GDevelop Workshops at LSU in the Philippines with Rinax

We are always super proud of our Community Advocates. These are people who are passionate about games, but also about GDevelop itself. Today, we'll speak to Rinax Antonio, a Filipino and a freshman of La Salle University - Ozamiz City, taking a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He is also a solo indie game developer for Rinexus Games, creator of Stranded on a Raft. Rinax recently held a GDevelop workshop at university, and we sat down to talk about why he chose GDevelop, how it helps in communities such as Ozamiz City, and more. Enjoy!

Rinax at the workshop. Image captured by LSU Tingog Campus Press

Can you please tell us more about the workshop you recently held?

On November 10, 2023, I had the honor of being a guest speaker for a workshop at La Salle University - Ozamiz City, where I introduced students to game development using GDevelop.

The workshop covered the basic fundamentals of the GDevelop game engine, highlighted its advantages, and included practical, hands-on exercises where participants created a simple platformer game. To recognize their active participation and eagerness to delve into the world of game development, all participants were awarded certificates at the end of the workshop.

The workshop was organized by the Student Organization Utilizing the Realm of Computer Eclecticism (SOURCE) , an academic-based organization under the CS/IT (Computer Science & Information Technology) department.

What limitations do you face when developing games where you live, and how do you think GDevelop helps you overcome those limitations?

In our local community, accessibility to game development resources and tools may pose challenges. However, GDevelop serves as a valuable solution, effectively addressing these limitations. One of its standout features is the provision of a user-friendly interface coupled with a visual programming environment.

Students at the workshop. Image captured by Student Organization Utilizing the Realm of Computer Eclecticism.

This dual advantage not only simplifies the game development process but also makes it accessible to beginners, eliminating the necessity for extensive coding skills. GDevelop's intuitive design empowers aspiring game developers in our locality, providing them with a practical and inclusive platform to bring their creative ideas to life, fostering innovation and skill development within our community.

What is the current situation of the education system where you live in regards to game development?

The education system in the Philippines regarding game development varies across schools. While computer science and IT programs are common, the inclusion of game development in curricula differs. Workshops like mine introducing game development tools such as GDevelop, play a crucial role in filling this gap.

These workshops give students hands-on experience, helping them apply their knowledge and skills practically. They contribute to a better understanding of game development and equip students with valuable skills for the industry. Such initiatives encourage creativity and innovation among students interested in game development.

What made you want to teach a workshop using GDevelop at university?

As a passionate advocate for GDevelop, it feels like my duty to spread the word about this easy-to-use tool. So, when I got invited to be a guest speaker for the workshop, I gladly accepted. Their invitation perfectly aligns with my love for GDevelop, and I'm super excited to introduce it to everyone. It's a great opportunity to help them discover the fun side of making games and unleash their creativity.

Students at the workshop. Image captured by LSU Tingog Campus Press.

What's exciting about GDevelop is that you don't need to be a coding genius. It's straightforward, which means everyone, regardless of their tech background, can jump in and start creating. I believe this workshop can open up a new world for the students – a world where they can turn their ideas into cool games without feeling overwhelmed.

Teaching this workshop is not just about buttons and codes; it's about unlocking everyone's creativity. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of awesome games we can make together and inspiring everyone to see the fun and endless possibilities in the world of game development.

What did making Stranded on a Raft teach you that helped you implement the workshops at university?

Creating Stranded on a Raft taught me a lot about using GDevelop. The process really boosted my skills with the tool. Because of this experience, I could make a quick game demo for the workshop. This way, the lessons I shared were hands-on and easy for participants to understand and use.

The whole experience also prepared me to answer questions from the participants during the workshop. It was like a practice run, and now I feel more confident helping others with GDevelop. The game taught me, and now I'm passing on that knowledge to make learning about game development fun and practical for everyone in the workshop.

In what way do universities support workshops like yours, and what can they do to help game development in your area?

To help workshops like mine, it's important for universities to spread the word about them. Let students know what's happening! Teaming up with local game groups and industry folks is also super helpful. It's like making more friends who love games.

Projects at the workshop. Image captured by LSU Tingog Campus Press.

And here's a cool idea: let students show off what they make. Give them a chance to display their games. This not only makes them feel awesome but also makes our game community stronger and more fun. It's like saying, "Hey, look at these amazing games our students are creating!" The more we do this, the more game development becomes a big, exciting thing in our area.
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Huge thanks to Rinax ( follow him on X (formerly Twitter)) for his time for this interview! Please, be sure to check out his game Stranded on a Raft. And also, huge thanks to LSU for supporting Rinax with this workshop!