The role of business model and its elements in computer game start-ups

Abstract

In this multiple case study we interviewed six Finnish computer game start-ups to find out what elements are included in their business models. We identified the key elements and used the analytical hierarchy process to rank the elements. We found out that computer game start-ups see their business model as a synonym to a revenue model and/or a business plan. In an in-depth analysis we identified nine key elements (human capital, marketing, key partners, financing, customer relationship, key activities, innovation process, key resources and customer segment) that have operative importance for these companies. These elements are the building blocks of a business model in the computer game start-up domain. The findings provide improved knowledge on how the business models of game start-ups could be constructed. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.