Unravelling the complexity of the Video Game Industry: An integrative framework and future research directions

The Video Game Industry (VGI) is a highly innovative and rapidly growing sector that has become the dominant force in the entertainment industry, with significant economic and social implications. Despite the increasing attention that scholars and practitioners have paid to the VGI, the literature remains fragmented and lacks a coherent framework for understanding its complex nature and underlying dynamics. To address this gap, this study provides a comprehensive review of the extant VGI research, focusing on the business and management perspective this industry, and synthesizes the key components and concepts into an integrative evidence-based framework. Drawing on a sample of 84 articles published over the last 15 years in leading business and management journals, our framework maps the key elements of the VGI literature and establishes their conceptual relationships. Additionally, we identify critical gaps in the VGI research and suggest future research trajectories to guide scholars in advancing the field. Furthermore, we offer a set of practical implications for managers based on our findings. By providing a systematic and holistic understanding of the VGI, this study contributes to the development of a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective on this important and dynamic industry.