Territorial lockout – an international issue in the videogames industry

This paper, examines the controversial issues within the videogames industry surrounding territorial lockout (TL – the ability to build in incompatibility between products destined for different regions of the world). Little research has been conducted either to uncover the precise reasons why TL is implemented, or to gather consumer and industry attitudes towards its application. We therefore, conducted a survey of gamers and industry professionals to elicit attitudes towards TL. The results show not only that the justifications suggested for its application appear to be insubstantial but also that the measure is to a large extent ineffective. The findings, thus prompt videogames hardware manufacturers to reconsider their position as regards the application of TL.