South Korean army trains with Starcraft

Military conscription in the country means that professional gamers are being drafted into the armed services in increasing numbers. Military chiefs see the games as a way to make use of these skills and generate positive publicity.

After the Korean air force announced the formation of its first 'e-sports' team in April, admiral Song Young-moo, the country's chief of naval operations, ordered the navy to follow suit.

Local paper the Chosun Ilbo reported that the South Korean army is also considering forming a team.

The navy and air force teams specialise in the tactical role playing game StarCraft, in which a single player controls a population of dozens of fighting and resource-gathering units.

Players command the forces to attack, defend and build various structures in a war with opposing teams controlled by other human players.