An Interview with Matthew Ball About Gaming and the Fight for Attention

Stratechery

by Ben Thompson

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

An interview with Matthew Ball explores his insights into the gaming industry in 2026, emphasizing the growing competition for attention among platforms and technologies. Ball highlights how the gaming sector is evolving, with increasing demands for immersive experiences and constant innovation to capture user focus. The article underscores the importance of creating engaging content that stands out in a cluttered digital landscape. The piece discusses key trends shaping the industry, including virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud gaming. Ball explains how these technologies are transforming gaming, making it more interactive and accessible while also raising the bar for creativity and user retention. He also touches on challenges such as balancing profitability with user engagement and navigating regulatory changes. The article’s relevance lies in its exploration of broader tech trends and their implications for gaming and beyond. As attention becomes a scarce resource, understanding how to capture it effectively is crucial for businesses across industries. The insights from Ball provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the future of technology and media strategy.

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Originally published on Stratechery on 2/19/2026