Last week, over 7,000 gamers from the Philippines and beyond gathered in Manila for the YGG Play Summit, one of the biggest Web3 gaming events in the world. The two-day event wasn’t just about games; it focused on the vital role content creators play in building communities and connecting players with the fast-evolving Web3 gaming landscape.
Content Creators Take the Spotlight
In Web3 gaming, content creators do more than entertain. They simplify tricky concepts like blockchain and digital asset ownership, making these technologies accessible to gamers everywhere. Creators are storytellers, educators, and community leaders—roles that were front and center at the YGG Play Summit.
“Creators are the face of the gaming space,” said YellowPanther, co-founder of Gaming Grid and Official Ambassador to the summit. Named the GAM3S.GG 2024 Content Creator of the Year, he shared advice for aspiring creators: “Start posting and stay consistent—your next piece might just go viral.”
YellowPanther wasn’t the only celebrated creator in attendance. Sam Steffanina, the 2023 Content Creator of the Year, joined the event alongside his WolvesDAO co-founder Payton Kaleiwahea. Together, they hosted CreatorDEN, a space where 15 Web3 gaming creators could connect, create, and learn from one another.
Learning and Networking for Creators
The summit was packed with opportunities for creators to grow their skills. YGG’s Web3 Metaversity held a Creator Masterclass, featuring insights from experienced names like Carlo Ople and Kookoo Crypto. They shared tips on building authentic communities and creating content tailored to Web3 audiences—whether seasoned crypto enthusiasts or complete newcomers.
There was also MatchPlay, a speed networking event organized by Southeast Asian agency Madeviral. Nearly 70 creators met with Web3 gaming companies like Pixelmon and SpaceNation to explore collaboration opportunities. Panels led by popular figures like cosplay queen Myrtle Sarossa offered advice for creators looking to transition from traditional gaming to Web3.
Showcasing Filipino Talent and Innovation
A highlight of the summit was the premiere of Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW), a short film about how Web3 gaming is creating opportunities for Filipinos to work and thrive without leaving home. The film followed community members who have turned their passion for gaming into full-fledged careers, from Esports Captains to Mommy Influencers.
The event also featured a Game Jam competition where teams of developers competed to create blockchain-based games. The winners wowed audiences with creative projects, like Kusho Guardians, which featured AI-driven characters integrated with crypto wallets.
Cosplay and Community Spirit
No gaming event is complete without cosplay, and the YGG Play Summit delivered. Cosplayers from across the country showed off their skills, with Izaiah Buelos winning top honors for his portrayal of KAY/O from Valorant. The cosplay competition highlighted how creativity in gaming extends far beyond the digital world.
A Bright Future for Web3 Gaming
The summit wrapped up with thought-provoking discussions about ethics and transparency in Web3 content creation. These roundtable talks will shape a report on best practices for the industry, set to be published next year.
The YGG Play Summit wasn’t just a celebration of gaming—it was a glimpse into the future of Web3. By bringing creators, gamers, and industry leaders together, the event highlighted how storytelling, technology, and community-building can drive the next big shift in gaming.
From its Manila roots to its global reach, the summit proved that Web3 gaming is more than a trend—it’s a movement, and creators are at the heart of it.
Check out our previous YGG articles!
Read More:
YGG Play Summit: The Web3 Gaming Mecca! – VRSUS
YGG Play Summit 2024 – Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Miss Even A Single Day – VRSUS
