EPT
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/gpn7v.jpg)
Before it was turned into the Proleague stage
Personally having been to the Sindorim studio to observe the OSL qualifiers, I can attest that it is definitely not the size of OGN's Yongsan, Gretech's Mokdong and even MBC's old LOOX studios. However, what I see in it is one of going back to the roots of ESPORTS.
Let us go back to before the times of when Proleague was being broadcast on two channels. While some like to define eras of Korean ESPORTS in different ways, from my personal standpoint, I like to define my eras as to where the games were being broadcast; the first generation being inside the production facilities of Tooniverse (1999-2000), the second generation being the first iteration of the Megaweb Studio in COEX (2000-2004), the third generation being the relook of the Megaweb Station (2004-2006) and the latest, fourth generation being the Yongsan studio at iPark Mall (2006-Present).
For posterity's sake, let's also clump the old MBCgame studios into this reminiscence. After doing their initial broadcasts in their production studios in Yeoido, they moved on to a new studio, a part of Sejong Game World which was opened in Samsung-dong in 2003. MBC would later move nearby to COEX and open up the HERO Centre (2006-2007), before moving their studio to the (much abandoned) larger LOOX Mall (2007-2011) in Mullae-dong.
Now lets have a look at the past studios that have reminded me of the current Sindorim one.
![[image loading]](http://image.ohmynews.com/down/images/1/jinsung007_102259_1[1].JPG)
This is the first iteration of OGN's Mega Web Studio, located in the underground mall of COEX in south-east Seoul. Shown is a Challenge League broadcast in 2002. Note the types of seats being used, the same as the ones in Sindorim.
![[image loading]](http://image.ohmynews.com/down/images/1/ykmky_164521_1[201955].bmp)
This is the studio used by MBCgame inside of Sejong Game World. Shown appears to be an MSL game between a SUMA GO player and someone else. Due to the nature of the studio (open for everyone and being inside of an arcade), it would be a common occurrence that large crowds would show up and watch whatever games were being broadcast.
![[image loading]](http://thumb.egloos.net/fastimg/http://pds.egloos.com/pds/1/200410/09/72/a0006872_14503163.jpg)
This is the second iteration of OGN's Mega Web Studio. The new configuration allowed for more seating and standing space for the spectators. There would also be a new waiting room at the back for the players and coaches.
![[image loading]](http://game.donga.com/images/news_images_m/msl20060809.jpg)
The first iteration of the new HERO Center at COEX had a circular design, allowing for the spectators to circle around the 'arena'.
![[image loading]](http://game.donga.com/images/news_images_p/pringles060818_01.jpg)
The second design went back to the traditional way of designing a studio.
Anyway.... this is enough of me rambling and being nostalgic. Maybe if I can be bothered, I can document the history of OGN's Yongsan studio and the now defunct LOOX studio.
I'll leave with this anecdote; LoL's success in Korea has caused the Yongsan studio to fill up almost every night Champions is being broadcast. Is it possible we could see a new, larger studio pop up in the near future?
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1OKZpl.jpg)
