How to Avoid Dependence in the Videogame Industry: The Case of Ankama

authors

  • Brion Sébastien
  • Gandia Romain

keywords

  • Avoidance strategy
  • Innovation
  • Dependence
  • SME
  • Videogame industry

document type

ART

abstract

Despite its economic importance and leading position in the entertainment industry, the videogame sector suffers from financial and technological constraints, driven by dominant actors seeking to increase consumer lock-in. Avoidance of this dependence is a key strategic issue for a large number of SMEs. The purpose of this article is twofold: to analyze the phenomenon of resource dependence in the traditional console videogame segment and the consequences for SMEs (developers); and, in light of the lack of empirical research on avoidance strategy, to examine the strategic mechanisms available for SMEs to avoid dependence. The authors use a qualitative and longitudinal case study to show how dependence can be avoided through the implementation of endogenous mechanisms and mechanisms that enable the growth and evolution of a company beyond the boundaries of the industry.

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