Esports, once confined to smaller spaces of gaming enthusiasts, has now become a dynamic and competitive domain that captures the attention of a diverse global audience. Its rise can be attributed to several factors – technological advancements, widespread internet access, and a growing community of dedicated gamers and supporters.

The NBA 2K League APAC Invitational held in the Philippines stands as a pivotal moment, showcasing the country’s enthusiasm and commitment to competitive gaming. This underscores the nation’s growing significance as a key player in the global esports landscape.

“We’re thrilled to stage our third APAC Invitational in the Philippines, which features a fanbase whose passion for basketball, the NBA, and NBA 2K resonates in every corner of the country. The level of talent in the Asia-Pacific region is incredible,” says Lindsay Ullman, Head of Business Development of NBA 2K League.

Eight teams consisting of 40 players from around the APAC region came together at High Grounds Café, Quezon City to compete for $5,000 and a chance to qualify for the 2024 NBA 2K League Draft.

Game Changers

The tournament was not just a showcase of skills but also how esports fosters fierce competition. The intensity in the venue was brought about by players getting hyped by one another, and there was no shortage of shouting and taunting. When all was said and done, teams shook hands in the name of sportsmanship. If there’s one thing you can’t deny about esports players, is that they’re highly passionate—a big reason why the industry is as popular as it is today. 

For NBA 2K, maximizing reach was a top priority. Tasks such as media management, registration facilitation, interview coordination, and content development were crucial in ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for participants and viewers alike. M2.0 Communications played a pivotal role in spearheading these efforts.

As the esports industry continues its meteoric rise, it becomes increasingly apparent that it’s not merely about playing games but building communities, fostering talent, and providing a platform for careers to flourish. The NBA 2K League APAC Invitational is a significant step forward to this trend, highlighting the vital role that esports plays in shaping the future of sports and entertainment.

The NBA 2K League APAC Invitational stands as a milestone in this journey, setting the bar high for the country’s esports scene and inspiring countless aspiring players to shoot their shots.

M2.0 Communications is a digital agency in the Philippines that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communications. We offer a range of PR advisory and reputation management services for brands to tell meaningful stories and engage their target audiences. Find out more about our work through our case studies page.

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One of the biggest benefits of online multiplayer games is the ability to connect with players from all around the world. What better way to play than with people who share the same interests and hobbies, regardless of geographic location. It allows gamers to form connections with other players and build friendships, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and (in most cases) healthy competition.

Philippine Online Gaming: Strength in Numbers

The popularity of online gaming in the Philippines is on the rise. According to a report by Newzoo, a leading provider of market intelligence for the gaming industry, the Philippines has a total of 43 million gamers, with a projected growth of 14.3% between 2020 and 2023. The rise in popularity of online gaming in the Philippines can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the increasing availability of high-speed internet, the growing number of smartphone users, and the rise of eSports.

A successful multiplayer game has a variety of social features integrated into the experience. Online multiplayer games allow gamers to communicate through text chat, voice chat, and video chat, which enables them to form closer relationships and make new friends. Online gaming also offers social features such as leaderboards, clans, and achievements, which encourage players to work together and compete against each other. These social features allow gamers to enjoy a more engaging and fulfilling experience, as they work towards common goals with other players.

Competitive growth

The rise of esports has played a significant role in the growth of online gaming in the Philippines. Competitive gaming has become a popular pastime in the country, with a growing number of professional gamers and eSports teams such as Tier One, Nexplay, and Team Secret. Many online multiplayer games, such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Mobile Legends, and Call of Duty Mobile have become staples in the Philippine esports scene, with local and international tournaments drawing large crowds of enthusiastic fans. 

Multiplayer games have also led to the development of local gaming communities and the rise of gaming influencers and streamers, who have amassed large followings on platforms such as Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube. Free-to-play titles like Valorant and Warzone attract content creators to pursue streaming due to the relatively low barrier to entry and it is also where most of the views are at as well. Suddenly, growing a career out of gaming isn’t as impossible as it initially was back then. 

Online gaming is here to stay, and it is expected to continue shaping the future of the gaming industry in the Philippines and beyond. As the technology and infrastructure continue to improve, we can expect online gaming to become even more accessible and immersive, further expanding its reach and impact on the gaming community.

However, as with any activity, it is important to practice responsible gaming and ensure that it does not negatively impact other areas of life such as work, school, or relationships. It is also crucial to take steps to ensure online safety and security. With the internet being as open and volatile as it is, there are instances where scammers and hackers infest online servers. 

Online gaming has brought a lot of positive changes to the Philippine gaming industry, creating new opportunities for players and the economy. With its ability to connect people and foster a sense of community, online gaming is not just about entertainment, but also about building relationships and shaping the way we interact with technology and with each other.

