• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.147-187
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• 2008

Online game researchers focus on the flow and factors influencing flow. Flow is conceptualized as an optimal experience state and useful explaining game experience in online. Many game studies focused on the customer loyalty and flow in playing online game, In showing specific game experience, however, it doesn't examine multidimensional experience process. Flow is not construct which show absorbing process, but construct which show absorbing result. Hence, Flow is not adequate to examine multidimensional experience of games. Online game is included in hedonic consumption. Hedonic consumption is a relatively new field of study in consumer research and it explores the consumption experience as a experiential view(Hirschman and Holbrook 1982). Hedonic consumption explores the consumption experience not as an information processing event but from a phenomenological of experiential view, which is a primarily subjective state. It includes various playful leisure activities, sensory pleasures, daydreams, esthetic enjoyment, and emotional responses. In online game experience, therefore, it is right to access through a experiential view of hedonic consumption. The objective of this paper was to make up for lacks in our understanding of online game experience by developing a framework for better insight into the hedonic experience of online game. We developed this framework by integrating and extending existing research in marketing, online game and hedonic responses. We then discussed several expectations for this framework. We concluded by discussing the results of this study, providing general recommendation and directions for future research. In hedonic response research, Lacher's research(1994)and Jongho lee and Yunhee Jung' research (2005;2006) has served as a fundamental starting point of our research. A common element in this extended research is the repeated identification of the four hedonic responses: sensory response, imaginal response, emotional response, analytic response. The validity of these four constructs finds in research of music(Lacher 1994) and movie(Jongho lee and Yunhee Jung' research 2005;2006). But, previous research on hedonic response didn't show that constructs of hedonic response have cause-effect relation. Also, although hedonic response enable to different by stimulus properties. effects of stimulus properties is not showed. To fill this gap, while largely based on Lacher(1994)' research and Jongho Lee and Yunhee Jung(2005, 2006)' research, we made several important adaptation with the primary goal of bringing the model into online game and compensating lacks of previous research. We maintained the same construct proposed by Lacher et al.(1994), with four constructs of hedonic response:sensory response, imaginal response, emotional response, analytical response. In this study, the sensory response is typified by some physical movement(Yingling 1962), the imaginal response is typified by images, memories, or situations that game evokes(Myers 1914), and the emotional response represents the feelings one experiences when playing game, such as pleasure, arousal, dominance, finally, the analytical response is that game player engaged in cognition seeking while playing game(Myers 1912). However, this paper has several important differences. We attempted to suggest multi-dimensional experience process in online game and cause-effect relation among hedonic responses. Also, We investigated moderate effects of perceived complexity. Previous studies about hedonic responses didn't show influences of stimulus properties. According to Berlyne's theory(1960, 1974) of aesthetic response, perceived complexity is a important construct because it effects pleasure. Pleasure in response to an object will increase with increased complexity, to an optimal level. After that, with increased complexity, pleasure begins with a linearly increasing line for complexity. Therefore, We expected this perceived complexity will influence hedonic response in game experience. We discussed the rationale for these suggested changes, the assumptions of the resulting framework, and developed some expectations based on its application in Online game context. In the first stage of methodology, questions were developed to measure the constructs. We constructed a survey measuring our theoretical constructs based on a combination of sources, including Yingling(1962), Hargreaves(1962), Lacher (1994), Jongho Lee and Yunhee Jung(2005, 2006), Mehrabian and Russell(1974), Pucely et al(1987). Based on comments received in the pretest, we made several revisions to arrive at our final survey. We investigated the proposed framework through a convenience sample, where participation in a self-report survey was solicited from various respondents having different knowledges. All respondents participated to different degrees, in these habitually practiced activities and received no compensation for their participation. Questionnaires were distributed to graduates and we used 381 completed questionnaires to analysis. The sample consisted of more men(n=225) than women(n=156). In measure, the study used multi-item scales based previous study. We analyze the data using structural equation modeling(LISREL-VIII; Joreskog and Sorbom 1993). First, we used the entire sample(n=381) to refine the measures and test their convergent and discriminant validity. The evidence from both the factor analysis and the analysis of reliability provides support that the scales exhibit internal consistency and construct validity. Second, we test the hypothesized structural model. And, we divided the sample into two different complexity group and analyze the hypothesized structural model of each group. The analysis suggest that hedonic response plays different roles from hypothesized in our study. The results indicate that hedonic response-sensory response, imaginal response, emotional response, analytical response- are related positively to respondents' level of game satisfaction. And game satisfaction is related to higher levels of game loyalty. Additionally, we found that perceived complexity is important to online game experience. Our results suggest that importance of each hedonic response different by perceived game complexity. Understanding the role of perceived complexity in hedonic response enables to have a better understanding of underlying mechanisms at game experience. If game has high complexity, analytical response become important response. So game producers or marketers have to consider more cognitive stimulus. Controversy, if game has low complexity, sensorial response respectively become important. Finally, we discussed several limitations of our study and suggested directions for future research. we concluded with a discussion of managerial implications. Our study provides managers with a basis for game strategies.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.154-168
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• 2019

