This study aims to investigate the predictors of user performance (UPF) and satisfaction on Indian fantasy sports platforms by examining the relationships among accurate player predictions (APPs), interactive features (INFs), overall platform experience (OPE), UPF and user satisfaction (USF). Conceptually, the study distinguishes engagement as a behavioral and psychological process occurring during platform interaction from user experience as a post-use evaluative judgment. INFs are positioned as engagement-enabling affordances, whereas OPE represents the holistic evaluation of platform usability and functionality. The model assesses how these dimensions influence UPF and USF.
A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among active Indian fantasy sports users recruited through social media using purposive sampling. Structured online questionnaires incorporating context-adapted scales were administered. Data from 419 valid responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test direct and mediated relationships among constructs.
APPs significantly influence UPF and USF. UPF partially mediates the relationship between prediction accuracy and satisfaction. INFs positively affect OPE but have comparatively limited direct effects on performance and satisfaction.
By integrating prediction accuracy, platform affordances and experiential evaluation within a unified predictive framework, the study advances understanding of user behavior in an underexplored emerging market and provides actionable insights for platform design and optimization.
