Philippine Gaming IndustryA survey of gaming culture and industry of the Philippines, particularly Filipino-made and developed digital games.

Are Digital Games Art?Narrative vis-a-vis Cyclical

Immersive

Interactive

What is a Filipino digital game?Should it be made by a Filipino?Distributed by a Filipino?

Should it reflect Filipino characters?Filipino values?Filipino legends and stories?Filipino history?

ANITO: Defend a Land EnragedDeveloped by: Anino Entertainment

Genre: RPG and adventurePlatform: PC

Released: 2003

Anito is a single-player isometric adventure RPG set in 16th century Asia, in the land of Maroka. Maroka is an island besieged both by internal conflict and armored invaders from a faraway land who are slowly turning the island into their monarch's colony. When Datu Maktan, leader of the Mangatiwala tribe and the land's most influential peacemaker, mysteriously disappears, it is up to his children Agila and Maya to find him and restore the delicate peace that their father has kept in balance, before conflicting forces tear the land apart.

ANAK BATHALADeveloped by: Nordenx(New version of game for different consoles developed by BHM Games)

Genre: 2D MMORPG(Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game)

Platform: PC Online(Soon to be available in PC, Ipad, Ipod Touch and Iphone)

Released: 2005

In a time long before Islam or Christianity ever touched paradise, traders, nobles, warriors, warlocks, and demigods roam the archipelago. Seeking treasures and powers to unite the warring clans. There are some however who wants to keep the islands in darkness, calling forth demons and the powers of the malefic Gods of old.

"Whosoever rise to the ranks of Bathala shall have the power to unite these lands."

Babayin Script

TANTRAPublished by: ABS-CBN InteractiveDeveloped by: Hanbitsoft

Genre: RPGPlatform: PC OnlineRating: 6.6

Released: 2004

Tantra Online is a fantasy MMORPG loosely based on and inspired by Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The game was originally released in 2004, hence the graphics are somewhat dated. (This global edition was released in 2008.) Play as one of eight classes (4 for females, 4 for males) and go on quests and fight to level up.

Pledge allegiance to one of three gods, Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiva, unlocking special skills unique to that god's followers, as well as setting up an ongoing battle between all three factions. In addition to three-way faction PvP, there are also solo and guild battle modes available. There is an item shop for optional upgrades.

IssuesSupportTrouble ShootingUnsolved BugsUnavailability to other ConsolesMarketing and Promotion

Contemporary Platforms

BANGU-BANG MANIADeveloped by: VITAS

Genre: Online Casual Game

Released: 2009

Pay-to-play scheme wherein players will top up their gaming cards with 50 pesos for one week play time, 100 pesos for 2 weeks and 200 pesos for one month play time.

CIRCUS GAMESDeveloped by: Kuju Manila(former Matahari Studios, creator of Timezone games)

Published by: Ubisoft (France)

Distributed by: Datablitz (P2000)

Genre: Mini-Game Collection

Platform: Nintendo Wii

Released: 2009

Now if you'll excuse me, I have an audience to disappoint.

--Ringmaster

TURBOSUBSDeveloped by: Anino Games

Published by: I-Play, Oberon Media

Distributed by: Apple App Store ($1.99)

Genre: Strategy/Time Management Casual Game

Platform: iPhone

Released: 2009

Set in New York City, Turbo Subs is a fun-filled strategy/time management casual title for iPhone. Players manage Rebecca and Robert as they attempt to satisfy hungry New Yorkers in sandwich shops they put up around the city. Service busy customers and fend off thieves using iPhone's flawless touchscreen controls. Players are up for 60 challenging levels with 8 types of hungry customers. This tasty game has loads of upgrades and secret sauces.

WORDTROTTERDeveloped by: Palmagick Entertainment

Distributed by: Facebook

Genre: Casual action game

Platform: Social Networking Platform

Released: 2010

There are 3 characters, or Wordtrotters, in the gameWoogly, the wizard's apprentice, and his two friends Weegly and Whaagly. Woogly and his friends live on the bug world Wordth, and are exiled by their elders for accidentally summoning an evil witch named Grimmar and a bunch of bug-eating monsters.

PAOLO'S JOURNEYCreated by: Fr. Maximo Villanueva(In Cooperation with Studio of Secret6)

Published by: Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines

Episcopal Commission of Catechesis and Catholic Education

Released: 2010

In the game, 10-year-old Paolo falls into a deep well as he was looking for his kitten. Inside the well, he meets an angel who tells him to collect the 3 keys he needs to return home. As the player obtains a key, he advances to the next level of the game. In the first or easy level, the questions would be related to the Sacraments; in the second or medium level, the player would be asked about the 10 Commandments, and in the third or difficult level, the player would be tested on Christian values.

Contemporary Issues on GamingYouth ViolenceYouth AggressionIsolating DeviceDesensitizing Device

Filipino Game Makers

Anino GamesA Philippine third-party game developer for different platforms. It is composed of two sister companiesAnino Entertainment, which focuses on PC, console and virtual reality games, and Anino Mobile, which develops mobile games. The company takes its name from anino, a Tagalog word meaning shadow.

Located at the centre of Metro Manila, The Makati Central Business District (CBD) is the centre of business and finance in the Philippines. Most of the largest financial and business institutions in The Philippines have their headquarters in the Makati CBD as well as regional offices of multinational corporations and The Philippine Stock Exchange. This area is also one of the most expensive and prime real estates in the city with towering skyscrapers, luxury condos, posh shopping malls and world class hotels. In the Philippines, when you mean business, youre address is in Makatis Central Business District!

Video Games as Art?Video Games as a meaningful form of expression.

Learning to Playor Playing to LearnHans Christian Arnseth

Game EducationJos P. Zagal and Amy Bruckman

Game Design AnalysisHistory and Culture of Digital GamesTheories of Game and Play