A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

From the hands of an early adopter's avatar to virtual junkyards: Analysis of virtual goods' lifetime survival




AuthorsBortko K., Pazura P., Hamari J., Bartków P., Jankowski J.

PublisherMDPI AG

Publication year2019

JournalApplied Sciences

Journal name in sourceApplied Sciences (Switzerland)

Volume9

Issue7

Number of pages27

ISSN2076-3417

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/app9071268

Web address https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/7/1268

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/40340838


Abstract

One of the major questions in the study of economics, logistics, and business forecasting is the measurement and prediction of value creation, distribution, and lifetime in the form of goods. In "real" economies, a perfect model for the circulation of goods is impossible. However, virtual realities and economies pose a new frontier for the broad study of economics, since every good and transaction can be accurately tracked. Therefore, models that predict goods' circulation can be tested and confirmed before their introduction to "real life" and other scenarios. The present study is focused on the characteristics of early-stage adopters for virtual goods, and how they predict the lifespan of the goods. We employ machine learning and decision trees as the basis of our prediction models. Results provide evidence that the prediction of the lifespan of virtual objects is possible based just on data from early holders of those objects. Overall, communication and social activity are the main drivers for the effective propagation of virtual goods, and they are the most expected characteristics of early adopters. © 2019 by the authors.


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Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 11:50