Love it or hate it, the gaming industry is well and alive in the Philippines. You can see it on the streets where hundreds of Internet gaming cafes are still open making a living from the droves of gamers looking to play a quick game of LoL or DoTA 2. You can see it in the occasional gaming conventions or tournaments held all over the country. Most importantly and most recently, you see it in the support given by international gaming hardware companies like Razer.
Fandoms salivating over the latest gadgets and gizmos from companies like Razer, ASUS ROG, and MSI epitomize what it means to be a gamer in this country. These brands are sold here through retailers and stores nationwide. Now, the Philippines gaming world has cause to celebrate with the opening of the Philippines’ first ever Razer standalone concept store, located at the 4th Floor of The Annex at SM City North EDSA. More than being the first ever store in the country, this standalone Razer Store is the second ever in Asia, with the first being in Syntrend Creative Park, Taipei.
Indeed, the gaming world did celebrate. At the store’s launch weekend, Filipino gamers lined up as early as the afternoon before the opening. The launch itself was attended by thousands who packed The Annex and its adjoining roads to breaking point. While it may be chaotic, everyone enjoyed the launch of one of the world’s leading gaming equipment brands here in the country. In fact, the launch was attended by none other than Razer co-founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan.
The CEO shared with us how the Philippines’ first Razer concept store came to be. “We didn’t do any market study or anything. We just listened to the fans. They wanted us to be here, so we’re here,” said Tan. It shows the brand’s dedication to its motto, “For Gamers. By Gamers.”
Tan himself is an avid gamer. Design wise, the Razer Store doesn’t look like your usual hardware store. It’s meant for gamers. This new Razer store is outfitted with six gaming stations for public use, consisting of five Razer Blade gaming laptops, one NZXTH440, and a selection of professional-grade Razer peripherals. This gives Razer customers a true try-before-you-buy experience with Razer’s technology.
When asked what else we can expect from Razer’s presence here in the country, Tan hinted at more advanced gaming hardware which will eventually be brought here in the Philippines, including virtual reality technology, which hasn’t seen much exposure in the country. He also promised more support and presence from Razer during local and national gaming conventions. Finally, he says that other Razer locations like Cebu are possible in the Philippines. “It all depends on the fans,” he adds.
The Razer Store is located at the fourth level of Cyberzone, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, Manila.
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