The Korean Game Society "Welcomes WHO's Use of Games in the 'Social Distancing' Campaign"

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The Korea Game Society has expressed its welcome for the World Health Organization (WHO)'s social distancing campaign 'PlayApartTogether (#PlayApartTogether)'. This campaign encourages people to enjoy games at home instead of going out to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement on the 2nd, the Korea Game Society said, "We welcome WHO's belated recognition of the value of games and its participation in a campaign that actively utilizes games," and added, "We positively appreciate WHO extending a helping hand to games."

The Korea Game Society explained that the positive functions of games, such as enabling social interactions like competition, harmony, communication, conflict, and resolution in cyberspace, can help solve the problems of 'social distancing.'

The Korea Game Society also urged domestic game companies such as NCSoft, Nexon, and Netmarble to participate in the campaign. It called for the active development of educational games for elementary, middle, and high schools and games that realize social values to contribute socially.

It proposed to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and ICT to actively introduce and utilize educational games as a way to overcome social distancing and the confusion caused by online classes in elementary, middle, and high schools.

Wi Jeong-hyun, president of the Korea Game Society, said, "If social chaos can be overcome by utilizing games, all game industry people will dedicate themselves," and added, "If it helps the chaotic elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, and if requests come from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, or frontline schools, our society will provide all support."