Korean dies in marathon game session

It was reported worldwide: A 28-year-old man died at a cybercafe in Taegu, southern Korea, after some 50 straight hours playing Starcraft, the BBC reports. The cause of death, police said, was presumed to be heart failure stemming from exhaustion. "The man had not slept properly, and had eaten very little during his marathon session," the BBC added, citing police reports. "Online gaming in South Korea is extremely popular…. Games are televised and professional players are treated, as well as paid, like sports stars. Professional gamers there attract huge sums in sponsorship and can make more than $100,000 a year." Here's The Economist on how the worldwide debate on the impact of gaming is intensifying. And here are links in Google to multiple reports on the tragedy in Korea.