Thirteen Philippine game development companies generated USD 14.7 million (approximately PHP 832 million) in revenue sales during the External Development Summit (XDS) 2024, underscoring the country’s growing influence in the global gaming industry.
Held from Sept. 3 to 6, XDS 2024 is the premier international conference for video game developers and service providers. The Philippine delegation, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was the largest group at the event, drawing attention from publishers, investors, and fellow exhibitors worldwide.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque hailed the country’s participation as a testament to Filipino creativity and technical expertise.
“The Philippines’ participation in the External Development Summit (XDS) 2024 is part of the DTI’s efforts of realizing a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ which emphasizes a forward-looking, inclusive, and sustainable approach to national development,” said Roque.
“The game development industry is a vital driver for our services exports, showcasing Filipino creativity and technical expertise on a global stage. We are proud and confident of the capabilities and potential of this industry to contribute more to our economy, especially in terms of job generation,” she added.
The Philippine delegation included industry stalwarts such as Animation Vertigo Asia, Amber Studios-Philippines, Buko Studios, CMD Studios, Exodia Game Development Studio, GameOps Inc., Leveret Group, Mee Games, Neun Farben, Pixel Mafia, Puppeteer Studios, and Synergy 88.
DTI-Industry Development and Investment Promotions Group Undersecretary Cerefino S. Rodolfo highlighted the country’s evolving role in the global gaming sector.
“With our private sector taking the lead, we have shifted our positioning strategy from being an internationally recognized service provider to becoming a leading international partner for co-development,” said Rodolfo.
“This highlights the Philippines’ ability and desire to contribute more to the creative process of game development.”
The delegation’s success was bolstered by support from the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau and the International Trade Center (ITC) under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program and the ARISE Plus Philippines Project. Camille Roy, ITC ARISE Plus Philippines project manager, praised the growing global demand for Filipino services and creativity.
“Throughout the years, we have built the capacities of game developers to promote and sell their sector, their creations and services, and ultimately increase their exports to key markets,” said Roy.
“This has helped the sector reach new heights. There is a significant appetite from the global video game industry for Philippine services and creations, as we can see from the very positive results of this edition.”
The XDS 2024 turnout reflects the Philippines’ rising prominence in the gaming industry, positioning it as both a creative hub and a competitive player in global markets.
