Taktyl Studios on PGDX 2024, Xbox Game Camp Asia, and the Evolution of the Filipino Dev Scene

In the rapidly growing game development scene in the Philippines, Taktyl Studios has emerged as a key player, actively participating in major industry events and helping shape the future of local game development. We had the opportunity to speak with James Ronald Lo, Co-Founder and CEO of Taktyl Studios, about their experiences at the Philippine Gamedev Expo (PGDX), their involvement in Xbox Game Camp Asia, and their thoughts on the current state of the industry. Here’s what he had to say.

PGDX: A Platform for Growth

PGDX 2024’s crowning achievement in my eyes is that it featured over 100 indie titles mixed with mostly Filipino-made games and titles from other countries. Taktyl Studios' projects were one of those indie titles, so we delved into the significance of such events for the studio and the broader game development community in the Philippines.

Your studio Taktyl Studios was present at the recently concluded PGDX, what was that experience like, and how important are events like that for GDAP (Game Developer Association of the Philippines)?

“Our experience at PGDX was incredibly rewarding. We participated to support the industry, network with key stakeholders, and connect with potential clients. Showcasing our indie games was a great opportunity to raise awareness and gather valuable feedback from the community. Events like PGDX are crucial for GDAP as they foster industry connections, drive collaboration, and highlight local talent. Ultimately, they help advance the growth and recognition of the Filipino gaming scene.”

 Xbox's Growing Presence in Southeast Asia

Xbox was also present at PGDX, with representatives participating in free talks for attendees to gain insights and provide feedback on game development and other aspects of the scene. While many discussions focused on game development, Xbox shared valuable insights into their approach to supporting the Filipino game developer community, including a detailed look at their process for selecting indie titles to be featured on Xbox Game Pass, the company’s subscription service that allows players to download and access a library of games.

This year has seen Xbox make a notable push in the region, particularly with initiatives like ID@Xbox, a program that highlights upcoming indie titles. We’ve seen Filipino-based CMD Studios showcase Fallen Tear: Ascension at Xbox's recent digital closed-doors event, featuring indie titles in Asia . I asked James how Xbox's involvement is impacting the game development ecosystem in the Philippines.

Xbox is making a big push at being present in the Southeast Asia region, particularly around games development in various regions like the Philippines. What has that meant for the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) seeing big companies like Xbox showing interest?

Xbox’s strong presence and investment in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, has been incredibly impactful for GDAP. It signals a growing recognition of the region's potential and offers significant opportunities for local developers. Their involvement not only provides valuable resources and exposure but also enhances our industry's credibility on a global scale. This increased interest from major companies like Xbox helps drive growth, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the overall development ecosystem in the Philippines.

This resulted in significant opportunities for local developers in the region. One of them is Xbox Game Camp Asia, where local studios, such as Ranida Games, were mentored by industry leaders. They gained insights into various aspects of game development, working on either ongoing projects or entirely new ideas. James, being a key member of GDAP, played an important role in recommending local studios for the program.

We were told you had a hand in recommending studios for the recently concluded Xbox Game Camp Asia. Would you care to share your process in pinpointing which studios to recommend for this kind of opportunity?

In suggesting studios for Xbox Game Camp Asia, we prioritize their readiness, potential, and team capacity for delivery. We assess how prepared they are to leverage the camp’s resources and mentorship, their growth potential through innovative game concepts, and their team's ability to execute and deliver projects effectively. This approach helps ensure that studios are well-positioned to make the most of the opportunity and achieve meaningful results.

Engaging the Filipino Market

Taktyl Studios has been actively participating in local gaming events, and interacting with the Filipino gaming community. I was curious about how these engagements have shaped their development process over the years.

I also noticed that Taktyl Studios has been very active in participating in local events. What has your experience been like interacting with the Filipino market through events or online with your games and services throughout the years?

At Taktyl Studios, engaging with the Filipino market through local events and online platforms has been a highly rewarding experience. Participating in events has allowed us to connect directly with gamers, showcase our indie games, and gather valuable feedback. These interactions have been instrumental in understanding local preferences and trends, helping us refine our games and better cater to our audience. Online engagement has further expanded our reach, allowing us to build a community around our games and stay responsive to player needs. Overall, these experiences have strengthened our presence in the local market and contributed to our growth and success.

With a growing number of talented developers and increasing recognition for locally-made games, the Philippine game development industry is in an exciting phase. However, challenges remain. I asked James about his perspective on the current state of the industry and what the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) is doing to support it.

We've talked with various local developers about the current state of the game development industry in the Philippines. What is your take on it? Any struggles or successes to share in GDAP''s perspective?

From GDAP's perspective, the Philippine game development industry is both dynamic and challenging. On the success side, there’s a growing number of talented developers and increasing recognition for local games, with more Filipino-made titles gaining international attention. However, the industry also faces struggles, including limited access to funding, a need for more robust infrastructure, and challenges in scaling operations. GDAP actively works to address these issues by fostering collaboration between government, education, and private sectors, supporting indie developers, and providing platforms for networking and learning. Despite the hurdles, the passion and creativity within the community drive optimism for continued growth and innovation.

James' insight paints a great picture of the current state, but more support is needed. The Filipino game dev community needs more eyes on them, more input, constructive criticism, and even opportunities to showcase that they are here and they are making games we could love. The scene needs more events like PGDX. More opportunities like Game Camp. While these are nice steps seen in 2024, I feel we need multiple similar steps happening one after the other to trigger momentum that would excite those even outside the scene.

As Taktyl Studios and other local developers continue to push boundaries and make strides in the industry, the future of Philippine game development looks bright. With the support of major industry players like Xbox and a growing, dedicated community, events like PGDX 2024 will provide a platform not just for local developers but also for small studios across Southeast Asia to showcase their work. It’s been a long time coming, but the local scene is poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

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