Title: SMEs in European computer games and interactive entertainment software markets

Authors: Gordon Dixon, Peter Karboulonis

Addresses: Hollings Faculty, Manchester Metropolitan University, Old Hall Lane, Manchester, M14 6HR, England, UK. Firesoft Technologies Ltd, UK

Abstract: Consumer spending in Europe for games and interactive entertainment is expected to rise to US$ 6.1 billion within three years, and by 2002 on-line games players are expected to number five million. Within this industry there is significant change in business activity, which is leading to strategies of acquisitions, mergers, franchising and collaborative arrangements. New entrants are more likely to be developers rather than publishers in this highly competitive and high-value market. Trends point to the income from computer games software and video games surpassing major box office receipts of the motion picture industry. Markets are also emerging to satisfy new classes of consumers both in Europe and in Asia.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); computer games; games software; entertainment software; video games.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2001.000470

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2001 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.483-492

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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