This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the industry dynamics for the global video game industry, which is divided into three parts: platform operators, software publishers and software developers. The report uses proven economic frameworks to provide a balanced and objective assessment of the issues facing the video games industry.
Questions answered in this report include:
Platform Operators Demand factors - What is the size of the market? - What challenges does the console cycle present? - What strategies are console manufacturers adopting to drive demand? - How are consoles being used to derive new revenue streams? - How do players use pricing to influence demand?
Supply factors - Who are the main players? - What strategies are players adopting to compete in this market? - As the console cycle evolves how are competitors modifying their strategies? - How does the platform market interact with the publishing and developer markets?
Software Publishers Demand factors - What is the relationship with the platform market and how does this affect demand for software? - Where is income derived from? - What strategies are publishers adopting to reduce buyer power? - How is the market segmented?
Supply factors - How is supply organised and who are the main players? - What influences barriers to entry? - What strategies are players adopting to support their competitive position? - How do companies manage risk? - What is the relationship between publishers who develop their own games and third party developers and how is this changing? - What issues around rights do publishers need to consider?
Software Developers Demand factors - How do developers fit into the video games industry? - What is the relationship between software publishers and software developers and what influences buyer power? - Where is income derived from?
Supply factors - How is the industry organised? - What level of vertical integration exists in the video games industry and how does this affect independent developers? - How are changes in demand affecting the competitive positions of suppliers? - How are software developers funded and how are deals structured? - What are the risks and cost pressures in this industry and how do developers mitigate them?
