ESPORTS. Dark League Studios CEO AC Valdenor (left) talks about programs eyed to promote esports in the country during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Conference Hall of the Philippine Sports Commission inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday (Sept. 12, 2023). With him is brand manager Dan Cubangay. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
MANILA – Dark League Studios is eyeing to develop esports players in the country by providing platforms to showcase their skills.
“We are here to provide inspiration to young gamers and a platform to showcase their skills,” Dark League Studios CEO AC Valdenor said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Conference Hall of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
“We will open possible careers for them,” said Valdenor, who noted that young gamers have started to make a living through esports.
“It’s now becoming the bread and butter for their families. We have stories and that has become an inspiration to some children,” said Valdenor, who was accompanied by brand manager Dan Cubangay in the weekly program presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Dark League Studios has three pillars under its wings – the PBA Esports through its member ballclubs, Estudyante Esports and Smart GIGA Arena.
“We started the PBA Esports last January with each team having two players, two influencers, then the members, the fans. The PBA board was extremely excited because we are bringing the PBA closer to the younger generation,” Valdenor said.
“It’s very entertaining. You see the parents supporting their children wearing the Talk N Text jerseys. We have June Mar Fajardo or Marc Pingris, Jared Dillinger or Christian Standhardinger and we plan to include more,” he added.
Cubangay said also part of the program is promoting esports (Call of Duty, Mobile Legends and DOTA, among others) through the help of different schools, colleges and universities.
“Through the PBA Esports, we can create careers and aspirations. It's not only PBA that benefits but Esports as well. Esports competition is elevated by providing it a professional stage,” he added.
Dark League Studios is boosting its partnerships with the schools leading to a national league and then a Southeast Asian league.
The PBA Esports will resume on Sept. 16 to be followed by the Ultimate Battleground Championships on Oct. 30. (PNA)
