LET THE (CYBER) GAMES BEGIN

Computer gaming cafés near universities are abuzz with activity nowadays. All, especially the ones who consider themselves serious Counter Strike or Star Craft players, are excited. At last, they say with a sigh, the chance to shine has arrived.

The reason for the excitement is the announcement by Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. that it will be holding the First Philippine Cyber Games Challenge. Competitions will be held all over the country and the top nine players will be sent to Daejon, South Korea to vie for the $300,000 top prize in the Second World Cyber Games in October. The World Cyber Games is the olympics of computer gaming with at least 47 countries competing.

"We’re really excited about this," said gamer Victor David who won a mini-tournament for Star Craft during the Samsung Cyber Games launch at SM Megamall last week. "At least now we can aspire for something. Hindi palaru-laro lang."

David is just one of the hundreds of thousands of young Filipinos who spend most of their time in front of their computers playing multi-player games. These young Pinoys have discovered that computer games are not just fun to play; they can also be as engaging and as demanding physically and mentally as any sport.

In computer gaming, one needs lightning reflexes and flawless eye-hand coordination to win. One also needs sharp eyesight and manual dexterity, the same qualities required of boxers and other athletes. And one needs a knack for tactical planning.

In other countries, computer gaming has become a legitimate sport that its players have emerged as superstars. In the United States, for example, Jonathan Wendell, a 21-year-old gamer from Missouri, has been playing professionally for two years now. In the process, he has accumulated more than $100,000 in earnings.

Germany’s Dominik Kofert, another professional gamer, is also a good example. For one, he does not typify the bespectacled geek who comes to mind whenever computer gaming is mentioned. He is a successful handball player, and he is serious about his studies. In fact, he is studying philosophy and mathematics in one of the world’s top universities.

Samsung officials in the Philippines say they decided to promote computer gaming because of its popularity in Korea. According to them, gaming in Korea is like tennis or soccer in Europe. Pro gamers are celebrated like top athletes and tournaments are seen on television. Some gamers, they say, are even under contract with corporations and they receive high salaries.

"Computer game tournaments in Korea are also funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science," they revealed.

During the launch of the First Philippine Cyber Games Challenge, Samsung brought in two of Korea’s top cyber athletes, namely lady player Lee Eun Kyieng and male player Bong Jun Gu. Both are experts in Star Craft, Age of Empire and Counter Strike, the three games that are played in the world tournament.

Those wanting to compete against these two now have the chance. They can register at www.samsungelectronics.ph or text SAMSUNG242 on Smart or Talk ‘N Text phones. Samsung officials say they expect some 9,000 Filipino gamers to participate.