Exhibition focuses on positive effects of games

What in the world is more fun than computer games? Such games are one of the best ways to relieve stress from study or work.

Computer games, however, are generally perceived to be harmful. These games convey strong negative images of being violent and addictive.

Parents from older generations, in particular, firmly maintain that computer games hinder their children’s studies.

Some have discussed the need for a computer game control act. They argue that such games are addictive, like drugs or gambling, and so must be regulated.

◇ Governor Kim and other distinguished guests prepare for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. ⓒ Reporter Cho Sung-ho

In a social atmosphere where computer games are viewed with a jaundiced eye, an event was prepared to dispel such negative perceptions. The event was none other than the Good Game Show Korea 2014, which took place at KINTEX in Goyang City of Gyeonggi Province from May 23 to 25.

Marking its 6th year, the Good Game Show is the only good game exhibition in the world to introduce functional and healthy computer games that minimize the aspects of violence and gambling. These games are suitable for all family members as they are fun while also being healthy and educational.

◇ Governor Kim delivers a congratulatory speech. ⓒ Reporter Cho Sung-ho

“I hope the Good Game Show provides an opportunity for young students and new generations in Korea to develop their youth in a fun and healthy way,” said Governor Kim in his congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony on May 23.

Later he actively enjoyed the event by playing some of games on display with children who visited the exhibition and by demonstrating a game combined with a treadmill.

◇ Governor Kim personally demonstrates a game combined with a treadmill. ⓒ Reporter Cho Sung-ho

The exhibition drew more attention as it enabled visitors to feel a greater sense of reality by presenting games utilizing detection sensors and 4D effects. A booth introducing functional games from the Netherlands presented a skating game that required quick footwork. There was also a game that increased user engagement by moving the driver’s seat in all directions as if in a real car.

◇ A visitor enjoys a realistic aircraft game. ⓒ Reporter Cho Sung-ho

The games were so popular that visitors stood in long lines to enjoy various offerings that are not easily found outside the show.

Functional and educational contents for each age group also gained popularity. At the show, children were so engrossed in educational robots integrated with tablet PCs and smartphones that they exhibited incredible focus and attention.

Augmented reality (AR) games were also introduced. The background images provide an extremely high sense of reality through 3D effects, making users feel as if they were the main characters in a virtual space.

Recently developed functional games were popular, and so was the booth where visitors could see the history of games. Many people felt nostalgic as they viewed various classic games displayed at the Memorable Games section such as Rally X and Tetris, Galaga, and Tekken as well as a Game Boy that they enjoyed by connecting to a TV and replacing game cartridges. 

◇ A panorama of the Good Game Show at KINTEX. ⓒ Reporter Cho Sung-ho

In addition to games, a fire prevention education booth was also operated by the Gyeonggi Fire Service to help visitors easily understand safety.

Visitors tried the zip line installed on site to learn how to safely descend from a high building. Furthermore, they learned how to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and what to do in the event of fire.

The Good Game Show ended successfully with reviews indicating it had taken a solid step in reducing negative perceptions towards games and creating a healthy, beneficial game culture.

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Gyeonggi Province University Student Press Corps Reporter Cho Sung-ho csh7635@naver.com 

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201405271228128134C056&s_code=C056