Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hiba BAKACH Author-Email: bakachhiba@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: National School of Business and Management of settat, Université Hassan Premier, Settat, Maroc Author-Name: Yasmine MOHCINE Author-Email: yasmine.mohcine@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: National School of Business and Management, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco Author-Name: Fouad ELAFI Author-Email: bakachhiba@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: National School of Business and Management of settat, Université Hassan Premier, Settat, Maroc Author-Name: Smail OUIDDAD Author-Email: ouiddad.smail@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: National School of Business and Management of settat, Université Hassan Premier, Settat, Maroc Title: Understanding Influencer Marketing in the Gaming Industry: The role of social influence and engagement Abstract: The gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, and influence marketing has become an essential tool for brands seeking to reach gamers. Based on a narrative literature review, this study aims to explore the role of social influence in the context of influence marketing in the gaming industry, with a focus on the impact of user engagement. Drawing upon social influence theory and the concept of social congruity, we propose a conceptual model that connects these key variables. The model suggests that social influence exerted by gaming influencers on social media can influence user engagement. The expected results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the role of social influence in influencer marketing within the gaming industry. Furthermore, the proposed conceptual model will provide insights for marketing professionals to optimize their influence strategies and enhance user engagement among gamers.   Keywords: influence marketing, gaming, social influence, engagement, social congruity, conceptual model. JEL Classification: M31 Paper type:  theoretical research Journal: International Journal of Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Management and Economics Pages: 294-308 Volume: 5 Issue: 5 Year: 2024 File-URL: https://ijafame.org/index.php/ijafame/article/view/1422 File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://ijafame.org/index.php/ijafame/article/view/1422/1421 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:aoa:journl:v:5:y:2024:i:5:p:294-308