Game on for innovation: a cross-country study on how eSports drive knowledge sharing and innovative behavior

Purpose This study aims to find out whether eSports as intrinsic motivation has a positive effect on innovative behavior and whether knowledge sharing plays a mediating role in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative approach. The research hypotheses were tested using partial least square-structural equation modeling with multi-group analysis using Smart-PLS 4. The sample was 208 respondents from the academic community affiliated with the universities in Indonesia and India. Findings For India, there is a positive relationship between eSports-driven intrinsic motivation and innovative behavior. Knowledge sharing acted as a mediator. For Indonesia, however, the results indicate a more complex dynamic. Although intrinsic motivation in eSports leads to knowledge-sharing behaviors, the direct relationship between intrinsic motivation and innovative behavior was not significant. Knowledge sharing, therefore, plays a crucial role as a mediator. Originality/value The study advances the literature by demonstrating how eSports as intrinsic motivation influences innovative behavior through knowledge sharing based on self-determination theory by focusing on academic communities in two different countries.