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http://dx.doi.org/10.7583/JKGS.2015.15.2.63

An Exercise to Explore Avatar Customization and Gender Swapping  

Scheck, Katherine (Dept. of Game Design, Kongju National University)
Lee, Dong Yeop (Dept. of Game Design, Kongju National University)
Kyung, Byung Pyo (Dept. of Game Design, Kongju National University)
Ryu, Seuc Ho (Dept. of Game Design, Kongju National University)
Lee, Dong Lyeor (Dept. of Game Design, Kongju National University)
Lee, Wan Bok (Dept. of Game Design, Kongju National University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korea Game Society / v.15, no.2, 2015 , pp. 63-72 More about this Journal
Abstract
Avatars are a visual representation of users in a virtual world such as an MMORPG. These avatars are often seen as representations or idealizations of the user's actual self. However, this view does not account for the prevalence of two behaviors: multiple avatars and 'gender swapping'. An exercise and questionnaire were created to study avatar customization practices across players outside the context of any particular game to understand better user motivations in creating their virtual selves. A preliminary trial of the exercise showed little correlation between age or gender and gender swapping. While those of non-traditional sexuality were more likely to gender swap, half of traditional sexuality also swapped. Finally, the personality trait, Openness to Experience, showed promising correlation with gender swapping.
Keywords
Avatar; Customization; Gender Swapping; MMORPG;
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