DOST-NCR’s eSports Game Development Competition Yields Promising New Talents 

The Department of Science and Technology’s game development competition led by DOST-NCR aptly called Level Up DOST Esports Game Dev Challenge, yielded promising talents in the electronic sports and gaming industry. The competition, which was held from November 28-29, 2024 at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro City, was one of the highlights of the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week. 

Thirteen innovators, ten in the student category and three in the professional category, designed and created games that incorporate traditional games and sports, such as boxing, arnis, volleyball, and basketball, or other games that promote science, technology, culture, and the creative arts.  

After the game demonstration on the first day, the following winners were awarded on November 29, 2024 at the Limketkai Center:  

Professional Category: 

• Grand Winner: Team NinetySix Studios from General Santos City, Region Xll (winning P75,000 cash prize and a Plaque of Recognition) 
• Second Place: Urianus. Region XIII CARAGA (winning P50,000 and a Plaque of Recognition) 
• Third Place: Katakata Creative, NCR (winning P30,000 and a Plaque of Recognition) 

Student Category: 

• Grand Winner: Region XI’s EMC: Excelsior Mapuan Creative from the Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao (winning P50,000 and a Plaque of Recognition) 
• Second Place: Region VII’s Mesheerableos from the Cebu Institute of Technology University (winning P25,000 and a Plaque of Recognition)  
• Third Place: Caraga Region’s Sinawali Showdown from the Caraga State University, Region Xlll (winning P15,000 and a Plaque of Recognition) 

The Level Up DOST Esports Game Dev Challenge served as a talent search to find potential game developers who can then start their own techno enterprises. It was also an excellent platform for game developers, opening for them opportunities in one of the fastest growing industries that is expected to become even bigger and more competitive with continuing advances in technology.  

Earlier this year, the DOST entered a partnership with the eSports World Federation (ESWF) to support the growth and development of the gaming industry and digital sports in the country. As outlined in the agreement, the Department and the ESWF will be engaging in collaborative programs, projects, and activities that support the gaming industry. This includes tapping local talents from DOST’s 16 regions and partner local government units (LGUs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the creation and development of digital games and digital sports that support educational, cultural, and S&T-based digital games and digital sports. 

The DOST- ESWF partnership includes the conduct of training programs, workshops, and seminars to equip and nurture aspiring inventors with the necessary skills and knowledge to promote and market Filipino-developed digital games. The tie up will also be helpful in enabling Filipino game developers to network with potential domestic or foreign investors. 

By: Pinky Marcelo, SCCU