An oligopolistic competition is a type of competition between multiple large firms. In this situation, they make up a big part of a market share.
Game theory has become the preferred method for analyzing oligopolistic markets because it effectively captures the strategic interactions among a few powerful firms whose decisions directly affect one another. In oligopolies, firms must consider their competitors' potential reactions to their own actions, such as pricing, output, and product differentiation. Game theory provides a structured framework to model these interdependencies, allowing for a better understanding of competitive behavior, market outcomes, and potential collusion. Additionally, it helps predict outcomes in scenarios where firms have to make decisions simultaneously or sequentially, illuminating the complexities inherent in oligopolistic competition.
oligopolistic competition
Oligopolistic
no
criticisms on oligopolistic competition
centralization of ownership
No
yes
probably oligopolistic; several large firms, a few small.
Price collusion may occur in oligopolistic industries because the suppliers may want to guarantee high profits for each other. If one reduces the prices too much, the other may be forced to also reduce and this may lower profits for one player.
Centralization of ownership has led to an industry controlled by a few large companies
The media industry's oligopolistic market structure is caused by high barriers to entry, such as the high cost of infrastructure and content creation. Additionally, economies of scale play a role as larger companies can spread their costs over a larger audience. Finally, consolidation and mergers contribute to the concentration of power among a few key players in the industry.