Valorant has been around for 6 years already and counting. What started as a fun game that people played during the pandemic is still being played today. Now, in the Philippines, Valorant is a very big game. We’re not just talking about past-time fun, but it’s also a game that has reached big heights in the esports scene.
How Big is Valorant in the Philippines?
Here are some reasons why and how the game has gotten so big. It’s a fun little nugget of details that we can look at.
Convenience to access
Valorant is a PC game; unlike a game like Mobile Legends (for Mobile), most Filipinos don’t own a PC. That’s because a PC is expensive, but a mobile phone that can run Mobile Legends can be easily bought. That’s the beauty of it: in the Philippines, internet cafes or PISONETS exist. A PISONET is similar to an internet cafe but is very affordable. Just slide in a coin, and you can play for X amount of time with the coin that you put in. Just put more coins, and you can keep using the PC.
Some can also afford to buy a PC, and the game itself is not demanding. You don’t need a high-end PC to run Valorant, so most Filipinos play at home. Don’t forget that the game is free. Even without paying for the game’s paid items, Filipinos can enjoy the game.
Streamers and influencers are playing the game
Mobile Legends rose to fame because of Filipino streamers like AkoSiDogie. Now, in the case of Valorant, a lot of streamers and influencers played the game. Whether they were good at it is a bit questionable, but it brought eyes during a time when most Filipinos were stuck at home. A lot of those Filipinos who played the game back in 2020 are now older and have more time and money to play. At the same time, the streamers were being used to promote the game.
The ESports scene is alive
Fun and games with Valorant are fine, but people are getting into the pro scene. It’s not just for fun because there are also those who set up organizations and teams to play for money. Whether it’s for a local tournament with short-term prizes, people like it. Here at Bonaksu as well, timely competitions for regular Filipinos are a thing. You can check out Bonaksu’s social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, or even join the Discord through this LINK.
The Valorant Challengers Philippines, or VCL, is one of the biggest events. It’s actually sanctioned by RIOT (creators of Valorant) and will allow Filipino teams to qualify for the international tournaments. Filipinos who love the game can always dream of joining these qualifying matches. You have some powerhouse teams like NAOS Esports, Oasis Gaming, and so much more. You can always start small with your friends. Team up with them, and who knows, you may rise up to the challenge and join bigger tournaments. There is a career to be made when you have the skills. The Esports scene for Valorant and other games is still on the rise, and it can only get bigger.
