tech
No pain, no game: how South Korea turned itself into a gaming powerhouse
Gaming was once compared to drugs, gambling and alcohol in South Korea. Now its gaming academies offer a chance to earn a six-figure salary – if you make the grade
TL;DR
- South Korea has reversed its stance on gaming, with the President declaring games are not addictive substances, a stark contrast to previous legislative efforts to classify gaming as an addiction.
- The domestic gaming market has seen substantial growth, expanding by 47% between 2019 and 2023 to 22.96tn won, with industry exports rising 41% to 10.96tn won.
- Esports, organized competitive gaming, plays a vital role as a showcase and marketing engine for the gaming industry.
- South Korea now ranks fourth globally in gaming market share.
- Gaming academies, like Nongshim Esports, offer intensive training for aspiring professional players, though the success rate for becoming a professional is estimated at 1-2%.
- Top-tier professional players can earn well into six figures through salaries, prize money, and sponsorships.
- The government is implementing measures to balance industry growth with player protection, including capping training hours and supporting 'healing centres' for those with excessive immersion.