The present study investigated fashion Instagram marketing, applying the concept of gamification. It set out to examine the following specific issues: 1) perceptions of flow, pleasures, dimensions of game dynamics (challenge, competition, achievement, reward, relationships among participants, and relationships between brands and consumers), and consumer responses based on frequency and involvement in exercise; 2) the effects of game dynamics dimensions on flow and pleasure; and 3) the effects of flow and pleasure on consumer responses. An online survey was used to gather data and the study analyzed a total of 200 responses. The results of the study were as follows. Perception differences were found only in relation to exercise involvement. Competition, relationships among participants, and relationships between brands and customers positively predicted flow. Among the dimensions of game dynamics, challenge, competition, reward, relationships among participants, and relationships between brands and consumers positively influenced pleasure. In addition, the study also found that pleasure and flow had positive effects on intention to participate and brand loyalty. Meanwhile, only pleasure predicted word-of-mouth. These findings suggest that fashion brands implementing Instagram as a marketing channel should seek to stimulate pleasure and fun to provoke positive consumer responses. Furthermore, the findings of the study provide practical and useful insights for fashion brands implementing Instagram marketing.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.33-44
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• 2017

With the development of the Internet environment, various types of online reviews are being generated and exchanged among consumers to share their opinions. In line with this trend, companies are making efforts to analyze online reviews and use the results in various business activities such as marketing, sales, and product development. However, research on online review in industry related to 'Video Game' which is representative experience goods has not been performed enough. Therefore, this study analyzed STEAM community review data using machine learning techniques. We analyzed the factors affecting the opinion of other users' game review. We also propose managerial implications to incease user loyalty and usability.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.115-124
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• 2015

This research analyzed the case of Ncsoft to study the organizational learning, exploitation and exploration that create dynamic capability in hypercompetitive environment. First of all, we demonstrated the activities of exploitation and exploration in Ncsoft according to the life cycle of online game industry. An exploitation related to routine, learning and fit with existing environment brings about incremental innovation. In contrast, an exploration associated with non-learning, flexibility with changing environment results in radical innovation. We examined them based on the life cycle of its various game services. NCsoft that built the leading position in online game industry focused the exploitation activities at the stage of beginning period and growth, whereas NCsoft has increased the activities of exploration at period of mature. In addition, the firm conducts an exploration for its brand new game services and R&D. Conversely, An exploitation is conducted for sustainable updating of patch service and marketing and system building. The result implies that online game companies create sustainable competitive advantage using the balance between exploitation and exploration.

• Journal of the Korean Operations Research and Management Science Society
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.115-136
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• 2014

