Paper Number
ECIS2026-2288
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
Digital platforms like Steam enable users to accumulate vast content libraries, often leading to underutilization. While literature presents conflicting views on digital hoarding—as pathological or meaningful—this study offers a nuanced portfolio perspective. We propose that large digital hedonic collections consist of: unused Potential Assets (PA) causing choice overload, and previously experienced Experiential Assets (EA) functioning as absorptive capital. Using a comparative interrupted time series design, we analyze Steam user data around a payment system friction that constrained new acquisitions. Findings show that under constraint, high-accumulated users complete fewer games. Within this group, a larger stock of PA hinders completion, while a larger stock of EA facilitates it. These results show that the impact of digital abundance depends on the internal composition of the portfolio.
Recommended Citation
Hwang, Jiho and Oh, Sehwan, "Digital Accumulation On A Game Platform: A Portfolio Perspective On Potential and Experiential Assets" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 25.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/cog_hbis/cog_hbis/25
Digital Accumulation On A Game Platform: A Portfolio Perspective On Potential and Experiential Assets
Digital platforms like Steam enable users to accumulate vast content libraries, often leading to underutilization. While literature presents conflicting views on digital hoarding—as pathological or meaningful—this study offers a nuanced portfolio perspective. We propose that large digital hedonic collections consist of: unused Potential Assets (PA) causing choice overload, and previously experienced Experiential Assets (EA) functioning as absorptive capital. Using a comparative interrupted time series design, we analyze Steam user data around a payment system friction that constrained new acquisitions. Findings show that under constraint, high-accumulated users complete fewer games. Within this group, a larger stock of PA hinders completion, while a larger stock of EA facilitates it. These results show that the impact of digital abundance depends on the internal composition of the portfolio.
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