Can Nintendo get its crown back? : examining the dynamics of the U.S. video game console market
Name
234436386-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
5.13 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
2a404e644c75a5ff301cedba14c41546
Author(s)
Chow, Samuel W
Advisor(s)
James M. Utterback.
Date Issued
2007
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Several generations of video game consoles have competed in the market since 1972. Overall, the entire market shares many similar characteristics, such as network effects and switching cost, which are found in other network-based markets. However, on closer examination, the video game console industry experienced several generations of technological change with each generation bringing a different competitive environment and different set of competitors from the previous one. Consistent with the Schumpeterian market model, both new and later entrants have competed successfully with their strong portfolios of technological innovations. Yet, some firms with dominant market position and strong complementary assets were not able to extend their advantage to the next generation. The dynamic cause and effect relationships associated with the multi-generation video game console industry makes an intriguing subject for economic research. This thesis provides a conceptual framework for analyzing the elements and dynamics of the competitive video game console market. Using qualitative findings and empirical data found in recent research literature on market competition and innovation, a historical analysis of the video game console market was performed. In addition, a system dynamics model was created to validate and support the analysis of the industry. The results from the simulation of the model under various competitive scenarios not only confirm some of the findings from established studies done in this area but also provide us with new qualitative insights into the dynamics operating in the market.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-125).
Subjects
System Design and Management Program.
Technology and Policy Program.
MIT Department
System Design and Management Program.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division
Technology and Policy Program
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