Digital entertainment platform Casino Plus has launched a short-form vertical drama series inspired by one of its online games as part of its broader digital content strategy targeting today's mobile-first audience.
In a statement released Thursday, Casino Plus said the initiative reflects evolving viewing habits, with more consumers turning to short-form video content on smartphones and social media platforms.
"The local entertainment market is evolving rapidly from long-form television toward premium, short-form vertical reels," said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma.
The company noted that the first episode of Bathala, which premiered on July 9, attracted nearly 80,000 views across its social media channels during its first week.
The three-week series, with new episodes released weekly throughout July, is inspired by the Bathala game and reimagines Tagalog mythology through the story of Mayari, the moon goddess, as she seeks to transform Bathala's "Great Formation" into a modern digital game.
"With Bathala, we are embracing this shift by combining cinema-grade production with mobile-first distribution," Spytma said. "The series delivers culturally relevant storytelling in a format that reflects how today's audiences discover and consume entertainment."
The second episode was scheduled for release on July 16, with additional episodes rolling out over the remainder of the month.
Casino Plus, which is licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), said the project forms part of its efforts to expand audience engagement through original digital content while complementing its gaming platform.
In line with PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, the company also reminded players that gaming should be enjoyed for entertainment purposes only and should never be regarded as a source of income or financial relief.
