Philippine Senator Paolo Aquino IV wants the government to support the local game software development industry and hopes to see the industry reach the success of the country’s business process outsourcing sector.

During the Philippine Game Festival at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Aquino said that the government should ensure the world is aware of skilled Filipino game developers that possess the “right mix of art and technology.”

Aquino said the country’s game development industry could contribute significantly to the Philippine economy, and local game developers could compete globally with more support from the government. With increased support, Aquino believes that game development could rival the success of the business process outsourcing sector. 

The Philippines’ game development industry is at the same place today as the BPO industry was “maybe 10 to 15 ago,” said Aquino. According to the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), there are currently about 60 studios that employ 3,500 people in the country. Many outsourcing and offshoring companies in the Philippines also have game software or app development among their services.

Aquino added aid that the industry has great potential to generate high-paying jobs for local game developers and artists. To attract investors and promote the industry in other countries, the senator is working with the Board of Investments of the Department of Trade and Industry.