhile, Carlos Mendoza explores a fascinating concept in AI gaming with “The Game Where You’re the Trainer and Your AI Plays for You 24 Hours a Day” The Game Where You’re the Trainer and Your AI Plays for You 24 Hours a Day. Published on March 25th, this thought-provoking article delves into SpaceMolt, an AI-generated MMORPG where humans are merely observers, proving the potential for unexpected complexity when these systems interact freely. Lastly, Jonathan Dubinski reveals something extraordinary for K-Pop Demon Hunters fans – Ravensburger is cooking up a family-friendly board game version of their classic maze game, featuring Rumi, Mira, Zoey, and Derpy as your player pieces! Head over here K-Pop Demon Hunters Game Announced to get a sneak peek at this groovy gaming adventure set for release this September. There’s plenty to dive into, so happy reading and gaming!