Technology leader PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) back Filipino gamers during the launch of SM Cyberzone Game Fest 2019 at the SM North EDSA Annex in Quezon City.
Gaming enthusiasts, shoppers, and guests can join tournaments, explore game features and products on display, listen to talks about the latest products, experience virtual reality and free play, meet influencers in the gaming industry, and buy new gadgets that are on sale at the event.
“We are excited to support Filipino e-sports athletes and gamers from all walks of life by providing the fastest mobile network and other promos whenever they play their favorite mobile or online games,” said Louie De Guzman, AVP and Center Head of Key Accounts Management at Smart.
“Our focus has always been to deliver great customer experience whenever they use mobile data. And with our massive network improvement rollout, we are encouraging our subscribers to upgrade to 4G and LTE smartphones and devices in order to fully enjoy our fastest network,” said Precy P. Katigbak, VP and Head of National Key Accounts at Smart.
“We are glad to have the support of PLDT and Smart as we showcase the latest gaming trends and gadgets at SM Cyberzone. Through this series of events until May, we want to provide an avenue for gamers and enthusiasts where they can showcase their skills and talents when it comes to gaming,” said Robert Mark Joseph Ramilo, Cyberzone Sr. Marketing Manager for SM Cyberzone.
The SM Cyberzone Game Fest 2019 will run in different SM Malls nationwide from March to May 2019.
Fast growing industry in Asia
Online gaming has become a popular sport among people of all ages. Gaming research website New Zoo stated that Asia Pacific has reached a revenue of $51.2 billion, making it the largest gaming market in 2017. In the same year, Asia also took the lion’s share of the worldwide e-sports market revenue. In fact, e-sports has been included in the list of events at the Southeast Asian Games that is happening in the country in November.
And as part of the telco’s move to elevate gaming in the Philippines, PLDT and Smart, together with professional e-sports management Sterling Global Dragons, have recently launched their own official professional e-sports team called ‘Omega.’
‘Omega’ will represent PLDT and Smart in The Nationals, the country’s first franchise-based e-sports league, which will kick off on March 17.