As global policymakers prepare to gather for the World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai, the intersection of governance, technology, and culture takes on new urgency. While the Summit traditionally focuses on shaping future governments and fostering international cooperation on broad policy challenges such as sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusion, there is growing recognition that sectors once viewed as purely commercial, such as the video game industry, are now central to global governance conversations. 

The video game industry, on track to reach nearly $189 billion in global gaming revenue and evolving rapidly, is no longer just a form of entertainment: it is a driver of technological innovation, digital culture, and economic growth. At the same time, it presents complex governance challenges that span intellectual property (IP), labor rights, consumer protections, digital safety, and the ethical deployment of emergent technologies such as AI. 

One of the most pressing issues is AI integration. Recent developments in AI, such as advanced systems capable of generating rich, 3D, interactive environments from text prompts, promise to revolutionize how games are created and experienced. These technologies could accelerate content creation, democratize development tools, and expand creative expression in ways previously unimaginable. Yet they also raise questions about creators' rights, the authenticity of artistic labor, and the distribution of economic value within the industry.

This tension between innovation and regulation mirrors broader discussions at global policy forums. The World Government Summit has historically addressed the governance of digital transformation and AI, exploring how governments can harness innovation while protecting public interest. For instance, in 2025, sessions ranged from ‘AI and Global Governance: Inclusive Technological Futures’ to dialogues on virtual worlds and governance frameworks for immersive environments, topics that are directly relevant to how video games intersect with social and legal norms online.

At the same time, industry-wide agreements have highlighted the labor and ethical dimensions of AI in gaming. For example, major voice and motion capture actors’ unions have negotiated new contracts focused on AI protections, consent, and digital likeness rights, reflecting a proactive demand for governance structures that safeguard worker interests in the digital age. 

Regulatory discussions are also intensifying around consumer rights, particularly regarding data privacy, in-game monetization, and platform governance. The European Union’s Digital Services Act and emerging AI regulations signal a shift toward more robust oversight of digital platforms, including games. 

Looking ahead to the 2026 summit, there is an opportunity for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to co-create governance frameworks that reflect the realities of a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. These frameworks should aim to promote:

• Responsible innovation that leverages AI to enhance creativity without displacing human labor
• Rights protections for creators, workers, and consumers in digital spaces
• Transparent governance standards for virtual economies and online interactions
• International cooperation on cross-border digital policy challenges

By situating the video game industry within a broader governance agenda, the World Government Summit can help ensure that this influential sector contributes positively to global economic and cultural development, while safeguarding the rights and interests of all its stakeholders.