Australia has long been known for having one of the most enthusiastic gaming markets in the world. Gaming preferences in the land down under span across various devices, from consoles and PC to mobile devices and smartphones. With 2026 being on the horizon, the Australian gaming landscape is being transformed through a combination of technological innovation, changing player habits, and evolving regulations. The coming year is expected to change how gamers in Australia play and interact with games, with trends such as immersive gameplay experiences and smarter monetization models setting the stage for an Aussie gaming revolution.
The Continued Growth of Online and Digital Gaming
As the gaming industry braces for the new year, the Australian market continues to be dominated by digital gaming. Widespread high-speed broadband internet connectivity and increasing mobile performance are at the helm of this market dominance. With the market experiencing high levels of smartphone penetration and high-end gaming PC ownership, it is no surprise that online games are increasing in popularity. Online games like multiplayer online first-person shooters and gotcha titles are increasing their player bases in Australia, while other niche gaming formats like iGaming also continue to grow in popularity.
While iGaming is not regulated in Australia, the finest online pokies australia has to offer can be found through offshore platforms. These platforms still provide Australian players access to hundreds of games, with familiar payment options like bank transfer and PayID. Accessibility is another benefit of offshore iGaming platforms in Australia, with the top sites offering fast and secure withdrawals.
Mobile Gaming Will Rise to Become the Top Gaming Platform
Mobile gaming has come a long way since the early days of small Java-based applications. These days, smartphones can run sophisticated game titles that offer gaming experiences rivalling top console games. In 2026, mobile gaming is expected to overtake console and PC gaming in Australia, with estimates placing the mobile gaming market share at AUD 2.93 billion by 2035. As a result of this growth, Australian developers are focusing on mobile-first titles, especially free-to-play games with optional in-app purchases.
An attractive prospect of mobile games for players is the short-session nature of games. Players can pull out their smartphones anywhere and at any time to play for a few minutes. These games offer escape from busy routines and provide players with something to do in between tasks.
Esports and Competitive Gaming Go Mainstream
Esports have exploded in popularity across the world, and Australia is no exception. By 2026, competitive gaming and esports will no longer be niche interests and are expected to experience an increase in mainstream popularity. The Australian esports landscape will see larger prize pools, sponsorship deals, and locally hosted tournaments. There is also an increased interest from universities and schools, with many facilities investing in esports training programs and treating competitive gaming as a legitimate extracurricular activity.
Contributing to the growth of esports and competitive gaming is themodern streaming culture found in gaming communities. Not only are Australian gamers watching international tournaments, but they are also supporting local game streamers who are building strong community channels.
VR and AR Gain Traction
2025 was a standout year for VR and AR devices, with many popular brands reviving the technology with new iterations of devices and headsets. 2026 could see a turning point for VR and AR technology in gaming, as improved motion tracking and lower price points make it more widely accessible to Australian gamers. VR is expected to surge in popularity with many arcades and location-based experiences expanding in major cities, including Melbourne and Adelaide.
Player-Centric Monetization Models
As more games are shifting toward a free-to-play model with in-game purchases and transactions, players are gravitating to games that offer frictionless microtransaction experiences. Games powered by blockchain transactions or that use familiar payment systems like PayID are becoming more popular, and are expected to usher in a new era of pay-to-play and earn-while-playing games. Developers are also focusing their efforts on creating monetization tactics that are player-centric, featuring more transparency and secure payment processing.
Social and Community-Driven Gaming Experiences
The heart of gaming trends in 2026 will be centered around social interaction. Multiplayer games are becoming the norm, and almost every game across every genre is expected to have some degree of multiplayer function. Features such as voice chat, guild systems, and cross-platform play are going to be important features Australian players look for when selecting games to play in the new year.
Social interaction is not limited to multiplayer games, with some single-player titles also integrating social elements. These elements include shared challenges and asynchronous multiplayer features.
