← Back to research notes
Marketing
/
February 2, 2016
Exploring Business Models in Gaming
Updated October 14, 2026
Common Business Models
Work for Hire Earlier Stage Development Completion Bond Pick up Deal
Factors Affecting Industry Profitability
Barriers to Entry for New Competitors Intensity of Competition Among Existing CompetitorsInnovative Game Development Technologies Expanding Coverage Through Bricks and Clicks Promotional Campaigns Threat of Substitute Products or ServicesPlayers’ Tendency to Seek Novelty Price Advantage Over Substitutes Cost of Switching Games for Players Number of Similar Products Available in the Market Buyer Bargaining Power Supplier Bargaining Power Complementary Alliances
Licensed Publishing
Developer Rights
Attribution Advance and Profit Sharing Ownership Ancillary Rights
Marketing
Sales Kit
1~2 Page Game Overview 10~15 Page Game Description Concept Sketches or Screenshots Key Gameplay Fun Demo
Game Sales
Sales Channels
Traditional RetailInitial Release Expansion Packs or Enhanced Editions Promotional Price Reductions Bundles Budget Packs Online StoresInitial Release Updated Versions
Marketing Techniques
Attention Economy Market HypeLeveraging Newsworthy Topics Utilizing Web Search Keywords Promoting Games Through Social NetworksPyramid-style Interpersonal Networks Through Friends’ Activity Feeds Hostage Situation Marketing Collaborating with Gaming Websites Providing DemosCondensed Content Using Time Limits