The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Seoul, leads the Philippine participation to G-STAR 2024, the largest game exhibition in Korea. G-STAR is slated from November 14 to 16 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.
Participating companies representing the Philippines include GameOps Inc., which specializes in live operations services and quality assurance for online video games; ThinkBit Solutions (Monstronauts Inc.), focused on web and mobile app development, including mobile games; Buko Studios, known for creating digital entertainment and game software; Neun Farben, which offers high-end computer graphics and visual effects for games and films; and Puppeteer Studios, renowned for character animation and independent animation services.
The activities for G-STAR 2024 include an exhibition where Philippine companies will showcase their game development capabilities and innovations. Additionally, there will be one-on-one business meetings and networking activities to explore potential partnerships with Korean and international companies. This also provides valuable opportunities for collaboration within the ASEAN and global gaming industry.
A key component of the Philippine program is the ASEAN-Korea Capacity Building Workshop for the Game Industry, which aims to discuss market trends and enhance business competitiveness of participants from ASEAN member countries. This workshop, as well as the ASEAN participation in the exhibition, is organized and supported by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, a Seoul-based international organization dedicated to strengthening economic, social, and cultural cooperation among the governments of Korea and the 10 ASEAN countries.
Game development in the Philippines is a robust, globally competitive industry, offering a diverse range of sought-after products and services supported by skilled talent known for creativity, reliability, and adaptability. Ranked as the 25th largest gaming market worldwide (Newzoo), the country is a key player in Southeast Asia, with a 2.28% compound annual growth (BSP) in game development service exports.
“The Philippines’ previous participations consistently delivered strong outcomes, generating significant sales, and forging numerous partnerships through dedicated business meetings. This reinforces the Philippines’ key role in ASEAN and its growing reputation and competitiveness in the global gaming industry,” says Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte, who heads EMB, the DTI office responsible for the development and promotion of the country’s services exports.
Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon Yalong, head of PTIC-Seoul, also highlighted the creative economy, which includes the gaming industry, as among the priorities for cooperation of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Signed in 2023 and ratified by the Philippine Senate in September this year, the FTA is currently undergoing domestic legal processes at the National Assembly of Korea and is expected to be jointly implemented by the Philippines and Korea soon after. ♦
Date of Release: November 14, 2024
