WP Connect: Cultures in Play — Bridging Education, Esports, and Industry Experience Across Southeast Asia

WP Connect: Cultures in Play — Bridging Education, Gaming, and Industry Experience Across Southeast Asia

WP Connect by WP/Gaming continues to shape the next generation of gaming professionals through workshops, mentorship, and international immersions. The recent “Cultures in Play” workshop in Bangkok and the Gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show immersion highlight how Filipino students are learning from and connecting with the global gaming ecosystem.

Connecting Cultures, Building Futures

In the fast-growing world of gaming and esports, education and exposure are key to transforming passion into purpose. For aspiring students and professionals, understanding how the gaming ecosystem works—beyond playing—sets the foundation for leadership in this industry. That’s the goal of WP Connect, WP/Gaming’s learning and immersion initiative that bridges academia, industry, and culture.

“Through programs like Cultures in Play, we’re shaping future professionals who don’t just play in the ecosystem— they help create and grow it.”

— Antonio Gatmaitan, WP Gaming, CMO

WP Connect: Thailand Workshop — Cultures in Play

Ahead of Gamescom Asia, WP Connect hosted a special workshop in Bangkok, developed with local partners in Thailand. The session explored how creators, communities, brands, and institutions collaborate to build a sustainable gaming culture across Southeast Asia.

Immersion at Gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show

Filipino student ambassadors from Next Gen 2025, the Letran Cyberknights, and the FiberX Student League then joined WP/Gaming for an immersion at Gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025. Curated tours and meetups turned the convention into a live classroom.

Key Takeaways from the Immersion:

Industry Insights —The students gained a deeper understanding of the gaming ecosystem — from development and publishing to marketing, events, and agencies. They observed how global brands promote both legacy titles and new releases, and how gamers in Thailand and other regions engage with these experiences differently from those in the Philippines. These insights opened discussions on how local creators, schools, and organizers can adapt and apply similar practices to elevate the gaming culture back home.

Professional Networking —Beyond the exhibitions and showcases, the immersion fostered meaningful connections. The students met with game developers, brand representatives, fellow Southeast Asian delegates, and creators — forming new friendships and professional networks. This exchange helped them realize that networking in the gaming industry is not just about opportunity, but about building genuine relationships within a passionate global community.

Global Collaboration —The event also highlighted how gaming serves as a universal language that transcends geography and culture. While every country has its own favorite titles and playstyles, the shared enthusiasm for games unites everyone under one creative ecosystem. This inspired the students to see the Philippines not as a separate market, but as part of a larger regional and global gaming community that thrives through collaboration and cultural exchange.

Empowering the Next Generation

WP Connect continues to serve as a bridge between education and the gaming industry, helping young talents turn their passion into real career paths. By combining learning, mentorship, and immersion, WP/Gaming nurtures a new generation ready to build the next chapter of esports, content creation, and digital entertainment.

Stay tuned for the next events of WPGaming!

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