What are the differences that Brooks observes between gaming in Korea and the United States? How does this compare to your experience of gaming?
One of the main points that Brooks (1:2012) makes is the cultural acceptance of gaming in Korea. PC Bangs remain popular in Korea whilst there are almost non existent in the US. Brooks observes that Korea is one of the most 'wired' countries in the world. the population is primarily densely populated making is easier for a functioning broadband network to operate. Making the internet easy and faster to use, therefore gaming is a much more pleasant experience. The speed and ease of access, has helped encourage social acceptance of gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment.
Alternatively, the US population (much like Australia) is much more widely dispersed making fast and consistent Internet access difficult to guarantee. . Therefore, according to the article, US gamers prefer game consoles such as the PS3 and x-box that use gaming discs as these do not rely on the internet. In the US there is a stigma of gaming being seen as an activity for 'gamers', singling them out as non-mainstream similar to other cultural sub groups, like 'goths'. As internet access becomes more of a political topic I am certain that the US will start to spend more money on ensuring good internet access across the board, not unlike our NBN. Perhaps, has Korea and the US are no cultural different in the first instance, their online gaming habits will never truly match up. However, as the gaming community grows worldwide it will be interesting to see if gamers are more accepted having a mainstream pastime.
The U.S is a large country, and people generally have more space around them to live their lives than in a small densely populated country like Korea. Does this inherently encourage more outdoor, perhaps, sports related activities' to be the norm as opposed to gaming?
I have never played a massive multiplayer online game. I have had a little go at casual games like bejewelled, dabbled in owning a farm in farmville. I did set up an account on Second Life, but I really didn't know what to do with it. Growing up, there wasn't too much focus on using the family computer for games at all. My sister had a console, the one that you play Alex Kidd on, but even that didn't last too long. I wonder if there was a lack of interest because I am female and have two sisters?
Brooks, G. (n.d.). Counting Rupees: Korea bangs | Joystiq. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/counting-rupees-korea-bangs/
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