Ordinance amendment on gaming industry and esports support passes full council session

Amendment establishes basis for industry surveys and improved accessibility for people with disabilities

New provisions allow recognition of individuals and organizations contributing to the sector

An amendment to Seoul's ordinance on gaming industry development and esports support, sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Gwang-cheol, passed a plenary session of the 339th extraordinary council session. (Yang Jeong-won)
An amendment to Seoul's ordinance on gaming industry development and esports support, sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kim Gwang-cheol, passed a plenary session of the 339th extraordinary council session. (Yang Jeong-won)

Seoul has laid an institutional foundation to design gaming and esports policy based on industry conditions and on-the-ground needs, while expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to participate.

The Seoul Metropolitan Council said an amendment to the city's ordinance on gaming industry development and esports support — sponsored by Council Member Kim Gwang-cheol of the People Power Party, representing Songpa District 2 — passed a plenary session of the 339th extraordinary council session.

The core of the amendment is a provision authorizing the city to conduct surveys on the state of the gaming and esports sectors. The surveys will allow Seoul to assess the scale of the industry, the makeup of its workforce and what support practitioners need on the ground, strengthening the effectiveness of related policy.

The amendment also codifies a basis for projects to improve gaming accessibility for people with disabilities and support their participation in esports. The intent is to create an inclusive environment where all residents — regardless of physical limitations or disability status — can enjoy games and take part in competitions and educational programs.

New provisions allow the city to recognize individuals, institutions and organizations that have contributed to the growth of the gaming industry and esports. The Seoul Metropolitan Council said it expects the measure to encourage those working in the field and their organizations, and to broaden private-sector participation.

South Korea's domestic gaming market grew to about 23.85 trillion won ($17.8 billion) as of 2024. Gaming exports account for more than 60 percent of total content industry exports, making the sector the driving force of the country's content industry. The industry's value and growth potential have expanded further as AI, advanced technology and cultural content increasingly converge.

"Gaming and esports go beyond simple leisure — they are a future growth industry where content, AI and advanced technology converge, and that requires an accurate grasp of current conditions and systematic support," Kim said. "I will continue to work to ensure that no one, including people with disabilities, is left behind, and that Seoul takes its place as a gaming and esports capital with both competitiveness and inclusivity."

With the ordinance revised, Seoul said it can now pursue data-driven policymaking, broader participation by people with disabilities, a more vibrant industry ecosystem, and the identification and recognition of contributors in a more systematic way.


7toy7@heraldcorp.com