Philippines’ music gaming scene for 2020 and beyond

More than a decade ago, music arcade gaming scene in the Philippines is different from we see today. Only three games were being updated (DDR and GITADORA), no internet connection, and few people were playing, too small that you know each other's names or they know your face. During those time that, Timezone is the only game center in the Philippines that updates those three music games regularly. In 2016, when Konami held their first  unofficial location test for MUSECA and SOUND VOLTEX in Quantum SM North, a lot of music gamers swarmed the place. The location test is also the first time we connected to the e-amusement server.

eAMUSEMENT logo in Quantum SM Megamall Branch

For me, the new decade will be exciting for Filipinos, as more and more locals are becoming incline in music gaming, as these games are being reintroduced to other parts of the country thus, music gaming community is getting bigger. Philippines became one of the competing countries for BEMANI e-sports Championship annually, as well as localized tournament by their communities, SEGA's AiME server was recently added for their Maimai DX. Unification of game data card for all game companies. Although, these cards are locally unavailable, local players were able get thru sellers online or asked someone to buy them in Japan Game centers.

An Amusement IC Card logo

As for Quantum, I think they are able flourish their business by adding servers to their games and market their company by participating in conventions and tournaments. I think rhythm games are one of Quantum's profitable assets.

I look forward that other gaming companies would join in the scene so that they can showcase their games here and locals would not focus only on music simulation but in other game genres as well. Every time I visit Japan for a vacation, I always try other games that are currently unavailable in the Philippines. Right now, I am no longer a frequently gamer at the arcades, as before, who goes to malls to play at the arcades in a weekly basis. Real life hits hard right? Regardless, I am delighted that new comers are joining the excitement that makes arcade gaming in the Philippines is here to stay.