Investors plan to boost esports industry
AS THE esports industry booms this year, Davao City and Mindanao are set to dominate the esports scene as tournaments and investors plan to boost the industry.
“Our mission is to transform Mindanao’s Esports and Sports scene through technology, to revolutionize the industry, to create a vibrant ecosystem for Esports and Sports, and to guide or inspire the region’s youth in pursuing opportunities in this field here in the Philippines and also abroad,” Jerome Ochia, RBX Chief Executive Officer said during the E-Palarong Pambansa Davao City selection series on May 28, 2023.
He added that aside from establishing an esports league in Mindanao, RBX Capital also plans to offer virtual reality training, data analytics, and immersive experiences to enhance player performance and foster talent development.
Aside from that, Ochia added that they are set to provide venues, facilities, and top-notch experienced coaches for the comprehensive mentorship programs that will empower the next generation of athletes and professionals positioning Mindanao as a thriving hub for esports and sports excellence.
“We are incredibly fortunate here in Mindanao to have someone like Sir Roy Rebuta, also known as Coach Stark. He is a world-class coach and cybersecurity specialist who has played a pivotal role in architecting the road map for the future of Mindanao athletes and talents,” he said.
“We are confident in RBX Capital that with Coach Stark’s guidance and expertise, Mindanao’s athletes and talents will have a promising future, both within the Philippines and on the global stage,” he added.
With these plans, esports athletes and the community in Mindanao are expecting more tournaments will happen as the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.
“I expect that there is an increase in viewership and social media recognition since the esports scene is currently growing as face-to-face resumes and people are aware and interested in competitive gaming,” Francis Orion Lindayag, a medical school student said in an interview with SunStar Davao on June 4, 2023.
“We can also see growing prize pools and game diversity since sponsors are also looking to invest and people want more opportunities for players and fans. Lastly, the professionalism of the esports professional scene since players are now getting contracts, training facilities, and support staff like a psychologist,” he added.
Another esports enthusiast, Gerald Rivera, an aeronautic engineer, said that tournaments in Mindanao will become a platform to introduce the esports athletes in the country.
“I am expecting that Mindanao esports players will be given a chance to show their skills and be noticed by professional teams because, in the past few years, only a few are given chances by them,” he said.
“This year, we have had many activities and events in Mindanao that would testify to how competitive players from Mindanao are and that they love esports. So I am hoping that this year we may be able to showcase undiscovered talent from Mindanao,” he added.
Meanwhile, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology student, Kieth Ivonne Albarando said that she hopes educational institutions will embrace the esports scene.
“I look forward to having a more strengthened esports community and expansion for the players to have the arena where they can showcase their skills and talent in gaming. Additionally, I am hoping for growth in esports awareness and education so educational institutions can be the catalyst in introducing esports and promoting responsible gaming,” she said. /