Japanese game developers urged to explore opportunities in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wants to promote the local game development industry by encouraging top Japanese game development companies to explore business opportunities in the country.

“In bringing together the big names in the Japanese video gaming industry to the Philippines, we witness a milestone in the country’s game and creative content development industry, and strengthen business ties between the Philippines and Japan,” Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. said in a statement yesterday.

Japanese game developers are set to meet with representatives of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), and the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) next week during the Game and Creative Contents Networking Philippines 2014.

The conference to be held on May 19 at the Peninsula Manila Hotel  is organized by the DTI with Japan’s Nikkei Business Publications, Inc., as well as the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) - Japan Centre.

“We have organized this conference to build the capacity of local stakeholders, share best practices, and enhance knowledge-sharing among professionals and practitioners of the game development industry, academe, and media,” Manalo said.   

The conference would feature presentations of industry experts from Klab Cyberscorpion, Bandai Namco Games, Pierrot, Sega, and D2C.

The event would likewise have business matching sessions between the Japanese delegation and registered industry representatives from GDAP, ACPI and PSIA.

The business matching event intends to establish partnerships between Philippine and Japanese players in 3D design and animation services, game development, gaming solutions, information technology development and outsourcing services, as well as  mobile and internet start-up operations.

The Japanese delegation would be composed of high-level executives from top companies like SEGA, KLab, D2C, Pierrot, Zucks, Yamasa, Nash Music Library, Ambition, Artscape Company Limited and DWF, as well as officials of the ASEAN Japan Centre and Nikkei Business Publications.The delegation would be in thecountry from May 17 to 21.

“During their stay in the Philippines, the delegation is expected to learn about the country’s game development industry and professional competencies, as well as to explore avenues to assist in capacity-building aspirations of local stakeholders,” Manalo said.

Aside from this conference and networking event, the Japanese delegation would also tour studios and data warehousing facilities of established local companies on May 20.