The Globalization of Online Games Through Internet Cafés
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, internet cafés—known by different names across the world, such as warnet in Indonesia, PC bangs in Korea, and yy4d cyber cafés elsewhere—played a major role in the globalization of online gaming. These shared spaces shaped gaming culture in ways that still influence communities today. While expensive home computers limited access for many players, internet cafés opened the doors for entire regions to experience online games for the first time.
The rise of internet cafés coincided with a wave of PC online titles that demanded reliable connections and decent hardware, such as Counter-Strike, Warcraft III, Ragnarok Online, and Mu Online. Cafés offered affordable hourly rates, fast connections, and a social environment conducive to group play. For many young gamers, these locations became a second home—part entertainment center, part community hub.
In South Korea, PC bangs were instrumental in establishing esports culture. Players gathered nightly to practice competitive games, forming early amateur teams. The communal environment encouraged skill development and rivalry, eventually leading to formal tournaments and professional leagues. Without PC bangs, the explosive growth of Korean esports would have been far slower.
In Southeast Asia, internet cafés played a similarly transformative role. As home internet remained costly, warnets became the center of gaming life. Games like Point Blank, CrossFire, and Ragnarok achieved massive popularity due to their accessibility in these shared spaces. Entire friend groups formed around café sessions, and local tournaments flourished long before esports became mainstream.
Internet cafés also democratized access to online gaming for lower-income players. In many countries, they were the only place where youth could experience multiplayer connectivity. This created diverse gaming communities not limited by socioeconomic background. The social nature of cafés also contributed to the culture of cooperative play and shared experiences, whether through guild activities, LAN parties, or late-night grinding sessions.
Over time, the spread of home broadband and mobile internet led to the decline of many cafés. However, their legacy persists. The competitive spirit, community-driven gameplay, and social bonding that formed in these spaces helped shape national gaming identities. Today’s esports stadiums, gaming hubs, and community events all trace their roots back to the era of internet cafés.
Even as gaming becomes more individualized through personal devices, the communal energy born in internet cafés continues to influence how players connect, compete, and create memories in online spaces.