The Philippine Game Development Expo (PGDX) was held last July 26 – 28 at the SMX Convention Center, organized by CBZN Perspective and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), and presented by Smart Communications, Inc. The event, which is in its second year, came back with a bigger platform for rising talent, collegiate esports, exhibitors, and a robust lineup of speakers.
Sharing Knowledge across the Industry
The strength of PGDX has always been their push to foster talent. Workshops were split into two different tracks, Professional and Educational, ensuring there was something for every person in every stage of their career.
The invited speakers were industry leaders, developers in established studios, professors and researchers, each sharing their expertise on certain skill sets when developing games, accessibility in design and inclusion as part of the process, marketing and advertising work, and more.
International & Local Exhibitors
The second year also ushered more exhibitors and activities for convention attendees. Exhibitors offered demos of their wares, mini games people can join and win prizes at, and gaming peripherals and other merchandise for sale.
There was also a special B2B area for those who want to network and showcase their services and products to other professionals.
Indie Games: the Stars of the Show
The Indie Game Stars area expanded from 60 titles in its first year to more than 100 for its second year, opening its doors not just to Filipino talent but SEA excellence.
Attendees were given the chance to try and watch demos of the games on PC, mobile and even VR–made by a mix of students showing off their theses and school projects, passionate up-and-coming developers, and established studios. These encompassed various genres for any avid gamer, such as narrative, FPS, arcade, co-op, puzzle games and more. People even won stickers and postcards for trying the demos.
Sticky Expo Partnership
Outside the main convention area is Sticky Expo, a sticker and art event in partnership with PGDX. Local artists sold stickers and other merchandise like crochet items, jewelry, keychains, pins, posters and other crafts.
The expansion of PGDX in its second year renews its commitment to highlight and support the rising talents in the country and its neighbors. Its focus on education across well-rounded topics apart from making games, techniques and programs, but also advertising, marketing and other industry knowledge sets developers up for more success at a global level.
Moreover, the event’s entertaining panels and mini game activities, exciting esports competitions, and varied indie game booths make for an interactive experience for gamers and visitors alike, giving them a glimpse of what the industry is and what it could become.
Learn more about PGDX at the following links:
Website: https://pgdx.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHGameDevExpo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phgamedevexpo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/phgamedevexpo/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@phgamedevexpo
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phgamedevexpo
#PGDX #PINASimula #BuildPGDX #PGDX2024 #PGDXContinues #PGDXYearTwo
This article was contributed by HeraSays. Hera is a streamer and art director who enjoys games when not obsessing about graphic design. You can follow her at Twitch, YouTube, and Twitter.