The game industry has grown steadily and the online game has become one of the most attractive game segments for its remarkable growth. Customer management in the online game industry, however, has received little attention from the academic field. The purpose of this study is to analyze the drivers of customer defection in the online game setting and suggest not only theoretical but also managerial insights into increasing customer retention rates. Prior to empirical analysis, the authors hypothesized that 3 variables of interests (Learning, Playing, Achievement) would explain the customer defection according to preceeding researches. To demonstrate these hypotheses, the authors obtained data from one of the biggest game publishers in Korea, and the empirical analysis model was developed considering context of research settings. The results of analyses provide the following insights. First, the key behavioral variables of Learning, Playing, and Achievement play substantial roles in explaining the customer defection. Next, the effects of these variables vary between customer types: novice and experienced customers. The defection decisions by novice customers are predicted by all key behavioral variables and Playing serves as the most influential indicator of the defection decisions. However, experienced customers are influenced by Playing and Achievement, while Learning has no impact on the defection decisions. Finally, the authors investigated hypothetical customer retention strategies, using the empirical results. The market outcomes indicate that the customer retention strategies work well with novice customers and it is hard-to-impossible to prevent experienced customers from defection using their behavioral data. These findings together deliver several meaningful insights to management as follow. First, the management should support customers to get involved in Learning activities at the very first stage. Second, customer's Achievement and appropriate compensation for it would work as defection barriers. Last, to optimize the outcomes of firm's marketing investments, it is better to focus on retention of novice users not experienced ones.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.3-11
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• 2003

Game software planning is divided into initial game software planning and detailed game software planning. Technique, design, marketing should be considered in initial game software planning. Especially, technical considerations, platform and game engine and sewer construction and sewer architecture should have effect on development cost and time. So, game software designer should choose technical consideration which is suitable for purpose of game software planning. In this paper, we researched technical considerations in initial game software planning, focusing on platform, game engine, game service, network infrastructure.

• Archives of design research
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• v.19 no.2 s.64
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• pp.195-206
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• 2006

The computer game industry has managed to become the fastest growing segment of the entertainment industry nowadays. However, only a very low number of computer game products manage to cover the costs of production and generate earnings. According to traditional marketing wisdom, customers' preferences are a core issue in creating successful products, and the design process in game is crucial for guaranteeing garners' satisfaction. This research aimed to explore key design factors for the game design based on the new framework of the usability evaluation. We examined the usability in Massively Multi-player Online Role-playing Games (MMORPGs) and reviewed literatures related to games simultaneously. We identified eighteen usability issues in MMORPG and presented its recommendation relevant to the issues. Moreover, the results of the study showed fifty four key design factors composed of game interface, game play, game narrative, and game mechanics for the game design. The research is concluded with key implications to support the early stage of the design process in game.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.79-92
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• 2009

Domestic on-line game market is growing quickly, but game company doesn't grasp trial of users, and it is bent on to the contents service supply that it was lumped together only. If cannot reflect mind of a user to game contents service, decrease of the existing customer and influx of a new customer is difficult as a loyalty duty of company is decreasingly market share drops, and this is large to company sales will beat it. I will present marketing strategy regarding game contents service of game companys in this study as detecting factors to affect to reuse intention of on-line game users.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.67-76
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• 2006

This study is to examine relationship between immersiveness aspect and the recognition of garners who are exposed to PPL (Product Placement Advertisement) in online game. The frequency of exposure, the placement type of PPL, the perception under the threshold of consciousness and the interest at the product and knowledge about PPL have been widely known as the factors of effectiveness in PPL advertising. In this study, 'immersiveness' is newly introduced to investigate the effectiveness of PPL advertising due to the unique characteristics of game which easily leads to immersion. Control group is exposed to movie clip and experimental group to lacing online game. In conclusion, the deep immersion has reduced the perception level of user on PPL except the variable of PPL placement. This study suggests that how to design the PPL placement in game for enhancing marketing effect is all the more vital, in spite of the result that the player in high immersion cannot distinguish different images.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.133-144
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• 2015

This study aims to establish the concepts of overindulgence and addiction and present proposals on game policies and marketing for game companies by identifying relationship among game product loyalty, game company loyalty, and game company profitability from the psychological viewpoint (game overindulgence and addiction) of online and mobile gamers. Accordingly, this study has the following implications. First, government should realize the fact even gamers are confused over differences in such concepts concerning game and have processes to reestablish game overindulgence and game addiction and follow policies to establish such images. Second, loyalty to game products should be enhanced by highlighting the features to buy items and additional contents through game networks as well as features to share contents and records generated within games for those with overindulgence. Moreover, companies should strengthen publicity to increase loyalty to game companies. Conversely, the focus should be on game product image rather than corporate image. Third, game companies should engage in strategies for the game's direction, development, and marketing to establish positive brand based on game products and help become the brand of the corporation itself. Fourth, there is a necessity to increase gamers and study their satisfaction rate based on game development and efficient marketing.