Via Google Play’s Indie Games Accelerator (IGA)
THE mobile gaming industry in the Philippines has seen remarkable growth, offering local startup companies like Ranida Games significant opportunities for advancement. To further support these developers, Google Play’s Indie Games Accelerator (IGA) program has become a valuable resource.
The IGA is a specialized mentorship and education initiative by Google, designed to nurture promising game developers. Every year, the program selects a group of talented developers for an intensive 10-week course, aimed at bolstering their growth on the Android and Google Play platform.
In 2022, Filipino game developer Ranida Games joined the IGA program, representing the Philippines as the sole participant. The focus of their participation was to receive support and guidance in the development and enhancement of their debut title, Vita Fighters. This mobile fighting game pays tribute to pop culture, anime, and classic games in the fighting genre, incorporating a 3D-block aesthetic inspired by Sega’s Virtua Fighter.
With a team of just 12 members based in Manila, Ranida initially launched Vita Fighters on the Google Play Store. After years of perseverance, their acceptance into the IGA program was a game-changer, providing them with the necessary expertise to improve the game and scale up for greater success.
Vita Fighters aims to be an immersive and epic mobile fighting game that appeals to both casual gamers and fighting game veterans. Ranida emphasizes its user-friendly touchscreen controls, which offer nuanced gameplay. With a complex combo system akin to Capcom’s Street Fighter, the game has the potential to achieve the success of popular titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Call of Duty Mobile.
The IGA not only helped Ranida build a solid mobile video game but also imparted valuable knowledge on analytics and optimizing their Google Play Store page. As a result, Vita Fighters’ conversion rate has increased from 18 percent to an impressive 22 percent.
Walter Manalo, Ranida Games’ managing partner and co-founder, expressed his optimism, stating that the IGA experience marked the beginning of their journey towards growth and success. The program equipped them with essential tools and valuable insights through its mentors.
Ben Joseph Banta, Ranida’s CEO and studio head, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the benefits they gained from IGA, especially in terms of analytics and marketing.
Ranida’s ultimate goal is to expand globally, reaching a wider audience and increasing revenue. Their involvement in the IGA not only provided them with a chance to showcase Vita Fighters’ potential but also connected them with a supportive community of like-minded developers from around the world.
The sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among IGA participants helped Ranida feel part of a global family. The program has not only empowered passionate developers and designers but has also enriched the gaming experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
Thanks to Google and IGA, creations like Vita Fighters from regions that were previously underappreciated can now offer more diverse mobile gaming options for users to enjoy.
For those interested, Vita Fighters is available for download on the Google Play Store. To learn more about the IGA program, visit its official website for further details.
