THE Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) wants to create higher-skilled jobs in the outsourcing industry amid the threat of automation.

“The lower hanging fruits might disappear soon because of automation,” GDAP President Alvin Juban said in an interview on Monday.

GDAP is seeking P7-8 million in annual government funding to localize a certification program for computer graphics.

Mr. Juban said the association created an English-language version of the Japanese Computer Graphic Arts Society test.

“We want the teachers certified and the certification body is us,” he said.

The CG Creator Certification Exam measures the test-takers’ knowledge in computer graphics, the results of which are currently recognized by over 70 prominent computer graphics, games, and animation studios in Japan.

This year, GDAP targets 2000 test-takers as it introduces the first translated test in the country in July.

The association has reached out to the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry to back the seed funding of the program for two to three years.

“Hopefully, every year they can provide it,” Mr. Juban said, noting that not all government agencies have fully committed yet.

GDAP is also looking for investors to back original content from the game development industry, with Mr. Juban saying that the country needs to institutionalize investment to improve the success rate in a high-risk industry.

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines cut growth figures under a road map through 2022 due to geopolitical challenges, protectionism and automation.

The industry cut its revenue targets to a compound annual growth of 3.5-7.5% from 9.2% set in 2016, based on a study conducted by the Everest Group.

The combined animation and game development subsectors’ target fell to 6.8-11.7% from 14%. — Jenina P. Ibañez

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