Working in six distinct but related focus areas, Entertainment Media Council empowers members to become, network with, and learn from exceptional leaders and managers.

Entrepreneurship

While most surviving start-up companies break even by their fifth year, many entertainment software firms close or find new owners in the same period. Although acquisitions and mergers are generally helpful, closures are often born out of necessity, as a result of mismanagement, strategic oversight, and resource shortages.

Leadership

In an industry engulfed in cultural controversy, political firefights, and technological revolution, crafting and implementing effective strategy and policy are herculean responsibilities. Leaders are called upon to ensure the success of their organizations and navigate their ventures and people through what appear to be chaos and disarray.

Innovation

Retail continues to play an important role for larger established firms; however, many leaders look to new business models that take advantage of innovations, such as digital and on-demand distribution, in-game advertising, microtransactions, and social networks. Still more are excited but intimidated by what lay beyond the horizon.

Responsibility

Since 1976, the industry has been besieged by cause advocates, media watchdogs, and legislators. Although most attempts to regulate video games have failed—none of the 48 related bills proposed during the 2008/09 period passed—demand for accountability and transparency, from creators to consumers, has never been as strong.

Diversity

With growth comes increased talent segmentation and higher barriers to entry. Policies, education, and training form a parochial walled garden, encumbering workforce diversity. For businesses that thrive on intellectual capital as a competitive advantage, the institutionalization of reinvention and groupthink is a serious threat.

Globalization

The march of globalization stresses companies and employees in the United States but also creates unique opportunities. Cross-cultural management, foreign legal-political systems, and import-export regulations are among the issues that businesses deigning to conduct international commerce must address.