That's a phrase probably said may times by annoyed parents wanting their child to stop being 'Mario the plumber’ and start being themselves. With the rise of game consoles and computer technology this scenario is being played out not just in the UK, but across the globe. However can this technology be harnessed in a more educational way?
South Korea, along with others, believes it can and it should. With connections speeds averaging 100Mbps, 95% of its population being connected to the web and people steaming games on their phones even on the tube, it is a country that believes it’s possible. Koreans see the combination of the educational benefits and the go anywhere devices as a major opportunity for business.
As such ‘Serious Games’, as they are called, are being encouraged to embrace the immersive experience of social gaming and combine it with educational themes covering various topics including education, military and medical care. South Korea’s aim is to use Korean ‘game literacy’ and transfer it into the virtual classroom.
To turn this noble ambition into a reality, South Korea announced in 2009 it would invest $64 million in this sector. This is a serious commitment and a firm indication to UK businesses that one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world wants to become a serious player in this emerging sector.
Part of this investment has led to the creation of the Korea Serious Games Festival (KSF) in Seoul, which highlights the latest educational games and simulators. In 2009 there were 15,000 visitors and $5.9 million worth of export trade was created. This year the festival, held on 1st – 4th September, has already attracted exhibitors like Neowiz games, JC Entertainment, HanbitSoft, Samsung electronics, Korea Telecom and NC Soft so interest is strong.
Is this start of something that will cause parents a huge sigh of relief, as games go beyond the sofa and into the classroom? Well it is unclear, but what this investment will bring is a huge opportunity for UK companies to expand their software capabilities into a new sector, so come and join us at KSF on the UKTI stand or if you cannot make it send us your literature instead. To find out more please contact Sunjin Lee (Sunjin.lee@fco.gov.uk).
Sunjin Lee, Richard Webster UKTI South Korea
1 comment
Comment by Anne Grikitis posted on
Hi, some of us have been working with serious games and virtual worlds for quite some time in BIS (or BERR/DTI as it was). A couple of years' ago we held a Virtual Worlds Policy Forum, and I have been in fairly regular contact with the Serious Games Institute which is affiliated to the University of Coventry. If you would like further information, please get in touch.
If you are interested, I have recently been a guest blogger for the UK Resource Centre for Women, which encourages girls to take up careers in STEM (Science, Technology and Mathematics) and for women to return to them after career breaks. The link is given below:
http://www.theukrc.org/blogs/getset-women/2010/06/anne-grikitis