패션 게임의 여성 사용자 커뮤니티 특성 및 게임 경험 -중국 니키(Nikki) 시리즈 패션 게임을 중심으로- = Exploring Female User Community Characteristics and Game Experience in the Chinese Nikki Fashion Game Series

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The rapid growth of video games has accelerated the spread of gamification across communication, learning, consumption, and entertainment. Fashion is no exception to this process, with gamification in this context being generally classified into three major types: fashion games, fashion in games, and fashion gamification. Although research on this topic is increasing, studies specifically focusing on video fashion games remain scarce. This study examines user communication and the values that users pursue in video fashion games, with a focus on the Nikki game series. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine players to gain insights into their experiences. The respondents comprise females aged 18 to 27, with gaming experience in the Nikki series ranging from at least one year to over ten years. The results of the study are as follows. Findings revealed two main characteristics in the game users community: belonging and distinction. A sense of belonging was developed through interactive activities such as content creation and collaboration. At the same time, a pattern of social distinction emerged, where users employed community-specific slang and emphasized their superiority to maintain social status. The values sought by users were divided into two categories: fashion-centered values, including aesthetic taste, rarity, and fashionability; and game-centered values, such as storytelling, emotional bonding, and escapist utopia. These results highlight the complex interplay between fashion and gaming, showing how virtual spaces enable both collective interaction and individual expression.