DS
DESIGN SCOUTCODM CREATIVES · SG / MY / PH
CLASSIFIED // INTERNAL
BRIEF · 2026-W41
Week of October 5, 2026

↻ NEW SINCE LAST WEEK

SIGNAL CODM can leverage emerging trends in hyperrealism, stylized graphics, and dynamic motion design to elevate its visual identity in the SG/MY/PH market.
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COMPETITOR DROP CALENDAR

Plan counter-programming around these. Tip: add the generated scout.ics to your calendar to get these as events.

Free Fire MLBB PUBG Mobile CODM (us)
NOW CODMGodzilla x Kong Collaboration active ✓ VERIFIED
NOW Free Fire"Duty Hoots" Booyah Pass active ✓ VERIFIED
SEP 16 Mobile LegendsRanked Season 42 begins ✓ VERIFIED
SEP 23 Mobile LegendsLunox "Libra" Zodiac Skin available ✓ VERIFIED
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STEAL THIS WEEK

KEY ART & BANNERS

Hyperrealism and Stylized Graphics

A dual trend exists: pushing photorealistic detail with advanced lighting and textures, alongside developing unique, stylized visual identities for distinct branding.

STEAL THISFor key art, apply a distressed texture overlay (e.g., cracked concrete, rusted metal) in Photoshop using 'Overlay' or 'Soft Light' blend modes with reduced opacity.
↻ CARRIED Dribbble
UI/HUD

Futuristic & Gritty Realism

Clean lines, sharp angles, and digital readouts common in sci-fi UIs contrast with HUDs mimicking tactical displays, featuring data overlays and utilitarian feels.

STEAL THISDesign HUD elements using hexagon or angular panel layouts with sharp, high-contrast lines and a restricted CODM palette (black, yellow, white) for a tactical feel.
↻ CARRIED Behance
MOTION DESIGN

Micro-Animations & Dynamic Transitions

Subtle micro-animations enhance user experience through feedback and guidance, while dynamic, energetic transitions with sharp, angular movements match game intensity.

STEAL THISImplement sharp, angular transitions in UI animations and cinematic sequences, mirroring the CODM brand's hard-edged aesthetic.
↻ CARRIED Dribbble
KEY ART & BANNERS

AI-Assisted Content Creation

AI tools are increasingly used to accelerate production, enabling complex visuals and concept generation for games, leading to more intricate and scaled asset creation.

STEAL THISUtilize AI tools for generating unique environmental details or character concept variations, ensuring adherence to CODM's military realism and tactical tone.
↻ CARRIED Behance
UI/HUD

Glows & Neon Accents with Dark Themes

Dark backgrounds are prevalent for legibility, enhanced by strategic pops of neon or glowing accents to highlight critical UI information and add a futuristic touch.

STEAL THISIncorporate subtle neon or glowing yellow accents on HUD elements to highlight critical information against dark backgrounds, aligning with CODM's brand colors.
↻ CARRIED Dribbble
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COMPETITOR WATCH

FREE FIRE

Garena SEA
Promoting "Duty Hoots" Booyah Pass with a supernatural Wild West theme, using black, white, and luminous green, blending gritty realism with fantastical elements. ✓ VERIFIED @freefire
Ongoing Naruto Shippuden collaboration featuring iconic characters and dynamic, anime-inspired effects. ✓ VERIFIED @freefire
Introducing new weapons (G36, M7, Skorp, RPK) with themed appearances alongside the "Duty Hoots" pass. ~ EST

MOBILE LEGENDS

Moonton
Celebrating 10th Anniversary with a cosmic, star-inspired theme and rainbow effects, offering numerous new and returning skins. ✓ VERIFIED @mobilelegendsgame
Releasing several free skins for Anniversary Battle Pass and events, including Nana, Chou, and Layla. ✓ VERIFIED @mobilelegendsgame
Visual direction blends fantasy, cosmic, and celebratory themes with elaborate skin effects and glowing elements. ~ EST

PUBG MOBILE

Level Infinite
Version 4.6 "Midnight Hunters" update adds a Hunters vs. Vampires themed mode with dark, supernatural, gothic visuals. ✓ VERIFIED @pubgmobile
Recently concluded collaborations with Naruto Shippuden, Ferrari, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. ✓ VERIFIED @pubgmobile
Ocean Odyssey theme returning to Ranked Erangel on September 30th, featuring Atlantis-inspired visuals. ✓ VERIFIED @pubgmobile
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OUR GAPS & OPENINGS

GAP

Underutilized Stylized Graphics

CODM's reliance on military realism could be enhanced by exploring more unique, stylized visual identities for certain events or modes to create stronger brand recall.

GAP

Limited use of AI in Visuals

While AI-assisted content creation is a rising trend, CODM could explore its use more broadly for unique asset generation beyond concept variations.

GAP

Inconsistent Visual Theme Integration

There's an opportunity to more cohesively integrate distinct event themes (like 'Eternal Prison' and Godzilla x Kong) using shared visual elements for a stronger narrative.

GAP

Exploration of Non-Realistic Themes

Competitors are successfully blending realism with fantasy/cosmic themes; CODM could explore this balance more aggressively for specific content updates.

⚠ This section reports observable content patterns + opportunities only. Hard engagement %/reach figures are deliberately omitted — they aren't reliably fetchable from public sources. Pull real numbers from your own analytics before any brief decision.

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BANNER CONCEPTS — START HERE

To capitalize on emerging visual trends and competitor strategies, CODM should focus on integrating dynamic motion, stylized graphics, and enhanced UI elements that maintain its tactical core while offering fresh appeal.

01

Tactical Realism Evolved

  • Implement a distressed texture overlay on key art and banners for a grittier feel.
  • Design HUDs with sharp, angular panel designs and high-contrast elements using the CODM palette.
  • Incorporate subtle animated elements within the HUD that respond to gameplay actions.
  • Why: This concept strengthens CODM's core military realism while incorporating trends in hyperrealism and gritty UI design seen across competitors and design platforms.
02

Kinetic Energy & Style

  • Utilize sharp, angular transitions in UI animations and cinematic sequences.
  • Introduce dynamic UI elements that mimic environmental effects (e.g., seismic activity, energy surges).
  • Explore AI-assisted content creation for unique environmental details and character concept variations.
  • Why: This concept leans into the growing trend of dynamic motion design and AI-assisted creation, allowing for visually exciting and unique content that stands out.