Top Game Industry Developments Of 2015
The gaming industry’s had an eventful year.
From the local developments in our shores to the giants outside of it, the industry’s gone a long way from the pixels that we’ve grown up with. MOBAs, fighting games, developer scene – there’s plenty of content to keep the gaming community playing for a long time, and shows more promise for the future. From game to people, money to charity, here are some of the most remarkable scenes from the gaming scene and industry to happen this 2015.
eSports on Philippine Primetime
The growth of eSports has been rapid in the international scene, garnering massive viewership and revenue. This November, our own broadcasting companies have started to see the rising viewership and popularity of eSports. In particular, TV5 announced the beginning of their long-term investment into the Philippine eSports industry by partnering with the most decorated eSports organization in the country Mineski-Dota.
This lead to more prominence of Philippine eSports as an increasingly popular activity among the considerably numerous gamers in the country.
Read More:
Esports on Prime Time: Sports5 and Mineski Join Forces
Want More League of Legends Action on TV? How Does the 2015 All-Star Event on TV5 Sound?
Developments in Philippine Video Game Regulation
The increasing popularity of video games and the consumerism surrounding it has brought some concerns about their regulation in the country. In particular, a new bill (House Bill 4947, also known as Video Game and Outdoor Media Regulation Act) has been proposed to add video games to the media regulation board, recognizing the effect that games have on the youth and the responsibility of the government in their development.
In particular, a huge supporter of this bill is TheNet.Com General Manager, Mr. Eric Redulfin. With over 58 internet cafes nationwide, Redulfin recognizes the importance that establishments like his play in the development of a youth that actively consumes video games. “Great skills in gaming combined with the right amount of discipline and responsibility can produce not only a high-caliber gamer but a good person as well.”
Read More:
Bill Proposed To Allow MTRCB To Regulate Video Games
TNC Manager Redulfin: “TNC Supports Gatchalian’s Bill.”
The China Factor
Among all the countries, China has been making massive strides in the eSports scene, importing talent, training homegrown teams, and pouring massive investments in the gaming industry. While their teams performed underwhelmingly at the the latest League of Legends World Championships held earlier this year, they’ve ensured their continued influence over the popular MOBA by buying out its developer.
Earlier this month, Riot Games announced that the remaining shares in their company have been bought out by the Chinese company Tencent, a purchase that will allow the company to offer a more cash-based incentive program for its employees, moving away from their normal equity share. Seems like it’s a good time to be employed by Riot.
Read More:
Group Stage Day 3: What’s Up With China?
League of Legends Developer Riot Games Has Been Bought Out By Chinese Company Tencent
Developments in the Philippine Gaming Industry
It’s no secret that the Philippines has lagged behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in video gaming. Countries like South Korea, China, and Taiwan have huge communities and culture surrounding its popular eSports, while others like Singapore are breeding talent for game development. However, we may be well on our way to catching up.
One of the testimonies to this was at this year’s E-Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS), where local, foreign, triple A and indie developers showcased their upcoming games and projects to the Philippine public. From pixel reinterpretations of games well loved to the simple celebration of the developing video game culture in the Philippines, it was good place to see how far we’ve come – and how far can we still go.
Read More:
A Look At Philippine Game Development : ESGS 2015
Gaming With A Heart
A few remarkable events this year have shown that video gaming isn’t confined to the fantasy of one’s self only. Gamers have banded together to donate to causes or make a difference outside the environments of their games. An example of this is Street Fighter player Daigo “The Beast” Umehara donating his winnings at the Capcom 2015 cup to students finishing college, helping them get careers in game development.
And only this month, the charity tournament and game drive Righteous Glory had League of Legends teams from all around the Philippines to play against each other, and more importantly, coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (D.S.W.D.), successfully raising funds for the victims of the recent typhoons in the country.
Read More:
Street Fighter’s Daigo “The Beast” Umehara Donates Winnings To Scholarship Fund
“A Gamer’s Hand is a Helping Hand” Righteous Glory: A Charity Tournament and Donation Drive
So what can we look forward to in 2016?
Gaming has always innovated, looking for new heights, new people, new inspirations and events to constantly build itself. Improvement seems to be the one thing that gaming will never fail at, for the simple reason that gamers will always want bigger, bolder, and better things. The industry is a rapidly growing one, with a reach that far surpasses the screen that we both watch and play with.
With the events that happened in this steadily-ending year alone, it’s safe to say that the coming year holds an exciting picture of gaming both in and outside the country. Whether it be through developments, charities, new games, or even reinterpretations of old ones, it’s unlikely that the industry and the culture surrounding it will slow anytime soon. It’s a good time to be a gamer – anywhere.
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