Origin

e-Sports was first introduced in the mid 1990s by game developers with using sophisticated network system and information technology. They offered online games to the public by setting up an open space as a competition venue for all players. It has evolved a LAN party (game network party for individual game users) where multiple number of players had competitions in a virtual space while spectators were watching on the spot or through TV broadcasting channels. In the late 1990s, these activities were often called 'Electronic sports', 'Network gaming' and 'Cyber athletes/gamers' and significantly expanded their territory into internet and online networking areas. As a result, a large number of spectators around the globe could watch and enjoy the games. Today, e-Sports is defined as "a virtual recreational sporting activity that requires real world mental and physical abilities of players."

Introduction to Korea

e-Sports industry in Korea significantly developed together with an outstanding progress in the computer and information technology when its government actively supported IT sector in 1998. In particular, the popularity of internet cafes throughout the country enabled game users to gather in an offline area and compete one another, which helped advance the sports to the next level. Since 1999, these trends were recognized as a new ‘culture’ and television broadcasting made a huge contribution in facilitating the rapid growth of the sports. Korea is the first country to categorize e-Sports as a sporting event, allowing the establishment of Korea e-Sports Association in the 2000s, which assisted to lay a firm ground for e-Sports. Professional league system sponsored by major corporations was also introduced, which helped Korean top-notched e-Sports players to lead in the global e-Sports industry.

Top Competitors

While the performance and ranking of e-Sports vary by country and region, they are closely related to each country's gaming trends. The countries with superior IT/computer environment are more likely to advance in the international competitions. Korea, China, Japan and Iran is dominating in Asian region whereas Germany, France, America and Canada lead in the western region.

Republic of Korea medal status

Republic of Korea medal status

Sports	Gold	Silver	Bronze
2009 AIMAG	2	1	-

• ○ RTS, SPORTS, FIGHT, RACING are the primary genres of games to be played by individual match, one on one and the pre-set rules for each game will determine the winner of the games/events.

• Major strategic simulation game: Starcraft II

• - 2 players are automatically allocated in so called ‘Map; virtual space, and play to overpower/eliminate the opponent. There’s no limit on the play hour and the game is won by either force them to surrender (GG) or eliminate every units of the opponent.

• Sports game : FIFA

• - This is a game which virtualize the actual football game, and each player chooses a virtual team to play against each other. Players control the movements and play of the virtual football and the game is won by the most scoring player in the given amount of time.

• Fighting game : Tekken

• - Two players select one or two game characters to play in a given ‘map’. Use the skills or techniques of the selected game characters or combine those movements to knock out or damages more the opponent’s character in the given amount of time.

• Racing game: Need for Speed

• - This type of game is typically played by two or four (even number) players to pair two teams and race in a virtual racing circuit with a selected virtual car. Ranking is determined by most completed laps or fastest lap time achieved.

  ○ Team match

  - FPS and AOS games are typically played by 5 vs 5 players, and the game is won by each games’ specific rules.

• First-Person-Shooting game: Special Force

• - 10 players are divided into two groups (attack and defense) and take turns to attack and defend. Each map has its own rules such as eliminating all the opponent players, capturing/protecting the hostages, occupy the strategic battle-points, or stealing/protecting a valuable items. The team to win the most rounds wins the match.

• Multi-access strategic game: League of Legend

• - 10 players are divided into two groups (“Blue” and “Purple”) and each player gets to choose a main character (Champion) to play the match. No time limits apply, and the game is won by the team forced other players to surrender (GG) or overpowered the opponents’ major buildings.

Map :

 A complex virtual space to play the game, which are either 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional.

Resume :

 Declaration of resume the suspended or paused game by the referee.

Referee :

 The individual who oversee the game and reserve the right to judge, penalize or govern the games based on the game rules.

Booth :

 A separated cubicle for a player to play and focus on the game.

Setting :

 A preference change or usage of a personal equipments (such as computers, console etc) for the maximum game control. This is to be done within the given amount of time before the match begin, and might need to get an approval from the referee in some cases.

Observer :

 The commentator or presenter of the game.

Pause :

 A temporary suspension of a game by the player or the referee.

Player :

 A person who participates in the game.

GG, good game :

 Gesture or declaration of the surrender by player, meaning “good game” to respect the opponent and his/her play.