The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Leveling Up: Tapping into the Massive Growth and Revenue Potential of the Video Game Industry by James Taubman.

In an era where the video game industry has morphed from a specialized niche to a colossal titan of the entertainment world, generating revenues that soar into the billions annually, a groundbreaking academic paper is poised to take center stage at the forthcoming SAM International Business Conference. This meticulously researched document presents an in-depth exploration of the vast financial landscape of interactive media, urging organizations to harness the burgeoning potential within this sector. As the industry’s trajectory points towards unprecedented growth, with projections estimating total net profits to verge on $700 billion by the year 2030, the timing for such an analysis could not be more opportune.

The paper, enriched by a thorough examination of both historical growth trends and forward-looking projections, constructs a compelling narrative on the future expansiveness of video games. It delves into the multifaceted skills and collaborative dynamics essential in modern game development, encompassing a range of disciplines from programming and art to business and social sciences. This comprehensive approach not only underscores the complexity inherent in producing engaging interactive media but also highlights the diverse expertise required to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape successfully.

Central to the paper’s discourse is the author’s personal journey in spearheading the development of the mobile application “Get Low, Grandpa.” This firsthand account provides a vivid glimpse into the interconnected roles and enriching team dynamics that are fundamental to the success of gaming ventures. Through this lens, the paper seeks to answer pivotal research questions regarding the underpinnings of the industry’s remarkable revenue growth, the critical skill sets and partnerships necessary for maximizing financial returns and user satisfaction, and the strategies by which organizations can effectively leverage interactive media to capture substantial value.

The publication is not merely an academic exercise but a clarion call to institutions and businesses alike to broaden their engagement with the gaming sector. By weaving together data-driven market analysis with lived experience, the paper crafts a persuasive argument for the immense economic stakes video games hold in the decade ahead. As it prepares for its presentation at the SAM International Business Conference, it stands as a seminal work that promises to ignite conversation and inspire action among industry professionals, scholars, and strategists keen on tapping into the accelerating momentum of this multi-billion dollar industry.

Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.