“In history, games have evolved from simple play into new technologies, serving as tools that enhance fun and imagination.”
On the 8th, as I entered the Netmarble Game Museum in Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, a space covered by large screens on three sides appeared. Characters from Netmarble’s action role-playing game (RPG) "Solo Leveling" appeared and the tour began with the phrase "Let’s embark on a journey through the history of games." The screen showcased the history of games from ancient times through the medieval period to modern times with stunning graphics.
The Netmarble Game Museum opened on the 4th of last month and is the second game museum led by a domestic game company, following Nexon Computer Museum. Netmarble established this museum as part of its social contribution project to share the cultural value of games. The museum features a concept of an open collection, rotating and exhibiting some of its more than 2,100 collectibles.
Upon entering the exhibition space, various gaming artifacts were on display. In the "visible collection," game collectibles were introduced in chronological order. Starting with the first video game console, "Tennis for Two," which began in the 1950s centered around research labs, notable gaming consoles and software from different eras like "Odyssey," "Super Pong 4," and "Atari VCS" are exhibited. The history of Korean games was also highlighted. Observers could see significant console games such as the first arcade game in Korea, "Pong," modern electronic’s "Hyundai Comboy," and Daewoo Electronics’ game console "Remix."
What caught the attention of visitors was the first commercial arcade game machine, "Computer Space." This machine, sold in 1973, stood out with its futuristic concept and green design. Netmarble brought this machine to the museum through overseas auctions, and visitors could also view the original circuit diagrams and wiring of the machine. Additionally, a touchscreen search system was placed at intervals in the visible collection, allowing detailed information about each artifact.
Visitors can not only appreciate the exhibition but also directly experience various contents. First, the "Game Career Guide" corner analyzes individual styles to recommend job positions within the gaming industry for youth and children interested in gaming. Following that, the "Game Production Process" corner showcased the development process including planning, art, game development, and sound. The explanation through the stunning graphics of Netmarble’s famous game character "Onion Kungya" added visual enjoyment. The opportunities to directly play games in the "Character Play" section and listen to the history of game sound in the "Game Soundtrack" corner also attracted attention.
In the "Library" corner, visitors can browse through game books and digital materials. Netmarble announced plans to continuously add various game-related materials in the future. The first planning exhibition titled "Press Start, Korean PC Game Stage" was also available for viewing. It exhibited the history of Korean PC games divided by keywords (people, content, technology, localization) and time.
In the final corner of the museum, the "Play Collection" allows visitors to play games directly. Consoles imported through Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Electronics, such as "Super Aladdin Boy 2" and "Hyundai Super Comboy," are also available for a nostalgic experience for gamers. Additionally, visitors could play classic arcade games like "Bubble Bobble," "Tetris," and "Popeye" that were once enjoyed in past arcades.
The Netmarble Game Museum operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed every Monday. Visitors can enter by making a reservation in advance or purchasing tickets on-site. The admission fee is 10,000 won for adults, 7,000 won for teenagers, and 5,000 won for children. Group visits and companies located in industrial complexes can receive a discount of up to 30%.