South Korea in “Overwatch” Fever

Currently in South Korea, a game called “Overwatch” is enjoying immense public popularity. Overwatch is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter video game that was developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Soon after May 24th, the day it was released, Overwatch overtook League of Legends, a former top game in South Korea, and has become the most played game in South Korea.

The only South Korean hero character in Overwatch, D.va. [Source: playoverwatch.com] — The only South Korean hero character in Overwatch, D.va.
[Source: playoverwatch.com]

In Overwatch, players get divided into two teams of six, and each player selects one of the twenty-two hero characters that have unique characteristics and skills in consideration to their four different types: Offense, Defense, Tank, and Support. The object of the game is either to attack/defend control points on a map or to move a payload up to a finish point in a limited amount of time. To achieve the object, players try to eliminate their opponents and protect their teammates. Because the rules of the game are very easy and simple to understand and play, the game is welcomed by a huge number of video game users mostly regardless of their age and preference.

Jin Ho Kim, who has worked in a PC room (Gaming Center in South Korea) in Incheon for 3 years, said, “It is very surprising that people in the PC room now mostly play Overwatch. In the past, many various games like ‘Fifa’ or ‘League of Legends’ were played, but now Overwatch is matchless.”

Jin Kyu Jang, a high school student in Yongsan, Seoul, said, “When I first played Overwatch, I felt this game was very fun but also new to me. I have never played a first person shooter game that has a science fiction storyline. I think people are enjoying this game because this is something that they have never experienced before.” From these interviews, it is noticeable that what Blizzard Entertainment developed surely grabbed the public’s attention and is the ideal game that people have been looking for. Now, there is much attention towards how long Overwatch will keep satisfying its users and stay as a top online game in South Korea.

Chan Yoo Sohn

Chan Yoo Sohn is in 9th grade at Chadwick International School. He enjoys spending his time watching sports. He hopes being a part of JSR will be a great experience for him.

Chan Yoo Sohn

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