The Shift in South Korea's Gaming Landscape: From Play to View
In a surprising turn of events, South Korea’s gaming industry is witnessing a significant shift in consumer behavior, with more individuals opting for video viewing platforms instead of traditional gaming. A recent report from the Korea Creative Content Agency reveals that the average time spent on gaming has decreased by 7.6% over the past year, indicating a notable change in how consumers engage with entertainment.
Interestingly, while the number of gamers has dropped by 1.6%, the audience for video content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch has surged by 4.3%. This trend is particularly evident among younger demographics, with a 5.2% decline in gamers aged 10-19. Despite this shift, the overall gaming market continues to grow, particularly in revenue from PC and console games, suggesting that consumers are still willing to invest in gaming content, even if their time spent playing has diminished.
As the popularity of video content rises, industry experts speculate that this change is driven by the allure of mobile gaming and the engaging nature of video platforms. This evolving landscape raises questions about the future of gaming and whether traditional gaming experiences can adapt to retain their audience. Will we see a new hybrid model emerge that combines gaming and video viewing, or will this trend continue to reshape the industry?
Original source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-it/2025/12/18/6MHAW6DLM5ARHIRBAPS7PE3RLA/