LA PERLAS: VIDEO GAMES FOR ADVOCATING FILIPINO CULTURE USING UNREAL ENGINE AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The inadvertent effort to maximize technology to preserve Filipino knowledge has contributed to the lack of cultural literacy in the Philippines. Acknowledging the fact that some cultural properties are not readily accessible today,  the researchers aimed to develop a game prototype that focuses on Filipino culture utilizing Unreal Engine and Photogrammetry technologies. The study found that majority of the respondents had problems identifying the selected Filipino-context in video games, which reinforce the research suggestion to raise awareness. In relation, the majority of respondents expressed high satisfaction with the prototype demo, indicating that the prototype was well-received. The significance of video games as a tool for promoting Filipino culture address the lack of maximizing technology to preserve Filipino knowledge. The study also proved that video games can be successfully used to promote Filipino culture and provide knowledge, and that there is an active effort to promote cultural legacies through video games.

Purpose

La Perlas is a prototype developed by  BSIT 3-2 Students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Quezon City, serving as a pioneering research endeavor in utilizing tools such as  Unreal Engine and Photogrammetry to advocate Filipino culture through video games. This innovative initiative aims to redefine traditional cultural preservation methods by leveraging modern gaming platforms, thereby enabling widespread global access to the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage.

Game Story

Survive the eerie mysteries of a remote Philippine island and uncover its dark secrets in La Perlas, a gripping survival horror game." Players will navigate the perilous barangay terrain using stealth as an option and resourcefulness to survive encounters with mysterious adversaries. The Player must survive and explore the narrative that offers a new and immersive gameplay experience with elements of Filipino culture. With tense encounters and strategic gameplay mechanics, La Perlas promises an adrenaline-fueled journey through the unknown.

System Requirements

Minimum System Requirements	Recommended System Requirements
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 2600 / Intel Core i5-7500	CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 / Intel Core i7 8700
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 560 / Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti	GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5700 / Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
RAM: 8GB	RAM: 16GB
Storage: 4GB Available Storage	Storage: 4GB Available Storage
OS: Windows 10/11	S: Windows 10/11
DirectX: DX11 and DX 12	DirectX: DX11 and DX 12

Note: The game is a prototype and currently on casual development because the purpose of the game has been finished, with the following months it will be casually revamped and fixing bugs that are present on previous builds.

FAQ's

Q: When will La Perlas be released? 

A: La Perlas is a proof of concept video game, a prototype for our research. It will be released as a whole game when funding is achieved or when it is ready.

Q: Is La Perlas released on other platforms?

 A: Not for now. We plan to release it on PC first, then consoles will be in the future.

Q: Will La Perlas be a commercial game? 

A: It is planned to be released commercially but on a different name, right now we are looking for publishers to pitch and send our game. Currently, we are refining it for you to play and give us insights.