“depa” Launches depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 to Equip People in Thai Gaming Industry with World-Class Standards
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) collaborated with the Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), Infofed Co., Ltd, and Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd, the leading online game developer and provider, to launch the depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 to continue maximizing the potential of people working in the Thai gaming industry so that they will be equipped with standard skills needed in the industry to be on par with the world-class gaming entrepreneurs. The depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 highlights a series of training courses through 4 highly popular game themes with the applications for the project running until January 3, 2022 and the announcement of qualifiers scheduled for January 13, 2022.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa said the digital content industry, including games, characters, and animation, is currently one of the high potential industries that the government wants to promote and support to achieve substantial growth and expansion. The depa as a key agency established to promote development of the digital industry in Thailand has prioritized and supported digital skills development for people in the industry, especially in the gaming industry. Therefore, the depa joined hands with the Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), Infofed Co., Ltd, and Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to initiate the depa Game Accelerator Program as the depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 1 received an overwhelming response with over 30 teams applicating in the first accelerator program. An outstanding achievement of the project is that the Thailand-based “Joojee’s Journey” game developed by DIDTC – Quantum Peaks was promoted before being able to go global on the Nintendo eShop.
Mr. Chatchai Khunpitiluck Senior Executive Vice President of depa said that the depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 aims to promote and develop human resources in the Thai gaming industry so that they will have the same standard skills and potential as the world-class gaming entrepreneurs. It also aims to provide a foundation of a professional gaming developer and entrepreneurship for undergraduates and interested people. The training courses under the accelerator program will be carried out through 4 popular game themes, comprising Action, Adventure, Strategy, and Sport (Casual Game), lasting 42 hours in total. The applications run until January 3, 2022 with the announcement of qualifiers scheduled for January 13, 2022.
“The finalists of each game category will receive an opportunity to grow further with Nintendo (Licensed Developer) and a support fund for developing games as well as a chance to get in touch with potential investors via business matching events, including an opportunity to test their games in the real-world market in order to get real market feedback and suggestions from games players for improving their games before introducing their games in Thailand and abroad. The depa hopes that the depa Game Accelerator Program will serve as a key mechanism in driving growth of the Thai digital content industry, especially the gaming industry,” said Mr. Chatchai.
Mr. Saranpat Sereewiwattana, Vice President of the Thai Game Software Industry Association said the spread of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly accelerated growth of the digital content industry across the globe since people spent more time staying at home. Meanwhile, the Thai digital content industry is forecast to continue its growth momentum over the next three years. The value of the Thai digital content industry in 2021 and 2022 is expected at 49.649 billion baht and 59.136 billion baht, respectively, and might reach 72.703 billion baht in 2023.
“Thai Game Software Industry Association, depa, Infofed, and Garena (Thailand) considered that gaming is an emerging industry that will come to replace certain saturated industries on the back of evolving technologies. The collaborative synergy stands ready to unlock the potential of next-generation people in the industry by initiating incubation and accelerator programs such as the launch of depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 in order to level up the potential and competitiveness of Thai game developers to grow their businesses globally,” said Mr. Saranpat.
Mr. Jirayod Theppipit, Chief Executive Officer of Infofed Co., Ltd. said the digital content industry has seen steady growth and generated enormous revenue for the country. At present, the government is ready to provide support to Thai entrepreneurs in collaboration with the private sector and manpower development programs.
“The depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 will play a key role in driving development of the Thai gaming industry. The accelerator program will help optimize the potential of gaming business operators so that they will be as competitive as world-class gaming entrepreneurs. The accelerator program also aims to improve or level up the Thai gaming industry to meet international standards,” said Mr. Jirayod.
Dr. Sarut Vanichpun, Director of Sea (Thailand) said Sea (Thailand), the provider of leading internet platforms such as Garena, Shopee, and SeaMoney, is pleased to be part of the depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2. We view that the gaming industry has led to new, relevant businesses and professions. Working closely with new-generation people has made us acknowledge that people are increasingly interested in growing their careers in the gaming industry and e-sports. Hence, Garena (Thailand) Co., Ltd wants to leverage its expertise in gaming business and e-sports to enhance the potential of human resources in Thailand in order to move the gaming industry forward. It can generate jobs, employment, and income as well as economic activity and economic value in the country. Particularly, the accelerator program will help maximize the potential of new generations who are the major drivers to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the digital economy.
depa Game Accelerator Program Batch 2 targets to have 40 teams with 10 teams taking part in each game category. One team should comprise 3 – 5 team members. Interested people can follow up on the latest updates and details of the project via Facebook: depa Game Accelerator Program and www.depagameaccelerator.com. The applications run until January 3, 2022 with the announcement of qualifiers scheduled for January 13, 2022.
Source: Triple Eight Ideas
