Gaming startup GPlayon enters RP

By Alexander Villafania INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines -- Few in the gaming industry know they're even here. GPlayon, a startup game publishing firm, however, hopes to ride the online gaming wave in the Philippines through a partnership with Amped Games. GPlayon has been operating since last year and has even conducted a very early closed and open beta test of N-Age, long before it partnered with Amped Games sometime this year. Watch my video interview with GPlayon Manager Mi Jin Lee (left) and Managing Director Dong Hyun Kang. Under the partnership, Amped Games will do the marketing and distribution part for N-Age, while GPlayon will host and maintain the game servers. Amped's top-up cards can also be used to buy in-game items in N-Age, which will be free-to-play with item selling. The company is also looking at extending their operations outside the Philippines and is looking for other partners. GPlayon Manager Mi Jin Lee said the company has been taking some time to evaluate the gaming business in the Philippines and to look for partners to strengthen their operations. "The owners aren't familiar with the Filipino culture so it was necessary for them to take small steps first," Lee said. Lee said the company is planning to introduce more games to the Philippines, with Amped Games being expected to be GPlayon's partner. However, Lee said she cannot divulge anything about the other games. GPlayon Managing Director Dong Hyun Kang said the Philippines has a huge potential in the online gaming space, noting that GPlayon may introduce another game. The next game might be more futuristic in style but will be in the massively multiplayer online game segment, he said.