Taking eSports and gaming to the next level
Globe Telecom is taking a lead role in the development of eSports and gaming industry in the Philippines by providing fast, reliable and affordable Internet connectivity and carrying out initiatives that boost the commercial potential of the burgeoning field. “What Globe has been doing is essentially take part in the entire value chain, in the entire ecosystem of eSports. I have never seen a company as highly invested in eSports and gaming as Globe,” Jake San Diego, head of Games for Globe, told BusinessWorld in an interview. Early this year, Globe launched Globe Gaming and announced a series of strategic partnerships with top industry players as part of its goal to accelerate the eSports and gaming industry in the country. According to Mr. San Diego, Globe Gaming is the marketing platform of Globe that provides gamers and fans with everything they need to enjoy their favorite online games, including access to the latest titles, local, regional and global eSports competitions, original content and exclusive programming. Just recently, Globe introduced a special offer for its existing GoSURF and GoSAKTO promos, called GoWATCH and PLAY, which includes an additional free two gigabytes of data for playing Arena of Valor, Mobile Legends, Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. In terms of enhancing the potentials of Filipino gamers in eSports and video games and preparing them for global tournaments, Globe inked exclusive partnerships with some professional gaming organizations, such as Mineski, Garena and Riot Games. In line with its partnership with Mineski, a premier eSports events organizer, two seasons of Globe Philippine Pro Gaming League (PPGL) were successfully concluded locally. Globe PPGL is a nationwide eSports tournament featuring three major eSports titles across multiple gaming platforms: Defense of the Ancient (DotA) 2, Tekken 7, and Arena of Valor. It is one of the largest multi-titled eSports league in the country. Mr. San Diego said that Globe PPGL allows everyone — even average players who want to venture into professional eSports someday — to join tournaments and get a chance to win substantial cash prizes. He added that it provides the opportunity to hone their skills and fly abroad to compete in the international tournaments. “Through conducting the tournaments locally under PPGL, with the help of our brand teams, we are able to conduct these events free of charge. You don’t have to pay for anything, just register and join, and you’ll be getting the price if you win. But more than the price, it’s really the opportunity,” Mr. San Diego added. Meanwhile, through Globe’s partnership with Garena, a leading Southeast Asian game publisher, a series of “Valor Cup” eSports tournaments was introduced, giving teams the chance to compete for entry into the Arena of Valor World Championships, held in Los Angeles last July. The partnership extended to the Riot Gamesowned title, League of Legends (LoL), the world’s most played PC game with over one hundred million active monthly users worldwide. It was through this collaboration that made the recently held Globe Conquerors Manila 2018 possible. Held last August 18 and 19, the Globe Conquerors Manila 2018 is the first-ever regional championship to be staged in the country. It is a multi-country tournament under the SEA Tour that determines who will represent Southeast Asia to the largest and most prestigious League of Legends eSports event of the year — the LoL World Championship 2018. During the regional competition, aspiring teams from the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia fought for a total prize pool of $250,000. Ascension Gaming of Thailand came out on top. Mr. San Diego explained that forging partnerships with gaming companies and eSports organizations has allowed Globe to deliver what its customers want. “Our mantra is to obsess about the customers. In order for us to do that — in the line of gaming and eSports — we are partnering with the likes of Riot and Garena,” he said. Additionally, Mr. San Diego said they are look to further develop the eSports and gaming industry in the country by partnering with schools and the government. “We want eSports to become a household name and be regarded as real sports because that would open up the eyes of not only the parents, not only the schools, but also corporations, who are essential in terms of funding the growth of eSports through brand activation, sponsorships, and the like,” he said. Globe and Mineski, according to Mr. San Diego, will introduce a new professional eSports team by the end of the year. He hopes that this team can go toe-to-toe with the other eSports teams from around the world. Meanwhile, Globe’s partnerships with Mineski, Garena and Riot are extended to next year. Mr. San Diego assured that the Arena of Valor tournaments will still take place, together with Globe PPGL and Globe Conquers Manila, in 2019. “eSports is a huge growing business right now,” Mr. San Diego said. “Globe, being the trailblazer that it is, we see the value getting into this also for the country. We are brave enough to show the way and we hope that other companies will follow soon.”