Squeaky Wheel, Ranida Games, and Yangyang mobile are in a coalition for a project that will help aspiring local game developers, Project PIGI.
The Philippines has been home to some of the fairly-established game developers. Although there had been plenty of world-class titles that hail from this SEA country, it’s hardly known globally. At least, not yet.
Some Driving Forces
In wanting to establish the nation as a hub for some of the best game developers in the globe, three local and major indie studios team up towards that goal. Namely, Squeaky Wheel (Political Animals, Academia: School Simulator, Ruinarch), Ranida Games (Bayani, Fighting Pride, etc.), and Yangyang Mobile (Love Esquire, The Letter). All these companies are fairly new themselves in the scene. But in the time they have been in business, they have developed some prominent titles that resonate among peculiar fans.
However, that initiative ultimately boils down to the local game developers who dream to make a name for themselves in the industry. As it is through them that Filipino-made IPs will be created, playing crucial role in the main goal. In that note, the Project PIGI (Philippine Indie Games Initiative) was kickstarted. It’s a coordinated program that seeks to bridge the gap between local game developers and publishers toward the creation of new IPs.
In light of the event, participants are invited to submit a prototype of their ambitious projects. Each entry of which will be carefully reviewed by a panel of Filipino experts. Out of all the entries, only 10 will be chosen to bring their concepts into some compelling undertaking, aided by mentorship.
Multiple Stages
Project PIGI comes in three stages. Stage 1, which takes about 6 months, involves game development panels teaching about the process of making games monthly. That is, starting from conceptualization to pitching. Going through this initial, participants will then make their submission for review. Stage 2 is where some lucky 10 candidates will be chosen among the pool of participants. They will then go through mentorship in how they can improve upon their prototypes as well as their pitches. The second stage lasts for about three months. Finally, stage 3 is a one-day event where candidates make their pitch in front of local and international audience and publishers. The end goal of which is to come across a publisher who will fund the project towards its ultimate creation.
Project PIGI officially began in August 2021 and will run until April 2022.
Image used courtesy of Project PIGI