Patterns in Play

Attention Budget

Players have a limited amount of attention. Game design must consider how much attention players can allocate to each part of the game, what they will pay attention to, and how to reduce attention costs.

Managing Cognitive Load Through Resource Outlets

09 Feb 2026 2 min read Attention Budget

The most precious resource in games is player attention. There is only so much to go around, and when players run out, they feel overwhelmed. Attention burden is caused by options and passive