Related Content:

• Gaming in the Philippines: From Pastime to Mainstream Entertainment
• The Impact of Mobile Gaming on the Philippine Gaming Industry
• Gaming Industry in the Philippines: Challenges & Opportunities
• eSports in the Philippines: The Rise of Professional Gaming

M2.0 is a communications agency helping brands tell meaningful and compelling stories. Learn more about the brands we have worked with on our Partners page.

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But it wasn’t always this way. In the early days of gaming in the Philippines, playing video games was seen as something that only kids do. It wasn’t taken seriously as a career or an industry. But as the years went by, the passion of Filipino gamers has helped change this perception. They’ve shown that with dedication and hard work, gaming can be a profitable and fulfilling profession. And it’s not just the players who are reaping the benefits of this growth – the industry as a whole is also seeing a surge in popularity and acceptance.

How Esports in the Philippines grew

The history of esports in the Philippines can be traced back to the early 2000s. Back then, internet cafes were the go-to places for gamers to play and compete against each other. These cafes were the breeding ground for the country’s first professional players and teams. 

For many of us, computer shops were the first introduction to social gaming. Burning the hours with friends while making new ones trying to compete with one another in Dota, Counter-Strike, and Crossfire were just a number of early memories I’ve come to fondly look back on. Not a lot of kids had their own gaming PCs and stable internet connections back then so computer shops became a breeding ground for multiplayer games. I’ll go as far as to say a lot of my competitive nature came from all those days spent in computer shops. 

But it wasn’t until the 2010s that esports began to gain traction. With the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, gamers were able to showcase their skills to a wider audience. This helped increase the visibility of the scene, and more people began to take notice of the potential of esports in the Philippines.

In 2011, the first major esports tournament was held in the Philippines. The event, called the Mineski Pro-Gaming League, was a huge success, drawing in thousands of players and spectators. This was a turning point for the industry, as it helped establish esports as a legitimate form of competition in the country. From then on, more and more tournaments were held, with larger prizes and bigger audiences. This helped attract more sponsors and investors, further solidifying the industry’s place in Philippine society.

Growth opportunities with eSports in the Philippines

Today, the esports scene in the Philippines is thriving. There are numerous esports organizations operating in the country, such as Smart Omega, Nexplay, and Bren Esports. These organizations provide training, support, and resources to professional players and teams. There are also several esports tournaments and leagues being held throughout the year, such as the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) and The Nationals. These events not only showcase the skills of the players, but they also serve as a platform for fans to engage and connect with the gaming community.

The most popular games in the Philippines are Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant. These games have the most active player base and the most organized leagues and tournaments. All of which are free-to-play games making it easy for a larger population to play. The minimal barrier to entry alongside a highly competitive infrastructure and support from the developers is an easy recipe for success. 

Looking toward the future, the potential for the growth of eSports in the Philippines is immense. With the increasing popularity of gaming and the rise of mobile gaming in particular, the industry is in a good position to attract more talent. 

However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest is the lack of infrastructure and support for esports in the Philippines. There are not many dedicated esports venues and the current ones are not up to par with international standards. There is also a lack of government support for the industry, which hampers its growth and development.

Another challenge is the lack of a clear and defined esports ecosystem in the Philippines. This makes it difficult for players and teams to find opportunities and for investors to find viable investment options. Organizations who have their own Esports teams get most of their profits through sponsorships. Notice how a lot of brands nowadays would rather hire a social media influencer rather than a gaming team simply because it’s more likely the safer bet when it comes to generating popularity. 

A lot of the most successful foreign Esports teams generate income by building up their brand to be more than just gaming competition. This is where content creation comes in. Vlogs, documentaries, podcasts, social media activations, etc. are all practices that the likes of OpTic, FaZe, and 100 Thieves do to attract investors. This can include providing support for grassroots development, creating a sustainable business model for the industry, and establishing a clear talent development path for players and teams.

Despite challenges, the future of Esports is bright. With the dedication and passion of Filipino gamers, the industry is sure to continue its upward trajectory. As competitive gaming continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Esports in the Philippines.

Related Content:

• The Impact of Mobile Gaming on the Philippine Gaming Industry
• Gaming Industry in the Philippines: Challenges & Opportunities
• Gaming in the Philippines: From Pastime to Mainstream Entertainment
• 5 Mistakes in Video Game Marketing (And How to Avoid Them)

M2.0 Communications is a PR company helping brands tell meaningful and compelling stories. Learn more about the work that we do on our case studies page.

