The Fabric of Gaming: Weaving Insights into Popular Video Games Through Social Network Analysis (1980–2023)
摘要
Over the last forty years, the gaming business has experienced a significant change, shifting from a specialized hobby to a cultural phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. This study conducts a thorough investigation of famous video games from 1980 to 2023, using social network analysis (SNA) tools to understand the complex relationships and dynamics that have influenced the gaming industry. By employing diverse SNA methods and methodologies, we explore a comprehensive dataset comprising 1,511 video games. We examine numerous parameters like release dates, development teams, ratings, genres, and player interaction metrics. Our comprehensive strategy combines network building, centrality analysis, community identification, and visualization methods to determine popular games, famous developer teams, developing genre trends, and the wider social and cultural influence of gaming. The results of this study not only illuminate the development of popular video games but also offer significant perspectives for game developers, publishers, and industry experts. Our goal is to analyze the interconnections between games, genres, platforms, and player preferences in order to provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making and enhance our understanding of the factors that contribute to the success and lasting popularity of video games throughout different generations.