South Korea has seen a significant boom in the gaming industry within the recent years, ranging from a simple hobby to a competitive sport. However, this is only a recent development, as gaming is relatively new to the country. Looking back on the technological developments and the chronological history of games and gaming in Korea, the rising trend is clearly evident. From the illegally imported games of the 1980s to modern day PC Bangs, and from an obscure hobby to a national sport, gaming has become widespread. This, of course, entails a shift in the perspective of the general public, and the way gaming is perceived. Today, games are seen as a way to relax, pass the time, cut a commute ride shorter, but also as a competitive, ruthless sport, where the competition is cut-throat and the battle for the title of the best is never-ending. We can observe this through the ups and downs in the career of pro-gamer Faker, who was dubbed the world’s best League of Legends player, but also through popular games, genres and the changing perception of gaming. As this is still in development, it goes without saying that an industry like this is yet to hit its peak, and that this trend will surely continue to grow.
|
