Can Video Games Become Part of the Modern Filipino Culture?

By Cesar Tolentino, Market Research Analyst and Consultant

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines ‘culture’ as ‘the integrated pattern of human knowledge,

belief and behaviour that depends upon the capacity for learning and for transmitting knowledge to
succeeding generations.’ Similar to the way by which the word ‘culture’ is applied to words like
‘horticulture’ and ‘agriculture,’ the term implies some form of nurturing, cultivation and
improvement. That is, for a concept, act or object to become part of ‘culture,’ it has to have the
capacity to benefit future generations – it has to be passed on to these future generations.

In the context of Philippine society then, ‘modern culture’ implies that the concept, act or object
should benefit future generations of Filipinos. To this end, the proposition of how video games can
become part of modern Filipino culture has often been a controversial topic. On one end, there is
the opportunity for Filipino artists to showcase their creativity by contributing to the design of art
and programming that goes into a finished video game product. On the other, there is the risk of
abuse by gamers to get addicted to a game that inevitably results in the deterioration of their social
interaction skills and the development of impulse control disorders.1

It is heart-warming to hear stories of how one of the first locally-developed video games, Anito, has
inspired many to pursue a career in video game development. The success stories of home-grown
game development companies such as Anino Games, eSoft Interactive, Ladyluck Digital Media, and
Flipside Games have often been cited by local professionals as the driving force for their decision to
choose a career in this industry, or even their decision to start up their own venture. Clearly, the
video game benefits future generations – both in pursuing careers, and in becoming entrepreneurs.

But one cannot belittle the ever-present threat that the end product of this industry, the video
game, can pose a risk to future generations of society as well. There have been some cases of
overuse and abuse among gamers for online games in the Philippines.2, 3

And this is why the local game development industry, along with the various retailers that offer
online gaming as a recreational activity (under the leadership of iCafe Pilipinas, a local federation of
internet cafe associations), have been actively advocating the cause of responsible gaming.4, 5 Such
advocacies promote the responsible use of video games and consumption of video game services
such as those in gaming cafes. So that Philippine society as a whole does not get distracted by the
cases of game addiction to the real benefits the industry can offer future game development
professionals and game development entrepreneurs.

And this is where video games provide a real benefit to modern Philippine society – offering both
career and entrepreneurial opportunities. And in providing such opportunities to the current and
future generations of society, video games are able to attain their true worth – that they can
become a part of modern Filipino culture.

1
“Study finds computer addiction is linked to impulse control disorders,” The Australian. 24 October 2006.
2
“Online Game Addiction Causing Real Concerns,” Gameshogun. 12 June 2006.
3
‘Impacts of DOTA on Students,’ a thesis by Redmelton S. Lacanilao. On Scribd.
4
“I-Café Pilipinas initiates online child safety program,” Manila Bulletin Online. 27 February 2010.
5
“GDAP supports i-Cafe Pilipinas initiative,” Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP,
www.gdap.org.ph). 20 August 2010.