Having the right pedigree? A caste study of an American Mobile game developer’s transition to an indie business model.

Abstract

The overall purpose of this study was to better understand the transition of a mobile games developer from a Co-Development business model to an Independent one by harnessing the framework of institutional logics. The paper is based on a case study of an American Mobile Game developer with operations in several geographical regions across the world. It was discerned that whilst the case company did adhere to some prescripts provided in the previous literature regarding business models in the video game industry the respondents made clear that much of the suggestions for application were highly resource contingent. Also, it was found how that access to and attaining success in the mobile games market may be more deceptive than mainstream concepts lead one to believe. This paper contributes to previous studies as it highlights the importance of taking into account not just technology changes but also the embedded experience of focal actors and other conditions that shape business models. It has been shown that the transition of Alpha Games to an independent business model can be seen as a response to different logics. This paper also contributes to the literature by providing an alternative view to the general tendency to exaggerate the role of technology in determining business models in the gaming industry and other technology-intensive industries. Finally, the paper also has practical implications specifically that managers and leaders should pay greater attention to the artistic nature of video game development and other technological work so as to best combine creative freedom, the business environment and corporate realities.