Korean game companies drew game experts’ attention at the Game Developer Conference 2017 (GDC) held at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco from Feb. 27 to March 3.

Some 28,000 people from 450 countries working in the video game industry gathered at the conference to share information about new technologies and new products.

In addition to major game companies like Netmarble or NC Soft, 14 smaller and medium-sized companies, including Bhaptics, Nettention, VRotein, C2Monster and Grampus showcased their video game technology from March 1 to 3, thanks to support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and from the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).

The companies mainly displayed games made using VR and AR technology, as they are the megatrend of the current global video game industry. The games demonstrated at the conference include EVR Studio’s adventure game “Project M,” T Pot studio’s puzzle game “Forgotten Chambers,” Nfloyd’s shooting game “Ark Fire VR,” VRotein’s room escape game “Trespass,” DEC Korea’s mobile game “The M” and “Arena,” all of which use VR or AR technology.

Many visitors were interested in trying VR devices from Korea. They experienced tracking in a 3-D space with the haptic device Tactosy, made by Bhaptics, or shoot virtual guns with almost-real rebound with Realgam’s “force-feedback device."

Also, smart controllers that make using a smart TV a lot easier and media art works that offers psychotherapy using stereophonic sounds and VR videos were also popular among visitors.

During the conference, Studio Doma, a Korean video game sound developer, signed an MOU with Elias Software AB, a Swedish video game company, to share video game audio technology.

“Because Korean companies have huge potential, success in the world market is more than possible with extensive effort,” said a KOCCA official. “The government plans to provide comprehensive support, including funding for research and development,” he said.

By Kim Young Shin
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Korea Creative Content Agency
ysk1111@korea.kr