Game Battle Heats Up in Asia - The World Cyber Games, the computer industry's equivalent of the Olympics, winds up in Singapore. [Joystick]

As often as I play video games, I always seem to come across those that have far more skill than I. Maybe that’s why I’m not payed the big bucks just to sit and play, unlike the professional gamers who recently finished competing in the World Cyber Games in Singapore. Some of the best from 67 countries gathered to duke it out and see who’s top dog. Most of these gamers are in their teens or early twenties and have various sponsorships that earn them a lot of cash. The Starcraft defending world champion, South Korea's Seo Ji-hoon, earns up to $100,000 in sponsorships, appearances, and winnings annually.

Unlike most other parts of the world, gaming is a fairly respected profession in Asia. Professionals are regarded almost in the same way we in America regard sports or rock stars. In South Korea especially gaming is followed as closely as we follow sports. It is actually the leader of the gaming market in that region, however, many countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, and even Bangladesh are catching up. But somehow it isn’t at all surprising that the $20 billion game industry is so popular in that part of the world. After all, Nintendo is based in Japan and many games are produced in that part of the world. I was once even discussing Starcraft with one of my good friends who seems to be no novice at the game. He commented on how he hated to go up against South Korean players because many train to be the most insane players possible. It seems that they form various strategies and tactics as if it were true military war. Even the most outlandish concepts, such as sending a single Zergling to take out an enemy’s entire base. Or so he claims is the case. After looking into the matter further, it does seem that there is a very high support of the game in that region. Starcraft is even jokingly referred to as South Korea’s national sport. The most famous of players, such as those going by the online handles [ReD]NaDa and SlayerS_’BoxeR’ , have had the opportunity to make up to $500,000 and $780,000 over the next 3 years respectively.

But in Asia, gaming isn’t all fun and games, in fact as far as traditional culture goes, it’s become part of a double edged sword. Gaming has its popularity, but it is also criticized greatly. Asian countries are known for their strong work ethic and parents place a high emphasis on their children’s studies to improve their future job prospects. I’m sure most parents don’t dream of their children becoming professional gamers, but instead stock brokers, accountants, analysts, etc. But, I think that if they have the opportunity to do what they love and get paid for it, then all the better. We all strive to be content with our current occupations, and many never get to do what they truly love as a profession, so, these professional gamers should consider themselves lucky. No matter how much criticism is given, there is no denying that the amount of skill these professional gamers have isn’t just pure talent. They train, they practice, they strategize. I may not be a professional gamer, but I am well aware of the time and effort it takes to be good at a single game (it once took me over a year of constant and consistent gameplay to just barely beat a few people I know who have extreme expertise at Super Smash Bros. Melee)...and most of the professionals are extremely good at countless numbers of games. If it’s any consolation to these professional’s parents, there’s a lot of work that goes into being a top gamer, and they certainly get compensated well for their abilities.
As the Word Cyber Games came to a close Sunday, top gamers won and lost, and a grand total of $430,00 was awarded. Any casual gamer would love a chance at that kind of money, but as I commiserate with them, I do take some solace knowing that there are those out there who are able to do what they and I love. Something that gives us a common bond, no matter the caliber of our skills. And that thing, my friends, is gaming.