History of video games/Platforms/Moranbong
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History
[edit | edit source]As early as the year 2000 concerns about using North Korea using games consoles as guidance computers for weapons platforms lead to export restrictions of gaming hardware to North Korea.[1][2] Additionally there is a high poverty rate in the North Korean general population,[3] as well as a state controlled and censored entertainment industry[4] which has contributed to a rather small video game industry in the country. However by the late 2010's there was high demand for foreign entertainment products in the country, especially by the elite of North Korea.[5]
The Moranbong is perhaps the only game console to see an official release in North Korea.[6] The system caught the attention of gaming media outlets following a press release by a North Korean website on September 9th, 2019.[7][8] The console is marketed as a way to improve physical fitness through exergaming, which it achieves with motion controls.[6] The North Korean cartoon character Clever Raccoon Dog was apparently used in console promotions.[8]
Due to the closed nature of North Korea, little more is known about the console outside the country. Still the console is historically significant, as it not only is likely the first game console made for the North Korean market, it is also a sign that the North Korean government views video games as an entertainment medium it can use to further its policies, as this console is focused on making the population more fit. Such explicit political involvement in a game console is rare, and provides a fascinating insight to the priorities of the North Korean government.
Technology
[edit | edit source]The game console uses camera based motion controls, remotes, and a floor mat to allow for exergaming experiences.[6][8] The game console also doubles as an general multimedia device, and has edutainment software.[6] The Moranbong appears to be a localized version of either the Subor G80, or the Cdragon Cassidy G80 both game consoles from China.[7]
Again, due to the closed nature of North Korea, little more is known about the technology used by the console, or what games it can play.
References
[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "BBC News ASIA-PACIFIC Military fears over PlayStation2". news.bbc.co.uk. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/716237.stm.
- ↑ "20 Years Later: How Concerns About Weaponized Consoles Almost Sunk the PS2" (in en). PCMAG. https://www.pcmag.com/news/20-years-later-how-concerns-about-weaponized-consoles-almost-sunk-the-ps2.
- ↑ Crespo Cuaresma, Jesús; Danylo, Olha; Fritz, Steffen; Hofer, Martin; Kharas, Homi; Laso Bayas, Juan Carlos (17 March 2020). "What do we know about poverty in North Korea?". Palgrave Communications. 6 (1): 1–8. doi:10.1057/s41599-020-0417-4. ISSN 2055-1045. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
- ↑ "North Korea’s human rights: What's not being talked about". BBC News. 18 February 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44234505.
- ↑ "How leisure time is changing for North Korea's privileged". BBC News. 21 April 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42910896.
- ↑ a b c d "Moranbong is North Korea's new video game console with Wii-esque controls". MSPoweruser. https://mspoweruser.com/moranbong-is-north-koreas-new-video-game-console-with-wii-esque-controls/.
- ↑ a b "Random: This North Korean Games Console Is Straight Outta 2006". Nintendo Life. 29 October 2019. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/10/random_this_north_korean_games_console_is_straight_outta_2006.
- ↑ a b c "North Korea has a Video Game Console Now For Some Reason" (in en). TechRaptor. https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/north-korea-has-video-game-console-now-for-some-reason.