Games in the Platform Economy: Steam's Tangled Markets

This book explores the evolution of digital platform economies through the lens of online gaming, examining the architecture of the Steam platform and its implications for new markets and economic transactions. It brings a unique economic sociology perspective to the study of videogame studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This book delves into the intricate evolution of digital platform economies, with a specific focus on the realm of online gaming. Through a comprehensive examination of Valves' Steam platform, Thorhauge offers valuable empirical insights into the architecture of this global online videogame marketplace. By exploring the various components such as infrastructure, software, platform, and game studies, the book sheds light on the implications of these transactions, encompassing both their legal aspects and their profound impact on the creation of new forms of immaterial labor. This groundbreaking work not only expands our understanding of a previously under-explored branch of digital platform studies but also brings a unique economic sociology perspective to the growing literature on videogame studies.

Introduction:
The rise of digital platforms has transformed the way we interact, communicate, and conduct business. In the realm of online gaming, these platforms have become essential drivers of growth and innovation, providing players with a vast array of games and opportunities for social interaction. However, as these platforms continue to evolve, they also raise important questions about the nature of economic transactions, the role of platforms in shaping markets, and the impact of these transactions on players and game developers.
The Evolution of Digital Platform Economies:
This book examines the evolution of digital platform economies through the lens of online gaming. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the various factors that have contributed to the growth and development of the gaming industry, including the rise of digital distribution, the emergence of streaming services, and the increasing sophistication of game technology. The book also explores the impact of these changes on the economics of online gaming, including the distribution of revenue, the creation of new business models, and the challenges faced by game developers and publishers.
Valves' Steam Platform:
One of the key platforms examined in this book is Valves' Steam platform. Steam is a digital distribution platform that has become the dominant player in the online gaming market, offering a wide range of games and a seamless user experience. The book explores the architecture of Steam, its features, and its impact on the gaming industry. It also examines the way that Steam enables new markets and economic transactions, including the sale of games, the distribution of revenue, and the creation of new business models.
Implications of Transactions:
The book interrogates the implications of these transactions, both in terms of their legality and their impact on players and game developers. It explores the legal frameworks that govern online gaming, the challenges faced by game developers in navigating these frameworks, and the potential risks and benefits associated with digital distribution. The book also examines the ways in which these transactions create new forms of immaterial labor, such as game streaming and video content creation.
Economic Sociology Perspective:
What sets this book apart is its unique economic sociology perspective. The author draws on a range of theoretical frameworks, including infrastructure, software, platform, and game studies, to analyze the complex relationships between digital platforms, economic transactions, and social structures. This approach provides a deeper understanding of the economic and social dynamics that shape the gaming industry, and it offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers alike.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the evolution of digital platform economies, with a specific focus on online gaming. It offers valuable empirical work on Valves' Steam platform, shedding new light on the architecture of this global online videogame marketplace and the way it enables new markets and economic transactions. By interrogating the implications of these transactions, both in terms of their legality and their impact on players and game developers, the book brings a unique economic sociology perspective to the growing literature on videogame studies. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex economics and social dynamics of the gaming industry.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529223040