Gaming industry updates: Elznir Games plans and indie game trends

The gaming industry is seeing diverse developments across both board games and digital indie titles. At the upcoming SPIEL 2026, Elznir Games plans to showcase new releases and expansions. Joe from Elznir Games noted a trend regarding the shortening lifecycles of board games, observing that the industry often focuses heavily on the next hype, which can cause high-quality games to be forgotten quickly. However, he expressed optimism regarding new technical possibilities in production and game mechanics.

In the digital space, October 2026 is set to feature various indie game highlights, ranging from puzzle games and rhythm games to space horror and simulators. The discussion also highlights the concept of the 'auteur' in gaming, comparing influential developers like Hideo Kojima and Hidetaka Miyazaki to legendary film directors who leave a distinct personal imprint on their work.