GDAP sends delegation to Casual Connect in Singapore

(Manila, Philippines, June 11, 2013) — The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) showcased the sector’s capabilities at the Casual Connect Singapore, the premier event for the communities involved in game development for the mass consumer market.

GDAP president and Secret 6, Inc. head of operations Alvin Juban served as moderator on “Industry Evolution and the Future of Game Development in the Philippines”. The discussion highlighted the prevalence and significance of game development and game support services within the business process management (IT-BPM) industry, encouraging those in attendance to look into the country for more cost-efficient and higher value projects.

The panel included James Palabay, head of Digital Arts Chefs; Darwin Tardio, COO and co-founder of FunGuy Studio; Niel Dagondon, CEO of Anino Games; Jhondie Abenaza founder and CEO of Zeenoh Games; Markku Kero, CEO of Job and Esther Technologies; and Andro Baluyut, CEO of GameOps Inc.

The game development industry in the Philippines offers a wide range of services, including art (2D/3D) and media production, game testing and quality assurance, game community support/consultancy, programming support, technical support, sound design, motion capture, clean up, payment processing and other game support services.

“Attending conventions like Casual Connect Singapore continually keeps us in the loop with several industry giants, both regional and global; latest game trends, new business opportunities to link into the flourishing gaming industry in the Philippines,” said Juban. “With our enhanced insights, sharpened development skills and close collaboration between GDAP studios for a united front, I am confident that we will continue to create a quality niche and make a permanent mark on the game scene. Watch us.”

To further promote the game development sector in the country, GDAP is organizing the fourth annual Philippine Game Development Festival (PGDF) to be held on October 18-19 at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Participants will include game developer companies from all over the Philippines, exhibiting new games and games that have garnered worldwide success in 2013.

The festival is a chance for professionals and students to hear about the latest trends and learn about the many facets of the industry from both local and foreign speakers. It will also be the assembly and launch point for the 2013 Game On, an inter-school game development competition for students. The awards night for the Best Games of 2013 and the Game On Competition is by invitation only, and will be held in December.

“GDAP recently launched two scholarships for game educators. We believe that refining the skills of educators would be a wiser investment as they will be able to reach more generations of students,” said Juban, “Aside from this initiative, private studios, such as Anino games, have also set up game development schools to empower those interested in the industry.”

GDAP, a partner association of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), reported that game development was the fastest growing sector in the IT-BPM industry in terms of revenue in 2012. The sector grew over three times from US$14 million in 2011 to US$50 million last year. It also saw additional employment of over 1,000 Filipinos in 2012.

About the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP)
The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is the enabling association for the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry in the Philippines. IBPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With approximately 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations—the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., Contact Center Association of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines, and Philippine Software Industry Association—IBPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPM industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high-quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.

IBPAP assists investors in setting up operations easily and quickly in the Philippines. Relevant research, introductions to key government and industry officials, and a series of briefings at each step of the investment process ensure a seamless development process. On-going support is provided through a wide variety of initiatives, including programs for HR development, business development, and on-going knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) president Alvin Juban moderates panel on “Industry Evolution and the Future of Game Development in the Philippines” at Casual Connect Singapore. Photo shows panelists (from left) James Palabay, head of Digital Arts Chefs; Darwin Tardio, COO and co-founder of FunGuy Studio; Niel Dagondon, CEO of Anino Games; Jhondie Abenaza founder and CEO of Zeenoh Games; Markku Kero, CEO of Job and Esther Technologies; and Andro Baluyut, CEO of GameOps Inc.

Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) president and Secret 6, Inc. head of operations Alvin Juban presents the Philippines’ game development capabilities at Casual Connect Singapore.

About the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP)
Established in 2007, the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) is a leading trade association in the Philippines that represents and promotes the country’s game development industry. Its members create and publish interactive games and entertainment content for various platforms. GDAP is supported by various affiliate member organizations including schools and universities, game talent agencies, publishers, as well as retailers, all of whom play key roles in the country’s thriving game industry. GDAP is a member of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines.