The Evolution and Social Impact of Video Game Economics

Casey B. Hart

doi:10.5771/9781498543422

Summary

Today, consumers of video games spend over $22.4 billion each year; using more complex and multi-layered strategies, game developers attempt to extend the profitability of their products from a simple one-time sale, to continuous engagement with the consumer. The Evolution and Social Impact of Video Game Economics examines paradigmatic changes in the economic structure of the video game industry from a media effects and game design perspective. This book explores how game developers have changed how they engage players in order to facilitate continuous financial transactions. Contributors look from the advent of microtransactions and downloadable content (DLCs) to the impact of planned obsolescence, impulse buying, and emotional control. This collection takes a broad view of the game dynamics and market forces that drive the video game industry, and features international contributors from Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Keywords

Search publication

Bibliographic data

Copyright year: 2017
ISBN-Print: 978-1-4985-4341-5
ISBN-Online: 978-1-4985-4342-2
Publisher: Lexington, Lanham
Language: English
Pages: 166
Product type: Edited Book

1. Table of Contents No access
2. Introduction No access
Chapter One: “Show me the money!” No access Pages 1 - 14
Chapter Two: Nintendo’s Retro Revolution No access Pages 15 - 30
Chapter Three: Business Models, Planned Obsolescence, Externalities No access Pages 31 - 46
Chapter Four: Prestige No access Pages 47 - 60
Chapter Five: Free-to-Play? No access Pages 61 - 80
Chapter Six: P(l)aying Pretty No access Pages 81 - 100
Chapter Seven: Playing with and against Microtransactions No access Pages 101 - 120
Chapter Eight: Smart Players and Happy Consumers No access Pages 121 - 138
Chapter Nine: Gold Farming in China—and in Western Academia, Journalism, and Fiction No access Pages 139 - 154
Index No access Pages 155 - 162
About the Editor and Contributors No access Pages 163 - 166