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Statistics on Mobile Gaming in the Philippines

According to Statista, the Philippines is expected to generate around $1.30 billion in 2023 through in-game mobile purchases. By 2027, Filipino mobile gamers are projected to reach 37 million users. 

Owning a smartphone is now less of a social status and more of a daily necessity. Nearly everyone has one at this point and in equal parts, internet access has also been much easier to find. This means that all these profit margins and population numbers for Philippine mobile gaming are only expected to go up further. 

Gaming is already such an entertaining hobby. Making it budget-friendly, accessible, and portable only improves its chances of reaching a bigger player base from any age group.

Why is Mobile Gaming So Popular in the Philippines?

1. Mobile gaming is affordable. Smartphones have become increasingly affordable in recent years, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. This has allowed more Filipinos to experience the world of mobile gaming, which has traditionally been dominated by consoles and PCs.

2. Mobile gaming is convenient. With mobile gaming, players can enjoy their favorite games anywhere, at any time, without the need for a console or a computer. This makes mobile gaming an ideal choice for Filipinos who are always on the go or for those who have limited space in their homes.

3. Mobile gaming is trending. With social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, players can easily connect with friends and share their gaming experiences. This has led to an increase in the number of players and has made mobile gaming a more social and interactive experience. Whether you are a content creator or a media consumer, there are so many ways to increase the social aspect of gaming.

Impact on the Gaming Industry in the Philippines

The popularity of mobile gaming in the Philippines has created new opportunities for game developers and publishers, who can now reach a wider audience with their games. There are over 400 local game publishers in Google Play, the official app store of Android phones — which is what most Filipinos use. This has led to an increase in investment in the industry and has created new jobs for Filipinos in the gaming sector.

With the growth of the mobile gaming industry, the Philippines has become an attractive destination for international gaming companies, who are now setting up operations in the country to take advantage of the growing market. An example of which is Ubisoft having its own headquarters in Santa Rosa. 

The Future of Mobile Gaming in the Philippines

The future of mobile gaming in the Philippines looks bright. As the number of Filipinos with access to smartphones and the internet continues to grow, the demand for mobile gaming is expected to increase. 

Moreover, the increasing popularity of mobile gaming is also expected to lead to new innovations in the industry. With the advancements in technology, mobile gaming is expected to become even more immersive and interactive, which will attract even more players.

Mobile games started as simplistic experiences such as Temple Run, Candy Crush, Fruit Ninja, and Angry Birds. I can imagine a future wherein the gap between the quality of mobile games and console/PC releases will be much smaller than it already is now. Major gaming IPs like League of Legends, Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Genshin Impact are all dipping their toes in the mobile market with soaring success. 

With its affordability, convenience, and social appeal, mobile gaming has attracted a large number of players, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. For some, gaming was an intimidating hobby considering the budget that was required to purchase the hardware. But now, video games are practically in the palm of our hands. 

Related Content:

• Gaming Industry in the Philippines: Challenges & Opportunities
• What is Filipino Gaming Culture?
• Gaming in the Philippines: From Pastime to Mainstream Entertainment
• 5 Mistakes in Video Game Marketing (And How to Avoid them)
• Supply and Demand in Gaming Tech: PS5 vs Scalpers

M2.0 is a communications agency and Public Relations firm in the Philippines that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communication.

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Challenges for the Gaming Industry in the Philippines:

1. Stigma around Gaming. The stigma around gaming as a waste of time and a children’s hobby has been holding back the industry from a household all the way to an institutional level. This is due to the traditional belief that gaming is a form of entertainment that is not productive and can harm the development of young minds. This has resulted in a lack of institutional support and funding for the industry. In addition, it has also led to a limited understanding of the gaming industry’s potential to create job opportunities and boost economic growth. It’s easy to see gaming as a distraction and so the growth stops from there. 

2. Limited Budget. Gaming is not a cheap hobby. The limited budget to purchase gaming hardware whether it be smartphones, consoles, or PCs is a common issue especially when technology keeps improving and in turn, getting more expensive. Additionally, video games aren’t cheap as well, ranging from $60 to $70 for AAA releases. This has made it difficult for game developers to reach a wider audience, especially those in lower-income brackets. While the free-to-play model has been gaining traction, it’s not a sustainable practice for all game releases. It also comes with its own flaws such as predatory microtransactions and an abundance of hackers who ruin the online experience. 

3. Lack of Institutional Support. While gaming has become a significant industry globally, the Philippine government does not fully recognize it yet. This results in a lack of institutional support and funding from the government for gaming companies, which could result in the industry being stifled before it can fully take off. Local gaming organizations and esports teams also struggle with acquiring sponsorship deals compared to regular online influencers since the latter is seen as more of a safer bet. As big as the gaming industry is, somehow it’s still seen as a niche concept in the Philippines. 

