The gaming industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with digital distribution platforms like Steam enabling gamers to access a vast library of games and share their experiences with others through user reviews. Thus, this leads to the study of the questions regarding what can be the factors affecting the review helpfulness and what’s different for gaming than other type of products. In this thesis, we use a sample regression analysis with the sample of 10,000 reviews randomly collected from each game. The analysis examines several key factors that may influence review helpfulness with both review and reviewer characteristics. Additionally, the moderator variable of game developer type is included to examine how the relationship between these factors and review helpfulness may be influenced. The findings of this study have suggested the attributes count does have significance to review helpfulness and the managerial implications for game developers and publishers that is particularly relevant for indie studios, who can capitalize on their strengths in innovative storytelling and creating unique experiences to appeal to niche audiences and foster a dedicated fan base. By understanding the specific aspects that drive review helpfulness, developers can maximize their impact and enhance player satisfaction.

Abstract-------------------------------------------------------2
1. Introduction------------------------------------------------7
2. Literature review-------------------------------------------14
3. Methodology-------------------------------------------------22
3.1. Collecting data-------------------------------------------22
3.2. Variable explanation & definition-------------------------23
3.2.1. Review helpfulness--------------------------------------23
3.3. Moderator effect (triple A title studio versus indie studio) ---------------------------------------------------------------24
3.4. Independent variables (review/reviewer characteristics)---27
3.4.1. Review valence------------------------------------------29
3.4.2. Review length-------------------------------------------30
3.4.3. Attributes count----------------------------------------33
3.4.4. In-game content attributes count------------------------35
3.4.5. Game & platform related attributes count----------------36
3.4.6. Positive experiential attributes count------------------36
3.4.7. Negative experiential attributes count------------------37
3.4.8. Game playtime-------------------------------------------38
3.4.9. Games owned---------------------------------------------39
3.4.10. Number of reviews commented----------------------------41
3.5. Hypothesis------------------------------------------------43
3.6. Measuring variables---------------------------------------50
3.6.1. Review helpfulness--------------------------------------50
3.6.2. Moderator (Studios/developers type)---------------------50
3.6.3. Review valence------------------------------------------51
3.6.4. Review length-------------------------------------------51
3.6.5. Attributes count & sub-categories-----------------------51
3.6.6. Playtime------------------------------------------------51
3.6.7. Games owned---------------------------------------------52
3.6.8. Number of reviews commented-----------------------------52
4. Result & interpretation-------------------------------------53
4.1. Regression analysis---------------------------------------53
4.1.1. Model 1: Result of main effect--------------------------53
4.1.2. Model 2: Result of moderating effect of studio/developer type
--------------------------------------------------------------59
5. Discussion--------------------------------------------------68
5.1. Attributes count------------------------------------------68
5.2. In-game content attributes count--------------------------68
5.3. Playtime--------------------------------------------------69
5.4. Number of reviews commented-------------------------------70
6. Conclusion--------------------------------------------------72
6.1. Academic implication--------------------------------------72
6.2. Managerial implication------------------------------------73
6.3. Limitation------------------------------------------------74
6.4. Conclusion------------------------------------------------77
Reference------------------------------------------------------79

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