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http://dx.doi.org/10.7583/JKGS.2012.12.1.091

Study on Player Attitudes Regarding Gender in the MMORPG Customization Process  

Paik, Chul-Ho (School of Games, Hongik University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korea Game Society / v.12, no.1, 2012 , pp. 91-101 More about this Journal
Abstract
The avatar gender, the basic element that constitutes the identity of the MMORPG player, can be created by the player due to the nature of the game through the system provided within the game. Thus, players exhibit a different attitude from reality regarding avatar gender. Gender customization in virtual space is an expansion of the identity in an effort to express one's identity in various ways. A number of users manage avatars with the opposite gender where it was found that male players preferred the female avatar persona. In this study, the player attitudes regarding gender was analyzed using Q methodology and the motivational factors for gender swapping and the generalization phenomenon was determined. This study will be significant as critical standards in the usability evaluation of the MMORPG customization system.
Keywords
MMORPG; Avatar customizing; Q methodology;
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