How the Philippine gaming and eSports community can build its reputation

They say you reap what you sow, but oftentimes people judge you based on what’s immediately visible instead of looking at the bigger picture. You could say this is true with gaming’s negative reputation in the mainstream media. The reports of violence and crimes related to gaming have only made its image worse. But just because the media often chooses to show the negative side of gaming doesn’t mean we aren’t guilty of anything either.

See: The Filipino media’s hate for gaming, and why that’s wrong

In a statement recently issued by Mineski’s CEO Ronald Robins, he cited that one reason the Philippines’ mainstream media points towards the negative is because of its “ignorance towards the community”. I was quite glad that he pointed out one problem and that he saw it as a challenge, but was honestly quite let down that it ended with a vague solution. We already know the problem. What are we to do about it?

The Philippine gaming and eSports industry moving as one

If we want eSports to be treated like a professional sport, we must first behave like one. Right now, we have big Philippine eSports groups, but no governing body to set rules, guidelines, and standards essential for us to work as one organized community heading towards one goal. I understand that these organizations are businesses competing with each other, but isn’t it equally important to take care of the industry in which they operate?

Right now, setting the standards for players, teams, organizations, tournaments, and events should be one of the community’s top priorities. What kind of image should the organizations be promoting for the gaming and eSports industry? What kind of values do we want our gamers to have? What kind of example are our players setting for their fans?

Being able to pinpoint a common goal will help set the proper image the community is aiming for and will help keep organizations from stepping on each other’s toes. Having a set of rules and guidelines to follow will keep us in line with each other’s goals and will also give a better impression not only with the non-gaming community, but also with sponsors and supporters, which is beneficial for everyone in the industry.

Responsible gaming and proper etiquette

Let’s face it. The reason gaming is often associated with failing classes and crime is because it happens. Reducing the number of occurrences can be a herculean task and honestly, no one can tell a person —gamer or not — to study diligently if he doesn’t want to. After all, you can lead the horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. However, we shouldn’t limit our concept of responsible gaming and etiquette to just studying.

See: Getting your priorities right: this 13-year old finalist at the Tekken Global Championship knows how

Take social media for instance. Social media is one of the best ways to express ideas and is also one of the most common places where people make fools out of themselves. We’re no exception to that rule. Leaving immature and aggressive comments doesn’t show people that ‘we don’t care’. It instead proves that this community is made up of childish and irresponsible people. This also applies to attending gaming events where we can start by lining up properly and throwing trash where it’s supposed to be —in the trash can.

Keeping the doors of communication open

Since we already know that many people know little to nothing about the gaming community, one of the best things we can do is to communicate to achieve an understanding with other people. We say that gaming is about teamwork and perseverance, but what have we done so far to prove that? We say we want respect, but what have we done to deserve it? We say they don’t understand, but have we made any effort to see each other eye-to-eye?