Former Sen. Bam Aquino, a gaming advocate, at the GameDev Summit in Boracay, February 15, 2024. Photo by AC Coloma, ABS-CBN News

BORACAY — Former Sen. Bam Aquino urged foreign game companies to partner with local game developers as advocates hope for a rise similar to the country's esports (competitive gaming) industry.

Speaking in front of independent Filipino game developers and foreign investors, Aquino said foreign partnerships have the potential to elevate the local video game development industry.

Filipino game developers, in turn, can offer their cultural background and diligence.

"We have a community that works hard. We are willing to learn because we know we're not there yet. They need a little more exposure to how it's done in the world and to apply that to markets," Aquino said during the GameDev Summit, where he served as keynote speaker.

Aquino gained prominence as an esports and gaming advocate after lobbying to re-appeal the visas of TNC, after the team was denied entry to the United States for Dota 2 tournament The International in 2016.

TNC's rise as one of the country's legacy esports teams, partnered with outsiders, was a defining moment in esports' breakout in the country.

"The story of TNC is similar to the story of the video game development industry. We have the talent, we have the opportunity we are invited to go and play with the rest of the world, but we are just looking at that one nudge to get us there. Obviously, TNC was extremely talented. It's the same for this industry. They just need a little bit of support from our friends from abroad and we'll be able to show the rest of the world what we have in the Philippines," he said.

After his stint as a public official, he continued lobbying for local, independent gaming, co-founding a company called MEE Games last 2022.

GameDev Summit in Boracay connects gaming industry players and eyes creating partnerships among local and international delegates.

There is a track for External Development in The Lind Hotel, while indie game developers are given the spotlight at the Sea Wind Hotel.