K-Content News

E-Sports Taking Off and the Elevated Status of Professional Gamers

In 1988, "Starcraft" was the start of gaming sports. 20 years later, in 2018, e-sports have come to be included in the Asian Games.

E-Sports awaits its debut as an official Asian Games medaling event. There is also an active movement to include it in the Olympic Games.

Korea is producing professional gamers who are called "Korean Gods." The best Korean player in "League of Legend" is paid an annual salary of 5 billion won.

Korea holds its reputation as the "strongest gaming nation."
"Korean professional gamers are surprisingly industrious. They do not lose focus even when they receive no outside support."
- E-Sports expert Duncan Shields

In the wake of E-Sports, gaming leagues rose naturally And led to the creation of new jobs such as professional gamers, gaming team management, coaches, judges, casters, etc.

Now gaming companies regard gaming leagues as a major source of profit. "E-Sports market this year amounts to 990 million dollars (about 1 trillion won)."
- Gaming market research institution Newzoo

There is even a management business that helps professional gamers make profit off their content. Many of these professional gamers prepare for their retirement by broadcasting their games while also working as professional gamers. The expansion of the gaming industry base will ensure the future of E-Sports.