Earlier this month, Agate’s Director of Business Development returned from GameDev Summit 2025, held against the stunning backdrop of Boracay’s beaches. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the event offered invaluable conversations with industry veterans, making it an enriching experience for us.
Designed to foster conversations and build relationships, the event created an inclusive space for emerging SEA service providers, ensuring visibility beyond the dominance of giant players. This focus on inclusivity made it especially valuable for newer companies looking to break into the global market.
Marking our second appearance at the event, it was exhilarating to witness the rapid growth of Southeast Asia’s external game development industry. With around 300 attendees from 139 companies—from small game studios to gaming giants—the summit was a true melting pot of opportunities and insights.
Sharing The Stage with Industry Leaders
Agate’s Director of Business Development, Vincentius Hening W. Ismawan, takes the stage at the event, bringing “Breaking Barriers in Southeast Asian Game Development” topics along with other notable panelists at Mythbusters Panel Series, including Steve Taylor, Director of Business Development at TransPerfect, Mihai Pohontu, CEO of Amber, Charles Tang, Founder and CEO of Youniverse Games, and moderated by Juney Dijkstra, Operations Director at EA XDI.
Together, they debunked common myths about the SEA gaming industry and highlighted its immense potential as a global hub for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Drawing from 16 years of experience building Agate, Vincent shed light on the region’s highly skilled talent pool, its ability to handle complex projects, and the effectiveness of distributed teams—dispelling misconceptions about quality, communication barriers, and operational challenges.
Beyond Professional Networks: Cultivating Deeper Connections
GDS redefined industry networking with a unique approach—dedicating an entire day to non-work activities. This relaxed setting fostered deeper connections, allowing participants to bond beyond business discussions. Many attendees praised this format for creating lasting relationships that go beyond professional exchanges.
“As a fellow Southeast Asian, I’m incredibly proud to see our region thriving in the global game industry with our unique traits. I believe everyone is eager to see the continued success of this event.”
Vincentius Hening W. Ismawan
Director of Business Development at Agate
Looking Ahead
GameDev Summit 2025 reaffirmed Southeast Asia’s position as a rising force in the global gaming industry. At Agate, we remain committed to fostering innovation and collaboration across the region. We look forward to more breakthroughs, partnerships, and milestones that will propel SEA’s gaming community even further.
If you are interested in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia for gaming, reach out to us at enterprise@agate.id.