Opportunities for the Gaming Industry in the Philippines:

1. Boosting the economy. The gaming industry has the potential to boost the economy in the Philippines. The industry can create job opportunities in game development, game design, animation, and many other related fields. It can also attract foreign investment and increase exports of games and related products, which can generate revenue for the country. The industry can also work to improve relationships with the government and advocate for more support. This may involve lobbying for tax incentives and other forms of financial support, as well as promoting the economic benefits of the gaming industry to the country.

2. Developing creativity. The gaming industry is an excellent medium for encouraging creativity. Game development is a collaborative process that requires a team of people to work together to create a unique and entertaining product. Much like how CD Projekt Red is with The Witcher franchise or how Capcom is with their titles, the Philippines has a rich and historic culture to pull inspiration for unique game concepts. The industry can also encourage creativity among players, who can use the games they play to express their creativity and develop their own unique content. Halo Infinite’s map editor and Minecraft’s infinite sandbox have already enabled some very impressive community creations. 

3. Esports. Professional gaming is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, and the Philippines has the potential to become a regional hub for esports. The country has a passionate and talented gaming community, and with the right infrastructure and support, it could become a significant player in the global esports scene. Tournament events can attract large audiences, generate revenue through ticket and merchandise sales, and promote the country’s image as a destination for gaming and esports. 

Addressing the challenges and leveraging these opportunities can help the gaming industry in the Philippines reach its full potential. With the right support from both the government and private sector, gaming can become a thriving and sustainable industry in the Philippines.

M2 is a communications agency in the Philippines that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communications. We offer a range of PR advisory and reputation management services for brands to tell meaningful stories and engage their target audiences. Find out more about our work through our case studies page.

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Today, playing video games has evolved from just another form of leisure activity into a legitimate industry, generating billions of dollars in global revenue. The rapid growth of technology has enabled the development of sophisticated and immersive gaming experiences, attracting a wide range of players from all walks of life. But, it wasn’t always like that.

Starting on Hard mode

Gaming in the Philippines didn’t exactly have the best start. In 1981, former President Ferdinand Marcos issued a nationwide ban on video game machines, citing concerns over the negative effects they were having on youth behavior and morals. The ban was part of Marcos’ broader efforts to regulate and control various aspects of Philippine society and was enacted through an executive order.

The ban had a significant impact on the gaming industry in the Philippines, causing the closure of many public arcades. Coin-operated gaming machines such as Pac-man, Galaga, Frogger, and Donkey Kong were ordered to be dismantled and surrendered to the military. Violators would’ve been charged a fine of $620 (which is about $2,024.36 today) and up to 12 years in prison. 

As expected, the ban was not universally supported, and many Filipinos saw it as an infringement on their rights to leisure and entertainment. During a time of computer innovation and emerging technologies, it seemed counterproductive to remove access to any of it. Despite these concerns, the ban remained in effect for several years.

Eventually, the ban was lifted, following the overthrow of the Marcos regime in 1986. The lifting of the ban allowed for the resurgence of the gaming industry in the Philippines, and the growth of gaming as a cultural and social phenomenon.

Play together, stay together

In addition to being a source of entertainment, gaming has also become a means of socialization and community building in the Philippines. Friends and families often gather to play games together, whether it be at home, at local gaming cafes, or online. 

Computer shops have gotten so popular in the Philippines that at one point it was considered to be one of the most profitable business ventures to get into. High-speed internet and good gaming hardware weren’t accessible to the majority of households just yet. Having a shared space where you can rent out a PC, play to your heart’s content, and form new friendships with the people around you was very enticing especially for young gamers at the time.       

Today, video games have transitioned to an entirely different level in the form of mobile gaming. The widespread availability of smartphones and tablets, as well as the increasing affordability of these devices, have made gaming more accessible to Filipinos. Titles like Mobile Legends, Call of Duty Mobile, Rules of Survival, and PUBG have become some of the most popular games in the Philippines, attracting millions of players. These games provide a quick and convenient way to play and compete with others, even while on the go.

In a survey conducted last April 2022, about 56% of respondents claim that they play mobile games every day. Chances are, if you have a smartphone, there’s probably at least one game downloaded to it. 

And of course, we can’t forget to talk about console gaming. With just a quick search of the words “PlayStation”, “Xbox”, and “Nintendo Switch” on Facebook, you can see countless Philippine-based groups. Most of them are buy-and-sale pages but there are ones that are dedicated to nurturing an online space based on their chosen console platform. They provide a way for players to discuss their favorite games, share tips and tricks, and even arrange multiplayer sessions.

