Filipino gamers bleed green as Razer opens concept store

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – On Saturday, August 15, gaming peripheral and laptop company Razer launched its second concept store at the SM City North EDSA.

With the purpose of showing gamers the possibilities of using the right technology, the concept store allowed Razer fans and gamers to get a hands-on feel of Razer’s top-tier gaming products. Min-Liang Tan, Co-founder, CEO, and creative director of Razer, was present at the inauguration. Popular cosplaying sisters Alodia and Ashley Gosengfiao joined him.

After the launch of the first concept store in Taipei in May 2015, Razer asked fans through social media where they should put up their concept store next. Among all the responses, the Filipino fans were heard the most.

“We love to hear from our community, and now that we’ve seen how enthusiastic they are about getting a store in the Philippines, we are really excited about opening the doors of RazerStore in Manila,” Min said.

The concept store opening was preceded with much fanfare. Razer announced that the first hundred fans with Razer peripherals on hand or are in cosplay will be given a Kraken Neon Pro, one of Razer’s iconic headsets.

Meanwhile, the first five hundred fans will receive Razer goodies such as L33t packs and t-shirts. This resulted in hundreds of fans camping just outside SM City North EDSA a day before the launch.

“Iba dito mga one o’clock pa nandito. Ako mga 4 o’clock ng hapon nakarating,” a fan with a Razer keyboard and headset at hand proudly exclaimed. (Some of us have been here since one o’clock in the afternoon. I arrived at four o’clock.)

However, it was also due to this excitement that things got a little out of hand. Organizers did not expect the large horde of dedicated Razer fans who showed up a few hours before the opening.

“Medyo nagkakagulo po kasi hindi na po malaman kung ano na talaga yung counting, sino po ba talaga nauna. May unofficial counting po kasi tapos nung biglang dumami hindi na po tinuloy yun.” a fan explained during the chanting and commotion at the mall’s entrance. (It was a little chaotic because we could not tell what the counting is and who really lined up first. There was an unofficial count but when more people suddenly appeared it was discontinued.) 

“Sana naayos na lang yung linya. Natatakot kami na baka di makakuha ng Kraken kahit kahapon pa kami nakapila. Sayang naman effort namin pag ganun,” said a concerned fan who claimed he was in line since Friday evening. (We wish the lines were more organized. We fear that we might not get a Kraken even though we’ve been here since yesterday. Our efforts will be wasted if that happens.)

Despite the chaos, Min gave recognition to the “crazy Razer fans” who lined up early and announced that Razer will be giving away 250 Kraken Neon Pros instead of the initial 100.

He also told Filipino fans that their love for the product is the reason why the second RazerStore launched in the Philippines instead of other “wealthier” countries.

Min gave a quick speech before the cutting of ribbons, acknowledging all the fans who lined up for the opening a day before.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, fans were promptly given a tour of the store. They were not disappointed. While not allowed to purchase any items until Monday, gasps of delight were audibly heard from fans as they stepped into the store. Sets of Razer peripherals lined the sides of the store, as Razer laptops and PCs were placed in the center.

Fans were able to use everything available and were encouraged to give all the items a test run. A sign at one of the PCs displayed that gamers can make an advanced booking to use the Razer PCs and laptops for a total of two hours.

The unique RazerStore allows gamers to have an immersive experience with Razer’s products.

“I love it! I love the fact that none of the items were inside glass shelves and can all be used. Gaming stores usually just lock (the items) up and leave gamers to just admire them from afar. We never know if it’s worth the thousands of pesos since we can’t test it out first,” said one fan after his tour.

“This is everything we expected it to be. We wish that there’s a support or service center with this Razer Store so that customer service won’t be difficult,” said another.

Gamers were then ushered back out to the stage for a quick meet and greet with Min and the Gosengfiao sisters where they had their Razer items and other personal possessions signed.

RazerStore items will be available for sale starting Monday, August 17. – Rappler.com