THE Excelsior Mapuan Creatives, a team of three student game developers from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, emerged as National Champions at the Level Up eSports Game Development Challenge (student category), a key event of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2024 held on November 28. Their game, Cordillera Chronicles, captivated judges with its deep cultural narrative and innovative gameplay, outshining top university teams from across the country.
The competition brought together 10 of the country’s best universities and 23 top-performing teams, highlighting the intersection of Science, Technology, and Creativity in game development. The team—Abdul Adzis Abpet, Guillan Guillan Fredd Parreno, and Debbie Shane Getigan—proudly represented Region XI, proving that Davao-based developers can compete at the highest level.
Cordillera Chronicles is a Top-Down Fantasy Multiplayer Role-Playing Game (RPG) inspired by an age-old superstition—"Never curse your elders, or an evil spirit will come to haunt you." What was once considered folklore becomes terrifying reality in the game, immersing players in an interactive horror-fantasy world that draws inspiration from Cordilleran myths and traditions.
“What set Cordillera Chronicles apart was its narrative depth. It wasn’t just a game—it was a cultural experience,” said the team leader Abdul Adzis Abpet.
The game features a Moral Consequence System, where a player’s choices influence the world around them, shaping how spirits and NPCs react. This dynamic storytelling, coupled with challenging gameplay and stunning visuals, set Cordillera Chronicles apart from other entries.
Despite their passion and vision, the team faced significant challenges. With only three members, each had to take on multiple roles, including programming, audio design, writing, and game development. The six-month development period was both physically and mentally demanding, yet they remained determined. Their victory was both unexpected and deeply rewarding.
“We were shocked. While we were confident in our game, we never expected to emerge as the national champions, especially against such talented and passionate teams. It was a victory that validated our dedication and love for game development,” Abpet added.
According to the team, several publishers and investors have already expressed interest in supporting the game’s further development, and the team hopes to bring Cordillera Chronicles to PC and console platforms, ensuring that a wider audience can experience its culturally rich storytelling.
The team emphasized the need for stronger institutional support to help nurture local talent. such as more game development competitions and mentorship programs to connect young developers with industry professionals, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to succeed.
The team’s victory highlights the growing potential of game development in the Philippines, a sector now receiving strong support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Esports World Federation (ESWF) to boost the gaming and esports industry, recognizing its economic and technological impact. With the Philippines ranking 18th in the world in esports earnings and boasting over 43 million active gamers, this partnership aims to develop talent, create industry opportunities, and showcase Filipino game developers on the global stage.
Following their win, the team is eager to expand and refine the game. They plan to introduce open-world exploration, allowing players to roam a breathtaking Cordilleran landscape, as well as additional folklore-inspired quests to showcase lesser-known Filipino myths. PR
