By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Lee Jong-ik, 28, plays ``New Super Mario Bros.’’ on his Nintendo’s DS Lite. Even after hours of searching, he fails to find a large coin hidden somewhere on the stage 2 on World 1.

He is stymied. But when he logs onto the Internet, he finds tons of information ranging from trivial tips to crucial tactics on various Web sites and cyber communities.

``It’s like there is an answer right there,’’ Lee said. ``I’m not that patient to spend days to solve a tricky puzzle in a game. But the information on the Internet is a great help.’’

It is now common for skillful gamers to post tips on games on the Internet for gamers like Lee, who are easily stuck on a puzzle-like situation or become lost in a maze.

The origin of the game tip and tactic sharing tradition began in the early 1990s. Gamers would buy the newest game magazines to get translated scripts of manuals or tips for popular games as most of the games were from Japan or the United States and gamers didn’t understand the games’ instructions.

It was also possible to get a book with detailed tips and strategic analyses on a big simulation or role-playing game, which usually cost about 10,000 won.

``It’s like a guidebook,’’ said Sung Yong, publishing editor in monthly game magazine, Gamer’z. ``As games become more complicated and require more skills, it also becomes essential to get tips and information on games for some gamers. They need more than a what a game manual offers.’’

At the magazine company, some 20 skillful gamers spend anything from a day to months playing new games, writing tips and strategic tactics as well as writing reviews, Sung said.

In the fast developing Internet environment, however, gamers can now get easy and quick access to information online rather than magazines and game books. Many gamers now believe that the tips offered by game ``pioneers’’ online are a time and energy saver.

``When you want to play a new role-playing game as a beginner, it is really helpful to check out Web sites or communities pages,’’ said Kwon Song-i, 27, who enjoys the popular online game, ``Rohan.’’ ``They let you know how you can earn more (cyber) money and increase your skill levels in a fast and efficient way.’’

What makes pioneers willing to share their knowledge with others?

Many believe that skillful gamers find it fun to share their experiences.

``It seems that people enjoy sharing their skills and experiences of the game with other people on a community site or a personal blog,’’ said Min Ji-sun, PR manager at NCsoft, well known for its hit online games such as ``Lineage I’’ and ``Lineage II.’’ ``The earlier they clear a stage or complete a mission, the better gamers they become, which gives them some different kinds of satisfaction.’’

Also, when it comes to a console game title, the earlier they complete the game, the more money they can earn when they sell it second-hand. Many Web sites have personal trades of the latest game titles even days after they are officially released.

But many gamers also think that heavy reliance on such tips can reduce the fun of a game.

``Struggling to find a way in a maze or solve a puzzle is a major part of a game,’’ said Lee Il-kwon, 32. ``It’s very efficient to get those tips to play a game, but sometimes if I skip that part through the help of someone else, I ask myself, what’s the point of playing a game?’’