When The Game Became Breathtaking Reality

At the door to a major computer game expo in China, visitors are greeted by columns of girls in white boots and miniskirts, the name of a computer parts maker emblazoned on their chests. A bit farther on, amid the blaring music and pulsing lights, 40 more models in bikini shorts, tiny tanktops and hard hats shill for an online security company, handing out small locks in boxes designed to resemble condom packs. Video games taking a backseat to show girls is a phenomenon at exhibitions across Asia, but participants say China is taking it to a new level.