모바일게임 이용 충족이론을 기반으로 한 모바일 게이머 유형 분석에 관한 연구

A Study on Gamers Segmentation based upon Uses and Gratifications of Mobile games

Mobile games have emerged as the most innovative entertainment technology, adding new revenue streams, taking advantage of the potential of wireless applications and service offerings. Mobile games, like any other types of computer game, offer a unique value for users in providing an exciting digital experience in virtual worlds. Players can become empowered through the development of new characters and strategies within games to achieve rewarding successes against the computers and other players. The overall trend for mobile games is towards bigger, more colorful, more involving and exciting contents, which will build upon the developing capabilities of mobile phones and networks in order to bring new styles, concepts and experiences of game play to the users. In this paper, we attempt to investigate the demographic factors which play critical roles in determining the level of playing times; classify mobile gamers based on their motives for playing games; and empirically test differences in their demographic factors and mobile game usage. Statistical results show that significant differences in playing times exist, depending upon their age, gender, mobile device, mobile phone usage, mobile game experiences, and preferred games genres. Applying Factor analysis, we have identified Escape, Social interaction, Challenge and Competition, Fantasy, Diversion and Relaxation, Ease of Accessibility as key motivators for playing mobile games. Additional cluster analysis shows that the categorization of gamers, according to their usage habits and the key motivators for playing, can be made as follows: M-gamers, Multi-gamers and Communication-focused gamers. Further correlation of these grouping with socio-economic data shows the significant differences in gaming habits and patterns of mobile phone use.