Developing Business Models in the Video Game Industry: An evaluation to strategic choices made by small and medium-sized development studios
2012 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Digitalization has given rise to new opportunities for small and medium-sized video game development studios. No longer bound by physical products and creative restrains, the de-veloper has been empowered with independency. This qualitative study is aimed to under-stand how a development studio develops their business model and how underlying strate-gy is formulated. Additionally we evaluate the degree of innovativeness of the business model in terms of radical and incremental innovation according to Damanpour (1991). To achieve this we present a comprehensive literature review as to gain a more theoretical un-derstanding of industry mechanics and to be able to comprehend reasoning behind existing business models. We structure the dynamics of the business model by analyzing nine busi-ness model aspects as suggested by Osterwalder, Pigneur and Clark (2010). Following our theoretical framework we gain practical input from four separate case studies. An interpret-ative research method is used to gain better understanding of reasoning and choices made. We interpret our findings following a narrative approach which shows that the digitaliza-tion has preluded a paradigm shift in the sense that development studios have started to adopt activities otherwise performed by key partners. As barriers dissipate small and me-dium-sized development studios try to make sense of the current industry, but struggle in doing so. Having to reinvent themselves we conclude that a focus towards creating thicker customer relationships is considered and the idea of seeing games as a service is acknowl-edged to depict the future of the industry. The conclusions of this study contribute to both academic science and industry practice.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2012. , p. 111
Keywords [en]
Video Game Industry, Video Games, Business Models, Independent Business Model Development, Digitalization, Paradigm Shift
National Category
Other Computer and Information Science
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-18618OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-18618DiVA, id: diva2:536577
Subject / course
IHH, Informatics
Presentation
2012-06-15, B4051, Jönköping, 10:00 (English)
Uppsok
Technology
Supervisors
Examiners
2012-07-062012-06-222018-01-12Bibliographically approved