Promotion of Game Industry

G-Star, the biggest game showcase in Korea, was very well-attended in 2013.
G-Star, the biggest game showcase in Korea, was very well-attended in 2013.

 

The Korean government will invest at least 230 billion won (US$209 million) for the next five years to promote the growth of the game industry.

It is also planning to create a healthier game culture by assisting in the production of functional and helpful games while focusing on the development of not only online and mobile games but also those based on next-generation platforms such as smart TVs.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism released the plan for the promotion of the game industry and e-sports on Dec. 18. According to the plan, over-the-top services are prepared so that various types of content can be provided via wired Internet networks, and an industrial ecosystem be established for games using next-generation platforms. Samsung Electronics and the like are going to form a new council to this end. Assistance with artificial intelligence and user experience R&D is expanded at the same time.

When it comes to the regulations applied to the industry, the government is going to relax those so as to ensure a higher level of autonomy while improving the game rating system. “Excessive government regulations hinder the development of any industry, and the goal should be seen on a global perspective,” said the ministry, adding, “It is more preferable for the industry itself to try to fulfill its social responsibility than for the government to pose coercive constraints.”

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