The author, Shagufta Khan, believes the future of gaming lies in "Creation Gaming," where players actively build worlds rather than passively consume them. Drawing from her 18 years in media, she observed that people value what they help create, a phenomenon known as the IKEA Effect. Her studio, Second Quest, aims to empower players by providing simulation games as UGC platforms, utilizing AI to make creation tools accessible. Two current projects, "Model Trains" and "Lorekraft," exemplify this approach by offering expansive building and storytelling experiences. Khan's core bet is that fostering a sense of ownership and community through player-driven creation will lead to more engaging and lasting gaming experiences.

Holly Liu, co-founder of Kabam, shares insights into the gaming industry. She discusses the intricacies of working within this dynamic field. Liu also outlines effective approaches to understanding the market. Her advice focuses on strategies crucial for achieving success in gaming.

"SteamTrender" is a tool designed to analyze and predict trends on the Steam gaming platform. It leverages data from Steam's API to identify popular games, emerging genres, and player behavior patterns. The platform aims to provide insights for gamers, developers, and publishers. By tracking sales, player counts, and community discussions, SteamTrender helps users stay ahead of the curve. Its ultimate goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of the Steam market's dynamics.

Hi, I'm Photography Gamer and I manage the PLAY GAMES channel. I fell in love with video games back in 1980’s and in all those years I have amounted a wealth of knowledge and experience which I call upon to create lots of cool content. I review all sorts of games from new releases, old school classics and a few indie gems you’ve probably never heard of. I also run an ongoing podcast called The Virtual Photographers Guide, where I use my years of experience as a professional photographer to impart creative wisdom to help you get the most out of photo modes......and when I have time I create original documentaries on gaming culture.

AI games are poised for a breakthrough, but foundational technologies and founder mindsets are still evolving. Similar to the internet's early days, the current AI landscape requires advancements in speed, cost, and quality of AI models. Founders need to broaden their concepts of what a game can be, embracing AI-native thinking for true innovation. NFX believes the "technology window" for AI-native games has just opened, presenting a significant opportunity for new ventures. They are hosting an AI Games Summit on March 8, 2026, for founders in this space.

The video "I got to play Transport Fever 3!" by City Planner Plays provides an exclusive look at the upcoming sequel, highlighting its polished performance even on mid-range hardware and its new start date of 1900. Key gameplay innovations include built-in advanced traffic signal timing, "Move It" style detailing tools, and a more modern UI that separates road-building for better mod support. The logistics system has been overhauled to include mandatory warehousing and "last mile" delivery, requiring more strategic planning to actually turn a profit. A new "City Prestige" and citizen happiness mechanic shifts the focus from simple money management to thoughtful urban design and placement. While no release date was confirmed, the creator noted the game felt highly stable and feature-complete during his hands-on time in New York.

Cozy games, a growing subgenre, offer relaxing gameplay focused on building and community rather than destruction. These games, exemplified by titles like *Animal Crossing*, have surged in popularity, particularly during the pandemic, providing players with a sense of comfort and connection. Research suggests that playing cozy games can improve mental well-being and reduce stress, comparable to mindfulness meditation. The genre's inclusive design and focus on positive interactions create welcoming communities both in-game and online. This contrasts with negative perceptions of gaming, with studies now highlighting the potential mental health benefits of even casual play.