O processo de inovação tecnológica e estrutura competitiva da indústria de jogos eletrônicos: fatores críticos à concorrência na atual geração de consoles (2012-presente)

Abstract

This research aims to describe and analyze the competitive structure of the current technological cycle of the video game industry, based on the industry responsible for producing consoles. In order to elucidate the competitive elements that determine the success and / or failure of firms in the sector, will be used-a theoretical framework guided by the unorthodox approach to industrial organization, as well as neo-Schumpeterian approaches to the process dynamics technologic innovation. Regarding the industry organization, the islands sector was configured since its emergence as a highly concentrated industry. However, despite the high market concentration, several firms have belonged to the sector, including some that have dominated the industry market, were expelled due to the loss of competitiveness over time, which indicates certain industrial dynamism in terms of market . This movement is due primarily to technological aspects, given that the industry is accompanied by technological cycles - generations - which are often directly influenced the market structure of the dominant firms. In view of this, the present study aimed to analyze, through theoretical elements guided in technological innovation processes and product differentiation - while competitive elements - the influence of breaking with the latest technological paradigm - that gave rise to the new generation of consoles - on the market environment of the current technological cycle of the industry. Given that the current cycle is represented by companies Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, with the consoles PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U respectively, this research may indicate that competition in the current generation of consoles it led to Sony's console advantage in relation to the other. It can be pointed out as the main factors that led to this competitive advantage, a superior product in terms of hardware, better relationships with publishers and strategic mistakes of their competitors, especially Nintendo.