At Artstash Creative, we’ve contributed our fair share of CGI content—from modelling NFL players, building magical environments or animating epic battle scenes across immersive trailers and UA creatives to eye-catching key art for mobile games.

With smartphones now the primary platform for global gaming, staying updated with the latest CGI trends in marketing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for anyone looking to stand out in this competitive space. But even as tools evolve, AI among them, nothing cuts through like a bold, original creative idea at the core.

1. AI-Driven & Generative CGI

Generative AI is reshaping CGI workflows: it builds dynamic content, NPCs, environments, and even story arcs .

While AI-assisted asset generation can streamline workflows and inspire new directions, the spark of a truly compelling idea still comes from human creativity. AI can enhance production, but it doesn’t replace the need for a strong, original concept, something no algorithm can replicate.

Looking ahead: One of the most exciting emerging trends is Interactive Generative Video (IGV). In simple terms, IGV lets game trailers or cinematic cutscenes (short movie-style videos that tell the game’s story) adapt in real-time based on who’s watching or playing. This means a marketing video could feel tailor-made for each player without creating dozens of different versions. IGV combines generative AI with interactive video tech, still early days, but it holds huge potential, especially for mobile games where player data can personalize experiences. Imagine a promo trailer that changes based on a player’s in-game choices or a launch video featuring their favorite character or gear. We’re keeping a close eye on how this develops.

2. Real-Time & Cloud-Based CGI

Real-time rendering uses powerful graphics chips (GPUs) and cloud technology to quickly update and preview CGI scenes, perfect for creating fast, high-quality videos for mobile games. This is useful for Designers and Marketers

At Artstash our digital asset management platform allows artists and marketers to preview, comment on and share 3D assets to allow for better management and pipeline efficiency for both development and production.

For Designers: It lets artists see how lighting, textures, and animations look instantly, instead of waiting hours for a final render. This means faster feedback, quicker revisions, and more time to be creative. For CGI-heavy projects (like cinematic cutscenes or trailers), it helps streamline the whole production process.

For Marketers: It speeds up production timelines and allows for more experimentation: marketers can request multiple versions, make last-minute changes, or even explore dynamic and personalized video content without blowing the budget.

And with cloud gaming reducing device limitations, UA CGI ads are getting even closer to AAA trailers in quality, for less of the budget.

3. CGI-Infused AR & Interactive Marketing

Augmented reality is increasingly blending CGI with real-world experiences, think interactive character introductions, AR treasure hunts, or virtual product “try-ons”.

4. CGI Avatars & Virtual Influencers

Virtual influencers and CGI avatars are gaining traction in marketing, especially on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. In mobile gaming, branded CGI avatars can host trailers, streams, or launch events to engage audiences in fresh ways.

5. In‑Game & Dynamic CGI Ad Placement

AI-powered, hyper-personalized CGI content tailored to player behavior or regional preferences is becoming more popular, making advertising feel more relevant and engaging.

6. Hyperrealistic Material & Shader Techniques

Advanced shaders, PBR workflows, and material scanning are closing the gap between cinematic marketing videos and actual gameplay visuals, helping create truly photoreal CGI.

Final Thoughts

As ever, marketing in mobile gaming is moving and changing fast, it is now evolving even faster than we might have imagined and CGI trends are accelerating the shift. As AI, real-time rendering, AR, and interactive video converge, there’s never been a stronger case to integrate high-caliber CGI into your strategy.

At Artstash Creative, we’re actively researching and experimenting with these emerging technologies, building our knowledge and skills in the background so we’re ready to tackle any challenge as it arises. By staying ahead of the curve, we aim to help our clients achieve cinematic depth, interactive engagement, or AI-enhanced personalization when the time is right. But as we integrate AI into our toolkit, we know its real value lies in how it works alongside creative minds, not in replacing them. We’re exploring how AI can support and evolve the ideation process, without ever losing sight of the human insight that drives standout storytelling.