A particular aspect of computing that is fascinating to the public is computer gaming.
This aspect of computer usage is recreational and lacks practicality in the majority of people’s
daily life. Three different types of computer players have emerged. The first are pro-gamers,
competitive and skilled players that play in tournaments and earn money. Depending on the
popularity and renown of the game, a player may be sponsored and earn a salary. StarCraft, a
real time strategy game, is a popular spectator sport in South Korea where there are at least three
television networks dedicated to analysis and watching of games, a draft, and salaried players
with the top players being paid in the hundred thousand range (Mars(ATWithMePls), 2008).
Only a small percentage of gamers in America can win tournaments and earn enough money to
support them financially. The second are social players, who play recreationally and for no
monetary gain. They may play socially, to spend time with friends while doing a particular
activity, enjoyment of the game itself, or to relieve stress. The third are computer addicts, who
dedicate a large portion of their time to playing a computer game, and display behaviors that are
common to addiction. The percentage of addicted gamers is estimated to be at least 4.6-12%