The COVID-19 pandemic definitely helped in increasing the number of gamers. When everyone is mandated to just stay at home, there’s only a limited amount of activities to keep everyone entertained. Gaming was one of the things that benefited greatly from all the extra time the world had as a study in Europe showed that 50% of gamers stated that playing made them feel happier with 39% reporting that it made them feel less isolated. The amount of time spent playing video games in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 42%. New titles released at the time like Call of Duty: Warzone, Animal Crossing New Horizons, and Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout received record-breaking numbers of player counts and unit sales. 

ALSO READ: Gaming in the Philippines: From Pastime to Mainstream Entertainment

Undoubtedly, gaming has emerged as a noteworthy element of Filipino culture and society, functioning as a source of leisure, camaraderie, and rivalry. Starting from its historic beginnings in arcade games to its current preeminence in mobile and internet-based multiplayer experiences, gaming has become an essential component of Filipino entertainment.

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that gaming will continue to play a significant role in Philippine culture and society. As the industry grows through esports, game development, content creation, and communities, video games have the potential to fully move beyond the stigma that it’s only a waste of time. 

M2 Communications is a public relations agency in the Philippines that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We focus on digital PR, issues and crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and media analytics.

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In the Philippines, the gaming industry has grown significantly in recent years with the increasing popularity of online and mobile gaming and a rapid expansion of the esports scene. As of this writing, there are over 43 million active Filipino players, a 12.9% yearly increase since 2017.

It is clear that gaming has become a mainstream activity, with nearly everyone having played a video game at some point in their lives. The accessibility and variety available have made it possible for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy video games. It’s no longer just a niche hobby, but a shared experience that brings people together. From children to seniors, gaming has become a universal pastime that transcends age and culture. 

Online gaming has become a staple in Filipino culture, with popular genres including massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), first-person shooter games (FPS), and real-time strategy games (RTS). Call of Duty, League of Legends, Dota, and Valorant are just a few of the most popular franchises that Filipinos enjoy on a daily basis. However, gaming devices such as consoles being priced at $200-500 and PCs being $500-2000 might be a deal-breaker for those who don’t have the budget. Luckily, the PCs in everyone’s pockets are very capable gaming devices.

Gaming for all

Mobile gaming continues to be a highly accessible avenue for gamers around the world, especially for markets like the Philippines. By 2022, over 84.67 million Filipinos have their own smartphone devices. By the end of 2023, mobile gaming revenues are expected to reach $172.10 billion. Safe to say that the mobile market plays a significant part in the gaming economy and that it is not going away anytime soon.  

Esports, or competitive video gaming at a professional level, has also seen growth in the Philippines. The country is home to professional esports teams and leagues in popular games such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Call of Duty Mobile. 

The idea that earning money off of playing video games might be questionable for some. But the reality is that it’s actually one of the fast-growing markets in terms of profitability. The global esports market is projected to grow from $1.44 billion in 2022 to $5.48 billion by 2029. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 21%. We’ve already seen local organizations such as Nexplay, Blacklist International, and Omega Esports be globally recognized organizations that are able to compete against some of the best in the world. 

Gaming is not just a hobby anymore. It has become a legitimate career path for not only players but businesses as well. For players, there are now opportunities to compete professionally with the support of sponsors and organizations. The rise of esports has also created a need for coaches, managers, and analysts. For content creators, there are opportunities to create and share gaming-related content on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. On the business side, companies can sponsor teams, tournaments, and events, which creates a lot of opportunities for businesses to tap into the growing gaming market in the Philippines.

More than just players 

The games industry in the Philippines has attracted the attention of major gaming companies, which have set up operations in the country due to the abundance of skilled workers with a strong understanding of English and a passion for gaming. This has created job opportunities for Filipinos in fields such as game testing, customer support, and game development. 

Ubisoft, one of the biggest developers in the world currently has its own office in Santa Rosa. Given that they’re constantly awarded as one of the top employers in the country, it’s safe to assume that local game development is on the rise. 

In comparison to the top gaming countries in the world such as China, the United States, Japan, and Korea, the Philippines still has a long way to go in terms of revenue, esports presence, and local game development. But that doesn’t mean that Pinoys aren’t a force to be reckoned with anymore. A strong English-speaking workforce, millions of dedicated fans, and a thriving mobile gaming market have made the Philippines a strong player in the global gaming landscape. 

M2 is a communications agency and Public Relations firm in the Philippines that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We offer a range of PR services including reputation management, media relations, social media marketing, and influencer management. Learn more about our work on our Case Studies page.

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