Operational Analysis of a Video Game Management and Sales Platform

1. Introduction

The video game industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, becoming one of the main forms of entertainment worldwide. By 2023, the global video game market was forecast to reach a value of $159.3 billion, surpassing traditional industries such as film and music[1,2]. This growth is not only due to the quality and variety of games produced, but also to increased interest in developing sales and financing models for new video games [3,4].

Digital video game retail platforms, such as Steam and Epic Games, have revolutionized how users acquire and experience games. Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is one of the largest and most widely used platforms, offering an extensive library of games. In contrast, the Epic Games Store is distinguished by its timed exclusives and frequent promotions, which provide access to a diverse array of titles through various discounts and special offers [5,6].

One innovation in this context is the use of digital activation keys, which users can purchase through online platforms. This sales method has proven to be efficient and convenient for both consumers and game developers [7]. However, the increasing demand for activation keys has led to the rise of secondary marketplaces and platforms specializing in their sale. Although these alternative sources may offer more affordable options for consumers, their acquisition and sale often occur outside official channels, presenting significant risks such as potential fraud and legal issues [8]. While purchasing unofficial activation keys remains an option for some users, it is crucial to consider the associated risks and, whenever possible, opt for legal acquisition methods.

In this context, Unlockopia emerges as a platform currently in development since early 2024, aiming to simplify the search for video games and the stores that offer them. It is distinguished by its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Although it is currently available only for PC, it provides a diverse selection of computer games. Unlockopia is designed to meet the needs of a global audience, offering a practical solution for accessing a wide range of titles and continuing to evolve to enhance its functionality and expansion.

The objective of this article is to conduct an operational analysis of Unlockopia, examining its internal processes and efficiency in video game sales. To contextualize this analysis, it is crucial to understand the competitive environment and current trends in digital game sales. Digital sales have significantly reduced the costs associated with the physical production and distribution of games, allowing developers to reach a broader audience with a lower initial investment [9].

Additionally, security and fraud prevention are crucial in the sale of video games. A study by Brown and Taylor [10] indicates that online purchase-related fraud has increased by 30% over the past five years, underscoring the need for secure and reliable platforms. Unlockopia has implemented several security measures to protect buyers, including transaction verification and ongoing activity monitoring.

User experience also plays a crucial role in the success of digital sales platforms. An intuitive interface and a streamlined purchasing process can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and retention [11,12]. In this regard, Unlockopia has invested in developing an easy-to-use platform that allows users to find and manage video games with ease.

Evaluating software quality is essential to ensure that platforms like Unlockopia operate efficiently and securely. Methods for assessing software quality, such as those proposed in the studies by Bernardo [13] and Souza Pereira [14], provide valuable frameworks for measuring and improving aspects like usability and user satisfaction.

This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of Unlockopia, exploring its operational processes, market strategies, and methods for ensuring customer satisfaction [15]. The findings of this research will not only offer a comprehensive view of the video game management platform but also provide valuable insights for the industry at large, contributing to the discussion on the future of digital game sales and best practices for operating in this ever-evolving market.

2. Methodology

2.1. Design

This research on video game sales management is quantitative in nature, employing statistical analyses to assess the efficiency and security of the sales management system. The study is prospective, as it relies on primary data collected during the implementation and operation of the video game sales management system.

Additionally, it is analytical, examining multiple variables such as delivery times for video games, sales success rates, and resistance to fraud attempts. The methodology involves a direct intervention by the researcher, who designs and implements a new video game sales management system and subsequently evaluates its impact on the aforementioned variables.

The longitudinal nature of the study is reflected in the multiple measurements taken over time, including assessments of processing speed, sales integrity, and end-user satisfaction. Statistical tools are employed to analyze metrics such as the number of video games sold, successful activations, and the average response time of the system.

In terms of scope, the study is applicative, aiming to enhance the video game sales management process by developing a practical solution that improves efficiency and security in digital game sales.

All activities related to video game management were analyzed in detail:

• Game management.
• Sale of keys to end users.
• Inventory control of available and used keys.
• Customer management.
• Monitoring of key sales.

2.2. Web System Development Methodology

For the development of the platform, the agile SCRUM methodology was chosen for project creation and management, establishing specific goals and deadlines for each stage of the process [16]. This methodology is summarized in four fundamental stages.

This methodology ensures a systematic and efficient development of the system, specifically tailored for the optimal management of video games [17].

2.3. Flowchart of Research in Web System Development

2.4. Requirements analysis

The platform has main functions such as:

• Game sales
• Support by mail

Use Case: Product Sale

2.5. Navigational Design

Definition of Navigation Space

Products Offered:

• Popular video games
• Technical support services for key management and related issues

2.6. MoSCoW

To ensure effective development focused on the critical needs of the system, functionality implementation was prioritized using the MoSCoW technique [18] [19]. This methodology allowed for categorizing the platform’s features into four priority levels, optimizing resource allocation and development efforts.

In the "Must Have" category, essential functionalities for the system’s viability were identified. These include user registration and authentication to ensure the protection of sensitive data, a robust game management system for the efficient generation, storage, and distribution of keys, the ability for users to easily purchase and activate keys, and an accessible technical support system for timely problem resolution.

The "Should Have" category includes important but not critical features for the initial release. This category encompasses an administrative panel for effective management of key inventories, users, and transactions. Additionally, implementing an inventory tracking system to monitor key stock and usage, as well as establishing robust information security measures to protect user data and stored keys, was deemed crucial.

In the "Could Have" category, additional functionalities that would add significant value to the platform were considered. These include integration with various payment platforms to offer flexibility in key acquisition, analytical capabilities to generate detailed reports on sales, key usage, and market trends, and an automated system for updating and maintaining active keys to improve operational efficiency.

Finally, in the "Won’t Have" category, the decision was made to exclude unnecessary or low-priority features that could divert resources and development time from the critical functionalities mentioned earlier. This decision helps maintain focus on the most critical and valuable aspects of the platform.

2.7. Software and Web Tools Used

2.7.1. Applications

Several applications were utilized for the platform’s development. Visual Studio Code served as the primary IDE for development. TablePlus was used for database management with MySQL. Additionally, Draw.io was selected for creating diagrams and visualizations, while Figma was employed to preview the application’s design [20]. These tools collectively facilitate efficient development, database management, and visualization of the video game key management platform.

2.7.2. Framework

The platform employs PHP to manage user authentication, process video game purchases and key activations, and interact with the MySQL database used to store game inventories, user information, and transaction records [21].

For design control, SCSS was utilized to manage the user interface design. SCSS allows for the use of variables, mixins, and nested styles, which helps maintain modular and maintainable CSS code, ensuring a consistent and attractive appearance across all devices.

It is also important to highlight that Gulp was integrated into our development workflow. Gulp automates tasks such as compiling SCSS files to CSS, minifying JavaScript and CSS files, and optimizing images. This integration enhances development efficiency and ensures that the code is optimized for production [22].

2.7.3. Web

To ensure an optimized user experience on the platform, Google Lighthouse is used to audit and enhance the overall quality of the web pages. This tool evaluates performance, accessibility, web development best practices, and SEO (search engine optimization).

It assesses metrics such as load time, time to interactive, and efficient resource usage. It also verifies that the page meets web accessibility standards, including the proper use of HTML tags for content, sufficient color contrast, and accessible navigation.

Additionally, JIRA was employed to manage and execute the platform’s sprints. Utilizing agile methodologies such as Scrum, we detailed the entire web development process.