Roleplaying Games in the Philippines: 2009 edition

Roleplaying games have not necessarily had a very strong foothold in the minds of the Philippine public, and the very phrase RPG summons images of dimly lit computer rental shops and clicking away at MMORPGs to the sound of broken speakers and the scent of cigarette smoke.  Now, years after D&D brought about a resurgence of attention to the hobby, and ushered in a new wave of players… there has been a distinct lack of follow through.

Retail

I’m sorry to say that finding any form of reliable source for books is almost impossible.  D&D 4e has finally surfaced in the local distributor of Magic: the Gathering, but I don’t recall seeing any form of marketing effort to push the game beyond the launch.  Add the fact that the store only sells D20’s but not the Polyhedral sets of dice shows a distinct lack of interest in actually getting new gamers to try it.  I think I saw the 4e dice set there once, but I don’t recall seeing more than a single box in all the stores I’ve been to.

That said, there’s a growing interest in board games, and that’s not too far away from RPGs.  As people become more open to such hobbies, RPGs may yet find their niche again.

Internet Presence

The situation is intriguing.  Tiny pockets of RPG enthusiasts play games with their own small circle of friends, but never really reaching out to find others who share their hobby.  Those that do, have found solace in the internet, going to places like RPG.net, or ENWorld, where they can participate and share their enthusiasm with others that understood it.

I am one of those.

When I started this blog, it was on a whim.  Much like the SETI project, I began blogging without a certain audience, broadcasting into space, wondering if I’d actually find my words read by those who shared not only my hobbies, but those of my nationality.  I had hoped to share my ideas, my words and my discoveries for everyone.

I’m proud to say that my efforts have not been in vain.  Several people have contacted me via email or the comments, whether just to share ideas, or to meet up and talk shop, or join my gaming group for a few sessions.  These are all welcome events, and gives me hope in seeing that even with the poor retail situation, people are doing what they can to get their books.

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With the state of RPGs in the Philippines, it’s easy enough to get disheartened.  However, the prevalence of more affordable PDF products, the increased presence of gaming communities over the internet are good signs for a third world country.