The New York Times has steadily been gaining a gamer's rep with us, as it's not that common to see MMORPGs (and video games in general) getting press from a newspaper outfit. If there's one thing we like about the current incarnation of their news and features on games, it's how it takes a balanced view of the situation and how it does its best to not become one-sided on the matter. Even if it's a multimedia presentation, this is one of their more interesting features on gaming.

It's a presentation of the gaming world on the other side of the world, Korea, pointing out some differences in gaming culture over there that aren't as apparent in America and other countries. For instance, they have one of the highest number of broadband subscriptions per 100 residents, perhaps due to South Korea's smaller landmass leaving indoor activities more desirable for people there.

Despite the amount of internet access, gaming has a very social aspect. Clans of gamers converge at PC gaming hubs to play their MMOs and strategy games. You can imagine how well-coordinated a raid on Blackwing Lair would be with a core team of raiders sitting right next to each other. There are even love seats for gaming couples!

Even more interesting is how gaming has achieved a status of recognition in Korea that is far beyond any other country's, with televised matches between players and clans on strategy games, and the best gamers acquiring a rather enviable celebrity status among Korean teens. The picture above, coincidentally, is that of Lim Yo-Hwan (aka SlayerS_'BoxeR'), one of Korea's best known and most famous gamers.

As you can see, regardless of culture, gaming has moved forward from its obscure roots as two balls and a paddle. Its acceptance by that culture, however, is dependent on how well that culture meshes with the notion of videogames as a worthwhile pasttime.