Motivations for the Use of Video Game Streaming Platforms: The Moderating Effect of Sex, Age and Self-Perception of Level as a Player

Luis Javier Cabeza-Ramírez, Sandra M. Sánchez-Cañizares and Fernando J. Fuentes-García
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Luis Javier Cabeza-Ramírez: Faculty of Law, Business and Economic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Puerta Nueva s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Sandra M. Sánchez-Cañizares: Faculty of Law, Business and Economic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Puerta Nueva s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Fernando J. Fuentes-García: Faculty of Law, Business and Economic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Puerta Nueva s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-20

Abstract: A particularly striking new phenomenon in recent years is the live streaming of video games through popular platforms, such as Twitch. This study focuses on the motivations and types of use underlying viewer participation in live streaming platforms. Based on the uses and gratifications theory, this paper aims to analyse how three basic motivations are related to the use of video game streaming platforms. Furthermore, it examines the moderating effects that significant variables, such as the audience member’s age, sex or self-perception of level as a player may exert on this relationship. The results reveal that the three types of motivations are positively associated with use of the platform, although notable differences appear, with informational motivations outweighing entertainment and social motivations. At the same time, no moderating effects on the results of the proposed model were found for the heterogeneity stemming from sex and age. Conversely, the influence of informational motivations on the use of these platforms is moderated by the self-perception of level as a player.

Keywords: motivation; new media; streaming; Twitch; uses and gratifications; media usage; video streaming service; video game (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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