Light & Wonder is embarking on a major expansion drive across Asia, growing the size of its local team significantly and opening new offices and showrooms in the Philippines and Singapore.
Global gaming supplier Light & Wonder has made significant strides in Asia in recent years, substantially increasing its market presence and cementing its status as developer of some of the most enduring game titles across the region. Yet there is no taking such progress for granted.
On 12 February, the company celebrated the launch of its new Philippines office and showroom – a 580 square-meter facility in the heart of the Clark Freeport Zone that will expand its local footprint and complement an existing showroom in Metro Manila.
Light & Wonder is also opening a new office in Singapore – completing a trio of Asian offices alongside its long-time Macau facility – and has unveiled this year a leadership transition under which Glenn Huybrecht now leads the Asian team as Vice President and Managing Director, Asia, with veteran Ken Jolly supporting as VP Strategic Development, Asia.
In the upper echelons, the likes of Light & Wonder’s CEO of Gaming Siobhan Lane, CEO of iGaming Simon Johnson and even group CEO Matt Wilson are regular visitors to Asia, highlighting just how important the region has become to the company’s global strategy.
“Asia is a critical region for Light & Wonder, representing a significant, and growing, share of the global gaming market,” explains Vegas-based Lane, who was in attendance at the Clark office opening.
“Our success in the region is driven by our deep understanding of local player preferences and our commitment to delivering innovative content tailored for the Asian market. Our strategy is focused on sustaining this momentum by investing in new technologies, expanding our footprint and continuing to develop region-specific content that enhances the player experience.”
Light & Wonder’s Asian growth trajectory can be seen in its approach to game studios, with Lane noting that the company now oversees seven studios delivering content for the region, up from three just a few years ago.
These studios are expected to deliver more than 30 titles for Asia in 2025, aided by a meaningfully enhanced investment into research and development (R&D).
However, it is the company’s new office and showroom space in the Philippines and its new Singapore office that Light & Wonder is particularly enthused about.
“Our new showroom in Clark is a game-changer for Light & Wonder in Asia,” explains Lane. “This facility allows us to showcase our latest products in a state-of-the-art environment, giving our customers hands-on experience with our robust product portfolio. Strategically located in the heart of the Philippines’ gaming industry, this showroom strengthens our ability to collaborate with partners and demonstrate our commitment to the region.”
Likewise, the soon-to-open Singapore office is in a “key hub” for Light & Wonder’s Asian operations, “providing a central location for supporting our partners across multiple jurisdictions,” according to Lane. “The new office will serve as a key base for our commercial and product teams, allowing us to respond quickly to market needs and collaborate more effectively with customers.”
On the personnel front, Light & Wonder believes the recent leadership transition involving Huybrecht and Jolly provides a power duo that can drive the company forward, with Huybrecht driving broader growth strategy and Jolly focusing on business development in new markets such as Japan and Thailand, among other responsibilities.
In total, Light & Wonder’s Asian team now totals around 80 people including 15 in the Philippines, with expectations of further expansion as other opportunities emerge.
“We recognize the immense potential in expanding markets such as Japan, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as the growing iGaming sector in the Philippines,” says Lane. “The company’s success in Asia requires a long-term commitment, investment and a deep understanding of the region’s unique product requirements.
“Our continued investment in Asia reflects our unwavering commitment to growth and leadership in the region. By expanding our team and strengthening our product portfolio, we are positioning Light & Wonder for long-term success. Asia remains one of the most dynamic gaming markets in the world, and we are fully dedicated to delivering the best products, experiences and support to our customers and players.”
