The Philippines is home to a large and passionate gaming community. This culture traces its roots back to the popularity of computer shop games and has expanded with the rapid rise of mobile gaming.
Over the years, gaming has evolved beyond entertainment, becoming a platform for competitive play. Esports, in particular, has opened doors for Filipino gamers to showcase their talents on the global stage while providing opportunities to earn a sustainable income.
Since Esports became popular, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has recognized the potential of esports as an established industry. Under the leadership of Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST is stepping up to support its development in the country. Dr. Solidum recently signed a memorandum to better understand the esports ecosystem and explore ways the government can assist in its growth.
This initiative aims to create a more structured approach to developing talent, improving gaming infrastructure, and building a stronger support system for players and stakeholders in the industry.
By doing so, the DOST hopes to maximize the opportunities esports offers for economic growth, career development, and technological innovation in the Philippines.
This effort not only highlights the government’s acknowledgment of esports as a legitimate field but also its commitment to empowering Filipinos to excel in a globally competitive scene.
Esport growth in the Philipines
Over the years, esports has grown immensely popular in the Philippines, solidifying the country’s position as a major player in the gaming world. According to 2021 statistics, there are an impressive 43 million active gamers in the country. Even more remarkable, the Philippines ranked 19th globally in esports earnings.
In addition, over 1,700 Filipino players have collectively earned more than $20.4 million USD in prize money, competing in 1,463 tournaments.
These achievements highlight not just the passion for gaming but also the immense talent and potential of Filipino esports athletes to shine on the international stage.
DOST Initiatives for Esports
Here are the objectives of DOST for the esports industry in the Philippines.
Talent Development
All 16 DOST Regional Offices, together with partner local governments and State Universities and Colleges, will join forces to discover and develop local gaming and esports talent.
Aspiring players can look forward to training programs, workshops, and seminars designed to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge, paving the way for success in the digital sports arena.
Event and Competition Promotion
In line with DOST’s objectives, they will host events and conferences at both national and regional levels. This initiative will allow DOST to showcase innovations in gaming and esports.
Income Generation
DOST’s initiative will benefit not only gamers but also Filipino game developers by opening up numerous monetary opportunities. This is through participation in both local and international events.
Global marketing and recognition
Global recognition and opportunities are on the horizon!
The DOST partnership and initiative will give a spotlight to Filipino-developed digital games and esports talents on the international stage, promoting them to the world. Efforts will also focus on building global partnerships and attracting investments to unlock the full financial potential of the Philippine gaming industry.
Wrapping up
It’s exciting to see the Philippines rapidly developing into an esports powerhouse, with DOST focusing on talent development, hosting national and regional events, and promoting Filipino game developers globally.
With these developments, it will be thrilling to watch the future of esports in the Philippines finally unfold.