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Seiner, J., 2019. Ninja out: Gaming megastar leaves Twitch for Mixer. ABC News. Available at (https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/ninja-gaming-megastar-leaves-twitch-mixer-64711295). Accessed 15/03/20
Shingler, M., 2012. Star studies: A critical guide. Palgrave Macmillan
Taylor, T.L., 2018. Watch me play: Twitch and the rise of game live streaming. Princeton University Press

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One article, written by ABC News which discusses Ninja's move from streaming platform Twitch, to Mixer provides great insight into a media perspective. The article glorifies Ninja, describing him as a 'gaming megastar' making a 'stunning move'. Alot of comparisons can be drawn with the way the article talks about this move, and the way many articles describe sports stars changing teams. There is discussion of competition between Mixer and Twitch, and quotes from Ninja declaring his appreciation for twitch, but at the same time his desire to move on. It comes across as very sportslike, which is a flattering comparison given how seriously sports are taken in America. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/ninja-gaming-megastar-leaves-twitch-mixer-64711295

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A greater problem though, is finding the middle ground between authenticity and sharing private information; due to the intimate nature of streaming, it is easy to cross this line. "I am me 100 percent. Like when I get in front of the camera. I have no problem talking about my life and letting people into my life.. There are things that people know about me because I've shared that with them. But I keep it kind of not so specific." (Taylor, TL., 2018)

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It is vital to note the fact that Ninja's star persona is likely to be far more realistically aligned with his real person than many other stars. Ninja has to spend the majority of his time exposed to audiences on his stream. Ninja himself will have a lot more to do with the creation of his star image than a film star per say. Shingler notes that many stars will have their personae built by a multitude of factors such as journalism, gossip, and publicity. Whilst this is true for many stars, Ninja has far more control due to the amount that his persona is exposed; it is almost as if audiences get the personable insight of an interview appearance every day he livestreams.

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When speaking about himself, Ninja is often very serious about  his commitment to gaming. Often speaking in the exact same way that a sportsperson would about his dedication to practice and improvement. Clearly when doing this, Ninja is pushing a star image equal to that of any sporting personality.

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Ninja is also portrayable as a serious, dedicated athlete who has put years of his life into perfecting his craft.

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Ninja is capable of being both charitable, and able to help coach less knowledgeable people into gaming. "A stronger sense of the star as a 'real person' is provided through their involvement in charity work or political campaigning." (Shingler, M., 2012)

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Prior to becoming gaming's best known star, Ninja fit a completely different social type. He was significantly more of a 'bad boy' and would seek to trash talk his opponents during play. He was incredibly satirical, although this was in the pursuit of comedy. Ninja then underwent a change in brand (star image), becoming much more of a child-friendly streamer in the process. This is one of the more obvious changes in a star persona that can be seen throughout any star career.

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Mainstream audiences interpret Ninja as quite alien, crowds laugh and gasp when they hear about the hours he spends gaming, and the money that he makes doing it. When he goes onto mainstream television, he often has to play the games he streams such as fortnite, being forced to perform, almost like a show animal.

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Ninja's actions are ones which comply strongly with 'the good Joe' archetype. In comparison with many other streamers, the content which he discusses and language that he uses is incredibly tame. Ninja also frequently, and publically involves himself in alot of charity work, just recently he and his wife spoke at length about their donation of $150,000 to Feeding America. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9-MLRGgIoJ/
He has also done several 'Make a Wishes': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFU90AEAsec

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In a totally different light, Ninja is portrayed by Adidas (his sponsor) as an athlete. In their advertising campaigns he is placed in the same scenes and treated with the same respect as sportsmen and women.

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Ninja's streaming persona fits primarily into a blend between both 'the good Joe' and 'the clown'. He constantly behaves in a polite and positive manner, whilst at the same time incorporating stints of satirical, sarcastic humor.

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A star image is comprised of four factors: Primary and secondary media source, a star's actions, and audience interpretation

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Ninja is a video game streamer who operates on the platform 'Mixer'. Being one of the most well known streamers of all time, Ninja is the first 'gamer' to break into mainstream media coverage.