Video games production networks': value capture, power relations and embeddedness

Publication Type  Journal Article
Year of Publication  2006
Authors  Johns, J.
Journal Title  Journal of Economic Geography
Volume  6
Pagination  151-180
ISBN Number  1468-2702
Accession Number  ISI:000236205300003
Key Words  video games; global production networks; value; power; embeddedness; GLOBAL PRODUCTION NETWORKS; CULTURAL INDUSTRIES; SOFTWARE FORMATS; ECONOMY; FILM; MEDIA
Abstract  

This paper has two main aims. Firstly to conceptualize the production networks of the video games industry through an examination of its evolution into a multi-million dollar industry. Secondly, to use the video games industry to demonstrate the utility of Global Production Network approaches to understanding the geographically uneven impacts of globalization processes. In particular, three key notions of value, power and embeddedness are used to reveal the most powerful actors in the production network, how they maintain and exercise their power, and how the organization of production is manipulated as a result. It is argued that while hardware production is organized by console manufacturers using truly global sourcing strategies, the production of software is far more complex. In fact, software production networks are bounded within three major economic regions, Western Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. This paper seeks to explain how and why this has occurred.


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