Why Attention Is the Next Growth Engine for the Gaming Industry

1. Attention Becomes the Core Asset of Digital Media

McKinsey’s report introduces the "Attention Equation," which splits media monetization into Commercial Quotient (platform capabilities, business models, user value) and Attention Quotient (the depth of user focus and engagement). Together they explain about 80% of the variance in media revenue, with Commercial Quotient accounting for roughly two‑thirds and Attention Quotient for one‑third.

2. Games Capture the Highest‑Quality Attention Among Digital Media

Games generate the strongest attention quality compared with other media formats. Approximately 75% of PC/console players and 55% of mobile gamers remain highly focused while playing, a level comparable to live events and far above social media, newspapers, and podcasts.

3. Games Deliver the Highest Per‑Hour Value

Because of superior attention quality, games create far more value per hour of consumption. McKinsey estimates that PC/console games generate about $1.50 per hour, while mobile games generate about $0.46 per hour, making gaming one of the most valuable digital content forms per hour.

Games are an active experience that keeps people continuously engaged and deepening their involvement.

4. Global Gaming Market Reaches $360 B

The gaming industry now accounts for roughly $360 billion in total market size, including digital content, hardware, and services. Live Ops alone represents about $147 billion and is projected to grow to $167 billion by 2030, becoming one of the largest revenue streams.

5. Strong Correlation Between Attention and Spending

McKinsey finds that a 10% increase in user attention translates into an average 17% rise in spending, indicating that higher attention quality directly boosts users' willingness to pay.

6. Significant Commercialization Gap Remains

Although games excel at capturing attention, the industry’s Commercial Quotient lags behind, creating a structural gap: Attention Quotient > Commercial Quotient. This represents a major untapped opportunity for turning attention into revenue.

7. Four Key Directions for the Next Growth Phase

Strengthen Live Ops : Continuously deliver new activities, storylines, and limited‑time modes to extend player lifecycles.

Enhance Community Value : Leverage guilds, teams, live streaming, and player communities to increase stickiness.

Explore New Monetization Models : Expand virtual goods, subscription services, advertising, and IP‑derived content.

Deepen Cross‑Industry Collaboration : Partner with media, sports, entertainment, and retail to create additional commercial opportunities.

8. Conclusion

The McKinsey report signals that the next wave of growth in gaming will be driven by the value of attention. Games offer the highest‑quality attention among digital media, generate superior per‑hour value, and possess a massive $360 billion market. Transforming this attention into commercial value—through stronger Live Ops, richer community experiences, diversified monetization, and cross‑industry partnerships—will define competitive advantage in the coming years.