A Motivation Analysis of Video Game Microstreamers: “Finding My People and Myself” on YouTube and Twitch

ABSTRACT

Microstreamers broadcast their video game play and commentary to small audiences on YouTube and Twitch. To draw a holistic picture of their motivations, this study conducted semi-structured interviews employing two complementary frameworks. A Uses and Gratifications approach showed that social integrative needs predominate – even personal integrative and affective need satisfaction depend on audience. In parallel, a Self-Determination Theory approach demonstrated satisfaction of three fundamental needs: the autonomy of an artist–entrepreneur; the relatedness of a community leader; and skill competence displayed to an audience. Microstreamers are driven to “find their people” online, where, through performance, they “find themselves” anew.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Young

Andrew Young (M.A., Sam Houston State University) is a graduate student in the Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University. His research interests include social and psychological dimensions of video games, social media, and podcasting.

Grant Wiedenfeld

Grant Wiedenfeld (Ph.D., Yale University) is associate professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University. His research focuses on the social and political implications of popular culture in different historical moments.