Video Games

Overview

Video games represent a high-growth sector in the digital economy. No longer just a channel for entertainment, video gaming has become a foundational platform for media creation, consumer engagement and interactive storytelling.

While headlines often highlight a few dominant AAA publishers, the video game industry is a diverse and expansive ecosystem — spanning PC, console, mobile, cloud, virtual reality and emerging metaverse platforms. These segments sit at different stages of development, each with unique dynamics.

L.E.K. Consulting helps organizations across this ecosystem make sense of these complexities. We bring a strategic lens to market shifts, game monetization trends, distribution dynamics and platform evolution — helping our clients stay competitive in a fast-moving landscape.

Strategic questions, real-world answers

L.E.K. supports a range of participants in the video gaming industry, from developers and publishers to hardware manufacturers and service providers. Our work addresses both immediate questions and long-term planning needs.

We help clients rethink monetization models. Consumer preferences continue to evolve — across subscriptions, in-game purchases, premium downloads and virtual goods. Spending patterns are shifting too, from single-title purchases to ongoing ecosystem engagement. Our work explores how games compete for time and dollars against other forms of entertainment, and how pricing strategies can balance accessibility with revenue goals.

Distribution challenges are just as critical. Whether navigating retail versus e-commerce dynamics, building mobile strategy or determining platform placement, we help clients make informed decisions based on audience behavior, margin profiles and reach potential.

Underlying all of this is the need to anticipate industry shifts. From how VR ecosystems may mature to how brands should enter gaming through IP or partnerships, we support clients in shaping forward-looking strategies that fit their capabilities and goals.

Impact in action

• Evaluated the development of an eSports league for a video game publisher: Assessed the opportunity, competitive landscape and potential game monetization to guide strategic investment decisions.
• Analyzed the library for an IP owner to determine the best participation strategy in the video game space: Developed a framework for maximizing value through licensing, partnerships and direct development.
• Assessed the likely evolution of the flow of dollars in the VR industry to support a leading technology conglomerate’s go-to-market strategy: Provided insights on market timing, use cases and revenue forecasts to shape product and platform planning.
• Developed global market perspectives for a gaming hardware manufacturer to enable a better financing event: Created a strategic view of the market landscape to inform investor positioning and fundraising efforts.
• Quantified a potential licensing deal for a video game publisher to inform its investment strategy: Modeled financial upside and strategic fit of a third-party IP acquisition opportunity.
• Provided a strategic revamp for a service provider that was looking to grow its video game business: Refined market targeting, value proposition and service offerings to improve competitiveness and growth trajectory.

Whether you're exploring new business models, scaling a franchise or rethinking your market position, L.E.K. helps you navigate complexity with clarity — and turn strategy into impact.