Paper Number
ECIS2026-2714
Paper Type
SP
Abstract
While research on digital platform ecosystems has explored how platform owners influence the business models of those who build, develop, and innovate products and services on them (i.e., complementors), there is comparatively less research on whether the reverse can also occur. This reverse influence is especially plausible in metaverse ecosystems, where complementors have greater autonomy and power. To explore whether and how complementors influence platform owners’ business models, we focus on the case of Roblox and utilise the secondary data obtained from its Developer Forum. In this paper, we present the preliminary findings of our analysis, indicating a number of influence mechanisms employed by complementors, which can be to some extent associated with changes in Roblox’s business model. These include collective action, platform legitimisation, resource allocation decisions, and co-creation. This study aims to contribute to the literature on platform-complementor dynamics in metaverse ecosystems, focusing on the influence of increasingly proactive complementors.
Recommended Citation
Di Nenno, Milena; Polyviou, Ariana; and Zamani, Efpraxia, "Complementor Influence On Platform Business Models: The Case Of Roblox Metaverse Ecosystem" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 11.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/platforms/platforms/11
Complementor Influence On Platform Business Models: The Case Of Roblox Metaverse Ecosystem
While research on digital platform ecosystems has explored how platform owners influence the business models of those who build, develop, and innovate products and services on them (i.e., complementors), there is comparatively less research on whether the reverse can also occur. This reverse influence is especially plausible in metaverse ecosystems, where complementors have greater autonomy and power. To explore whether and how complementors influence platform owners’ business models, we focus on the case of Roblox and utilise the secondary data obtained from its Developer Forum. In this paper, we present the preliminary findings of our analysis, indicating a number of influence mechanisms employed by complementors, which can be to some extent associated with changes in Roblox’s business model. These include collective action, platform legitimisation, resource allocation decisions, and co-creation. This study aims to contribute to the literature on platform-complementor dynamics in metaverse ecosystems, focusing on the influence of increasingly proactive complementors.