LEAGUE OF LEGENDS (Official website)
The massive popularity of online gaming is such that some sectors consider the addiction to it, a huge problem. Even in entertainment, the negative effects of online gaming addiction has been tackled in films like “RPG Metanoia”; or songs like “Dota O Ako,” which is about a couple having problems in their relationship because of the boyfriend’s seeming preoccupation with Dota, a custom scenario for the game Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.
While this may be true, it should be noted that the Filipino’s burning passion for online gaming has its benefits: We are now counted among leaders in some of the most prestigious LAN-based tournaments abroad.
Just recently, the Philippines’ Pacific.Macta won third place in the grand finals of the first person shooting game Crossfire held in Seoul, Korea, beating Europe’s PENTA ESports with a set score of 2-0. The Pinoy gamers placed behind veteran teams of China and Vietnam.
Eric Redulfin, manager of TheNet.Com and TNC eSports, believes that with proper support, online gaming will not be looked down upon anymore as idle pastime but as lucrative careers. He cited how, in other countries, e-gamers are treated like star athletes, being paid a huge sum of money for their abilities.
Currently, he disclosed, there are four Filipino gamers formerly from TheNet.Com team, who are making waves in Korea, being touted as top players in Southeast Asia.
In brushing off negative notions about online gaming, Redulfin points to the Electronic Sports Association of the Philippines (ESAP) as being vigilant in regulating computer shops in the country.
Among ESAP’s mandate is to see to it that students are not allowed inside computer shop during class hours. House bill No. 4740, known as “Internet Café Regulation Act,” has also been filed by Valenzuela Cong. Sherwin Gatchalian. The bill seeks to limit the children’s access to computers and other gadgets to prevent addiction and being exposed to violence.
Eric Redulfin
“Actually, ’yung problem natin na ’yan, katulad ng trash talking, karamihan kasi ng mga kabataan from the start ay parang ganon na po ’yung mentalidad,” Redulfin says. “Para ma-regulate po iyon, may responsibility ang dalawa – ’yung parents at shop owner.”
On being addicted to the games, Redulfin says gamers should simply learn how to better manage their lives.
“Totoong may nagka-cutting class, may nagda-drop out dahil sa paglalaro. Pero choice po ’yun ng bata. Nu’ng wala pa pong e-sports at hindi pa uso ang e-gaming, marami diyan ang na-a-adik sa pagbi-bilyar, nag-iinom o nagdo-droga,” he says. “Para makontrol po natin ’yan, tamang gabay po ng magulang ang kailangan. Kung ang bata, mali ang tinatahak at mali ang gumagabay sa kanya, hindi po talaga kayang kontrolin.”
With the goal to produce more high-caliber gamers, TheNet.Com and TNC eSports has staged the TNC eSports Cup, a nine-month long e-Sports tournament that features four major gaming titles, namely Dota 2, League of Legends, Dragon Nest and Crossfire. The cup is ongoing and will run until November. The grand finale will be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Redulfin says the cup could also be a way to promote “responsible gaming” and to uplift the image of online gaming in the country.