\n<\/p>\n
An IMDA spokesperson told CNA that the agency develops Singapore’s film, television and short-form digital content sectors through initiatives such as the Talent Accelerator Programme and the Digital Content and Capability Development Programme.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe remain open to reviewing opportunities in emerging areas in response to evolving industry needs,” they added.<\/p>\n
The Economic Development Board and Singapore Tourism Board told CNA that the country remains “an attractive location for games companies”, noting leading industry players based here including Nintendo, HoYoverse, LightSpeed Studios and Razer.<\/p>\n
“We work closely with industry partners to support the sector’s growth,” said the agencies in a joint statement.<\/p>\n
Companies setting up in Singapore for game development activities \u2013 such as publishing as well as research and development \u2013 tap on the country’s talent pool, access to regional markets and strong intellectual property (IP) protection, creating diverse career opportunities for Singaporeans, they added.<\/p>\n
“As technologies and industry trends evolve, we will continue to work with companies to strengthen industry-relevant training and provide opportunities for talent to gain practical experience,” both agencies said.<\/p>\n
Moving forward, Singapore should tap its comparative strengths to drive its gaming sector forward, said observers.<\/p>\n
Dr Xu of NUS said more focus should be placed on higher-value activities, such as creative leadership, game design, technology development, IP management and regional business operations.<\/p>\n
One possible approach is a hub-and-spoke model, with Singapore serving as the centre for such functions while selected production activities are undertaken in lower-cost locations such as Malaysia, Indonesia or Vietnam, she said.<\/p>\n
Assoc Prof Dillon said that instead of competing with lower costs elsewhere, Singapore would benefit from focusing on becoming “the place where the most valuable decisions are made and the most sophisticated technical work is done”.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted Singapore’s education system and ability to produce skilled and adaptable talent as something that cannot be offshored.<\/p>\n
Industry observers and players alike also called for the development of locally-owned IP, which would help Singapore retain greater economic value from completed products in the long term.<\/p>\n
This includes potential revenue from licensing, sequels and related products for successful games, said Dr Xu.<\/p>\n
To this end, Assoc Prof Dillon said it was encouraging that the local industry has already produced games that are “both distinctly Singaporean and also globally exportable”.<\/p>\n
For instance, The Gentlebros’ Cat Quest franchise has won international recognition, while fellow local developer Springloaded has built a following with Let’s Build a Zoo and Let’s Build a Dungeon.<\/p>\n
Asian Salad Studio’s Mr Neo noted a strong sense of mutual support within Singapore’s vibrant community of independent developers.<\/p>\n
The Gentlebros’ Mr Wong said that smaller studios like his have their strengths too. For instance, they are able to pivot and move faster to leverage on ongoing events, unlike bigger studios where major decisions can take weeks, he said.<\/p>\n
“All in all, I would still say it is feasible even in today’s climate,” said Mr Wong.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“There are still opportunities and the potential for success \u2013 the bar is simply higher now.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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