1
M.A. in Social Communication Sciences, Islamic Azad University,
2
Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Isfahan, Social Sciences Department,
10.30465/ismc.2026.52291.2971
Abstract
With the rapid growth of the video game industry and live-streaming platforms، game streaming has emerged as a new form of digital communication and cultural expression. This qualitative research explores the lived experiences of Iranian game streamers using descriptive phenomenology. The participants were six professional streamers active on platforms such as Twitch، YouTube، and Aparat، each with diverse backgrounds and streaming styles. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method. Findings reveal that streamers perceive game streaming as a creative lifestyle and space for self-expression. Five main themes emerged: (1) critical assessment of domestic platforms and digital divide، (2) identity and representation in digital space، (3) human connection and emotional bonds، (4) creativity and media performance challenges، and (5) streamer lifestyle. The study demonstrates game streaming as an emerging cultural-media ecosystem in Iran، where streamers navigate technical limitations، cultural sensitivities، and gender dynamics while constructing professional identities. This research contributes to understanding game streaming within Iran's unique sociocultural context، bridging gaps between global and local studies while offering insights into platform dynamics، gender issues، and cultural agency in digital spaces.
rastegar mehr,F. and Goudarzi,M. (2026). "The Lived Experience of Iranian Game Streamers: A Phenomenological Study". (e10717). Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, (), e10717 doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.52291.2971
MLA
rastegar mehr,F. , and Goudarzi,M. . ""The Lived Experience of Iranian Game Streamers: A Phenomenological Study"" .e10717 , Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, , , 2026, e10717. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.52291.2971
HARVARD
rastegar mehr F., Goudarzi M. (2026). '"The Lived Experience of Iranian Game Streamers: A Phenomenological Study"', Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, (), e10717. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.52291.2971
CHICAGO
F. rastegar mehr and M. Goudarzi, ""The Lived Experience of Iranian Game Streamers: A Phenomenological Study"," Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, (2026): e10717, doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.52291.2971
VANCOUVER
rastegar mehr F., Goudarzi M. "The Lived Experience of Iranian Game Streamers: A Phenomenological Study". Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, 2026; (): e10717. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.52291.2971
