Copies, Clones, and Genre Building: Discourses on Imitation and Innovation in Digital Games

Authors

  • Christian Katzenbach Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin, Germany
  • Sarah Herweg VG Media; Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin
  • Lies van Roessel Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin

Keywords:

digital games, innovation, originality, imitation, copyright, game design, mobile games, apps, cloning, discourse

Abstract

This article addresses the tension between innovation and imitation in the games industry based on a case study on a cloning conflict. Developing new games necessarily involves adopting existing elements, but recent disputes centering on alleged copying have gained prominence. What are the criteria to delineate legitimate inspiration from cloning? Given the ambiguous copyright situation, the legitimacy of imitation is contested. Drawing on discursive institutionalism, we investigate professionals’ discussions around an alleged cloning case. We find that imitation is accepted practice in the industry. Originality can involve making small adjustments to existing games, but practitioners condemn wholesale copying of games. The article suggests that, even beyond the games sector, imitation is a necessary part of innovation. Discourses are important in governing innovation practices in creative sectors.

Author Biographies

Christian Katzenbach, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin, Germany

Christian Katzenbach heads the research group „Internet Policy and Governance“ at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin. His research addresses the intersection of technology, communication, and governance.

Sarah Herweg, VG Media; Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin

Sarah Herweg is an associate researcher at Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), Berlin and a policy and communications manager at VG Media. The work for this article has been done during her position as a research assistant at the HIIG.

Lies van Roessel, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin

Lies van Roessel is a researcher at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin. She holds an MA in media studies with a focus in game studies. Her primary research interests are innovation processes in games, business models and serious games.

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Published

2016-01-29

Issue

Vol. 10 (2016)

Section

Articles

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