Support E-Sports in the PH

Videogames have long evolved since their first conception in the 1950s. From simple games like Tetris to the ultra HD complex story mode of CyberPunk on PlayStation 5. Gaming has evolved so much over the last decade that this industry has formed a dedicated community around the world and in the Philippines.

Back in March, a House Representatives hearing was held in which the Philippine Esports Organization proposed an economic zone that would include a studio that would broadcast e-sports events and boot camp facilities where local athletes can train. Aside from this, the Philippine Esports Organization also stated the need to upgrade internet infrastructure, provide incentives, and more airports for foreign involvement.

With the strict lockdowns and restricted mobility at the height of the pandemic, this only accelerated digitalization, and the use of mobile phones and highlighted their importance. An estimated more than half of the 110 million population of the Philippines play video games.

In the Philippines, one of the most popular games is Mobile Legends: Bang Bang which could be played via smartphone. Other notable games include Dota, League of Legends, Valorant, and Call of Duty.

There are currently plans for the Department of Education (DepEd) to include e-sports into the curriculum via physical education and game-based learning with the target of learning skills such as self-management, new media literacy, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking.

The E-Sports industry in the Philippines has a lot of potential and opportunities for athlete and game development, generating revenues, and providing creative outlets such as streaming and content creation to name a few. The Philippine government should implement programs and legislation that would aid in the development of this growing sector.

Sources: Manila Times, Business World, Manila Bulletin