FORGET the old days of waiting hours for a download on a slow connection. The data shows mobile data penetration is climbing past 85 percent nationwide. That number is increasing rapidly. Gamers in Manila, Cebu and Davao want entertainment that fits into their commute or the short break between work shifts.
The biggest shift? Live-streaming integration. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook aren’t just for watching cats anymore. They are becoming primary gaming hubs. We’re seeing engagement rates for streamable mini-games triple compared to traditional mobile titles.
In an exclusive one-on-one online interview with The Manila Times, John Park, head of business development for Xsolla APAC, shares how Xsolla is working with local game developers, educators and ecosystem partners to help Filipino studios reach players in more than 200 countries from Day One.
THE MANILA TIMES (TMT): Please introduce Xsolla to our readers.
JOHN PARK (Park): The company I work for, Xsolla, started as a payment gateway. A payment gateway is basically what processes your credit card transaction when you buy something. We are the middleman that ensures the company at the other end of the transaction receives the money.
We started as a payment gateway for gamers, and now we provide many more services. We offer global monetization and commerce infrastructure. It sounds fancy, but in short, we provide a wide range of tools and services for game publishers.
TMT: This observation has been made: The Philippine gaming industry in 2026 will be dominated by livestreamed mini-games, hyper-localized content and mobile-first engagement. Where is that coming from? Is that a local phenomenon, or are we following a trend that started elsewhere?
Park: I can only speculate. As a heavy gamer who also works in the industry, I can share some perspectives.
I think the trend is happening not only in the Philippines but globally. I’m based in Seoul, South Korea, and I can tell you it’s happening there as well. I also know it’s happening in the US. We’re seeing the same trend across different regions, making it a global phenomenon.
TMT: What makes the Philippines an emerging market for the latest innovations in gaming?
Park: This is my perspective. I don’t personally think the Philippines is an emerging market. When we say “emerging market,” we’re often implying that the revenue is too small or the talent pool isn’t there, among other reasons.
I believe otherwise. The talent pool in the Philippines is very strong, and the revenue potential is huge. What’s accelerating and changing the industry globally, including in the Philippines, is AI. What used to require a large team is now possible for one or two people to accomplish, allowing products and services to be developed and delivered much faster.
To recap, while some people may call the Philippines an emerging market, I believe it has a strong talent pool and significant revenue potential.
TMT: Looking ahead, as gaming evolves from app-based distribution to streaming content, will there be barriers for Filipino investors seeking to scale globally?
Park: Just to rephrase your question: Traditionally, we’ve seen app-based gaming. You go to iOS or Android, download an app and play it. Now you’re asking whether we’re transitioning from app-based gaming to streaming, right?
I could be wrong, but I don’t think app-based gaming is going anywhere anytime soon. It will remain because, for years now, gamers have gathered as communities on Twitch and other live-streaming platforms.
The gaming community has existed for a long time, but what I see today is that advances in technology across different platforms are accelerating that sense of community.
TMT: Beyond being a payment platform, what other businesses does Xsolla have, and how have they performed relative to the opportunities you’ve identified?
Park: I could list everything we do, but the short answer is that we provide tools and services for game publishers. We started with payment processing because publishers wanted to be paid efficiently across different global markets.
Second, publishers want to reach more players. They want people to discover their games more easily. We provide services that support that.
We also operate accelerator programs where developers can learn from mentors and partner institutions how to build, launch and market their games to reach more players.
When we help build a healthy gaming ecosystem in countries such as the Philippines, it benefits not only us but the entire industry. We help expand the market and, hopefully, contribute to the creation of more AAA and AA games while supporting indie studios and other sectors of the gaming industry.
TMT: What do you hope to achieve with your participation in the Gaming Expo?
Park: The quick answer is that we’re coming to provide support. We know the potential and recognize the talent in the Philippines. That’s why we’re participating in the Gaming Expo. Rather than supporting the industry from afar, we want to be there and speak with people in person.