• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.704-714
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• 2023

This study explores how avatar customization influences the continuous intention to use the metaverse, mediated by self-expansion. The moderating effects of self-efficacy between avatar customization and self-expansion are also explored. Data were collected through an online survey using consumer panels. Participants were Zepeto users aged 18 or older who had used the platform within the previous six months. They were asked to recall a recent shopping experience of exploring the virtual fashion store via Zepeto. A total of 196 valid responses from participants were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 for descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and PROCESS procedure, and AMOS 23.0 for confirmatory factor analysis. Results demonstrate that avatar customization increases continuous intention to use the metaverse; this effect is mediated by self-expansion. The moderated mediation effect of self-efficacy in the indirect path was significant and mediated by self-expansion. Specifically, the interplay effect of avatar customization and self-efficacy on self-expansion was statistically significant. For participants with high self-efficacy, avatar customization increases self-expansion, and it mediates the relationship between avatar customization and the continuous intention to use the metaverse. Findings contribute to expanding the literature on metaverse usage by testing the impact of avatar customization on self-expansion.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.7-20
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• 2017

MMORPG users can create their own identity that they will use to act through in the virtual world utilizing the avatar creation system. The MMORPG customization process, divided into the creation and transformation stages, provides a sandbox for the identity play by users. In this study, analysis of the users' customization attitudes using the Q methodology especially in the transformation stage was conducted. The users' attitudes were found to be categorized into 4 types: 1) fulfilling attitude, 2) customization immersed attitude, 3) customization challenging attitude, and 4) community oriented attitude. Of particular interest are the immersed customization type, where the attitude is driven by the internal motivation of "self-satisfaction" unlike the fulfillment and community oriented attitudes which are driven by instrumental motivation of the avatar, and the continuous desire towards transformation revealed by the challenging customization attitude. This study provides valuable insight in the design perspective for developers in instilling critical immersion elements to the users while preparing to update the level.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.17-28
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• 2013

The development of technology has enabled users to customize avatars using various combinations and appearances in MMORPG. This study investigated the loyalty and user immersion factors of MMORPG avatar customization, which included personal factors (self-esteem, self-efficacy) and environmental factors (challenging spirit, sense of unity). immersion factors were extracted and a research model was established by observing precedent studies conducted on Flow theory and on the development and transformation of avatars. This study established a theory based on a developed research model and by surveying the users of AION, a MMORPG game, who actively enjoyed avatar customization, after determining measurement items based on precedent studies. The research results showed that self-esteem, a challenging spirit and sense of unity must be enhanced to increase the customization immersion. In addition, research results showed that the degree of loyalty increased with higher customization immersion.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.91-101
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• 2012

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.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.63-72
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• 2015

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.

• Annual Conference of KIPS
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• 2021.05a
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• pp.567-569
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• 2021

Due to the important role of avatars in computer-mediated communication (CMC), a growing number of CMC-based services now support avatar customization options. However, in many cases, customization and personalization options are limited to visual features. In this paper, we propose and describe a prototype for a vocal customization web application. Titled Voice Creator, the app is designed for both able-bodied and speech- or hearing-impaired users who seek to communicate anonymously using digital voice identities.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.489-494
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• 2016

Developing 3D games of quality is getting easier as commercial game engines have significantly evolved. It is still difficult, however, for entry-level developers to create various avatars which could affect the entire game because it requires expertise in 3D design and programming. We propose a design of an avatar assembly system based on a commercial game engine, Unity. It includes the assembly, customization, and management of avatars. It also provides an avatar update mechanism via the World Wide Web(WWW) provided by Unity's asset system so that various avatars can be supplied after the initial game distribution.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.15-21
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• 2022

With the spread of COVID-19 and restrictions on outdoor exercise, the number of users using motion sensing games indoors is increasing. An avatar-type character design customization system on behalf of gamers is one of the important research topics for developers in that it can increase the game's appeal to gamers. In this paper, a motion sensing game with high sales volume and character customization is selected as a game analysis case. Through the analysis of the character customization system of the three selected games, important elements of the customization system were extracted. Finally, the shortcomings of the motion sensing game character customization system were derived, and improvement plans were presented for the selection system, transformation system, and partial system. It is expected that this proposal will serve as a reference for designing a motion sensing game character customization system in the future.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.199-208
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• 2017

Since the study by Turkle(1995), the concept of identity play in MMORPGs has been employed primarily to explain the reflection of users' identity in the avatar creation process in online games. This study attempts to conceptualize the identity play of the design process in which the user uses the avatar customizing system to create an avatar in the virtual world. This research verified the model of identity play through players' avatars, a model of the components of identity play constructed. The aims of this study pursued through an analysis of correlations of users' attitudes toward avatars. This study performed structural equation modeling to verify hypotheses about the variables that affect online identity play.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.617-625
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• 2022

This study attempted to compare and analyze metaverse platforms according to their functions. The five metaverse platform was selected and comparatively analyzed through in-depth interviews with experts. As a result of the research, first, Roblox allows you to create and customize your own avatar, provides studio functions for free, and allows you to enjoy private games with friends. Second, Zepeto can create an avatar with one selfie and provides a creative studio function. Third, in Fortnite, it is possible to create in-game characters, purchase and wear items provided in the game, and play games with friends in Creative Mode. Fourth, in Gather Town, networking with users in virtual space is possible, and your own avatar customization and desired virtual space template are provided. Finally, Facebook Horizon participates in the virtual world Horizon with its own avatar that you decorate yourself, and it can function as a world builder, and you can set up a billboard in virtual reality or a virtual store. The value of this study provided a theoretical basis that can be applied to the future industry through the characteristics of the metaverse platform.