A Study on the Perception Types of Online Games and Their Characteristics

This study aims to investigate on the perception types of online games and their characteristics. In Study 1, perceptions of online games were researched through Q methodology. From the results, the perceptions of online games are classified into four types: `Online Game is an Obstacle of Study`; `Online Game is Just a Game`; `Online Game is a Stain in Life`; `Online Game is Vaguely Bad`. Each perception type has different characteristics in terms of perception of harmfulness of games, determination of the core of game problems, and perception of a parent-child relationship. In Study 2, the distribution and characteristics of each perception type were researched through an online survey. The results show differences in an attitude to online game using features and regulations as well as in demographic parameters such as sex and age. This study holds its significance in identifying the differences between perception types of online game and providing a basic study for policy making of healthy game culture.