Game on!

It’s been over three years since I wrote about the Top Ten most popular PC games in Korea so the time to do so again makes perfect sense. Gaming and the continued growth of Esports keeps getting big time huge and 2020 hasn’t slowed anything down. In fact with the Covid19 putting the world on lock-down the popularity and dominance of gaming has only skyrocketed. Sadly though the virus took its toll on the PC Bangs themselves. With people in quarantine and using self-isolation to stay safe from the virus the usual number of gamers packing inside the PC Bangs has dwindled.

Which is quite a sight because if you’ve been to Korea then you know it’s one of the epicenters of gaming. From corner to corner on the streets of Seoul you can find PC Bangs ready to welcome you with open arms into the latest and sometimes classic video games enjoyed by millions.

So, for now there’s been a hiccup but still life goes on and so does gaming. Now, which games sit atop the mountain first and foremost? We’ve done the work and scoped out the hottest, most popular, video games thriving right now. Without further delay lets start at the top and work our way down.

1) League of Legends

Three years ago Overwatch ruled them all but times have changed. The big brother of MOBA gaming League of Legends has returned to not only being King of the hill but also the number one contender. This behemoth of a game by Riot is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that pits five man teams of players against another 5 man team. Why? To destroy the enemy nexus of course. Each player controls an avatar called a “Champion” they can use to build strength, items, and abilities all in the name of the enemy’s demise. League of Legends (LOL) has been going strong since 2009. You will find most if not all people playing this game in the PC Bangs.

2)  PUBG

Player Unknown’s Battlegrouns (PUBG) is a relatively new online multiplayer battle royal game developed by Irish game developer Brendan Greene and PUBG Corp. The game was inspired by one of the best cult films ever: the Japanese flick Battle Royale (I think it still holds up). The conceit is simple enough. One hundred players drop onto an island and must use all available resources to be the last one standing. I still haven’t played this or Fortnite. Maybe one day.

3) Sudden Attack

Still holding strong at number three after three years Sudden Attack just may have found it’s lucky number. To say this game has longevity is an understatement. Sudden Attack must be the great granddaddy of first person shooters! Despite dying off in the USA Sudden Attack keeps on keeping on in Korea. And that’s just fine. If it ain’t broke, why fix it. Some games are like comfort food and for Korea Sudden Attack must be like a big bowl of steaming kimchi jjigae. I may not play, but I ain’t mad at those who do.

4)  Overwatch

Now it’s glory days of being number one is over (pun intended) Overwatch still has some gloss despite not being the shiny new toy on the block. I for one am still head-over-heels in love with the colorful multiplayer first-person shooter even though shooters never really interested me at all before. It’s easy to see why Overwatch attracts so many fans because the game play flows so well, the graphics blitz the eye, and the character personalities as well as the game backstory pull you into the game. Blizzard knows how to do a game and Overwatch wins on so many levels. Players can form two teams of six and choose between thirty-two unique sharply created heroes to team up with and battle one another. The best appeal is that the games zip by whiplash fast within ten minutes or so. You can really pack in the play time especially at a PC Bang where you pay by the hour. Good deal!

5)  FIFA Online 4

FIFA Online 4 may have upgraded from 3 but it has dropped a slot from it’s previous number four position. Meh! I don’t play sport games at all unless you count Mario Kart or Wii Games. I just don’t get the appeal. But this game is popular here. For some reason. I kid. It will be Fifa forever if the PC Bangs have a say.

6)  Maple Story

New to this list but not new to the PC Bang screens is Maple Story. Maple Story is a 2D side scrolling game birthed in Korea. They lost me at 2D scrolling. I haven’t played a 2D scrolling game since Contra! I just can’t. So, if you can then hang in there because Maple Story may be just what you need in your life. In “Maple World” you can develop your character’s skills and abilities while you battle monster. It’s multiplayer so you can interact with others by trading, or chatting or grouping together. Beware, there’s also a “Cash Shop” to purchase aesthetic gear to enhance your character. This is real world cash so be wary.

7)  Starcraft II

Falling from sixth place to seventh, StarCraft remains a pillar of the Korean PC Bang gaming culture. I don’t think there will ever be a time StarCraft in some shape or form won’t be on a top ten list. It’s addictive. It’s competitive. It’s got a version for everyone between StarCraft, StarCraft II, and StarCraft Brood War there won’t be a craft unmanned whether you’re human, Zerg, or Protoss.

8)  Dungeon Fighter

Staying at number eight after three years I give you Dungeon Fighter. This Online smash hit here in Korea keeps on going. Once again this one isn’t for me because of the 2D side scrolling hack and slash aspect. Koreans sure do love their 2D scrollers!

9)  World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a huge multiplayer online game. The story line focuses on the world of Azeroth as players decide on whether they want to join the Horde or the Alliance. It’s a game where millions can be online playing on different servers. Each faction has 11 races to choose from as well as 12 classes. Once you’ve settled on that you can level-up your character with quests, dungeons, raids and PVP (player versus player) all the way to level 120. Even at the top you can still keep improving your abilities, powers, skills, and aesthetics. To play you will need a monthly subscription.

10)  Lost Ark

Never heard of Lost Ark? Don’t worry that’s probably because it’s only being played in Korea, Russia, and Japan. It’s developed by Smilegate a Korean company. There are no immediate plans to open up the game to the USA or European market. Still, if you’re curious about this Diablo style PC game then head over to the Lost Ark Reddit. There you can find ways to play but beware the registration for this game is tied to your personal identity so you must be an Korean or registered Alien (foreigner) to play (or have a friend willing to use their info for you). So, for the most of you that means the closest you’ll get will be streams on Twitch or Youtube videos.

Until next time…

It seems Korean PC Bang gaming hasn’t changed so much in the past three years! I hope you’ve found some games that sparked your interest. See you in another three years. I’ll be Azeroth!