From January 31 to March 31, 2024, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) hosted “30 Lives,” a two-month interactive exhibition featuring developed games created by students from the Interactive Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (IEMC) and Game Design and Development (GDD) programs of the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. The exhibit transformed the museum into a vibrant arena where art, technology, and play intertwined, highlighting games as both creative expression and contemporary art form.
The showcase presented a diverse collection of student-developed games that explored storytelling, aesthetics, and player experience through innovative design. Featured alongside Benilde’s Game Design and Development student works were installations and video pieces by renowned Korean media artist Heecheon Kim, whose creations examined themes of digital identity, perception, and movement. The juxtaposition of student work with Kim’s professional practice created a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogue that bridged education and the global art landscape.
In attendance to show their support were Special Assistant to the Chancellor Mr. Norman Lee and Chancellor Mr. Benhur Ong, together with Benilde faculty members Mr. Lamberto Ongkingco Jr., Dr. Beatrice Lapa, Mr. Bryan Galecio, and Ms. Veronica Gamboa. Their presence underscored Benilde’s strong institutional support for creative innovation and the integration of technology and art within academic development. The faculty team mentored the students throughout the preparation of their exhibits, ensuring that each project achieved both technical excellence and artistic depth.
Through “30 Lives,” Benilde and MCAD reaffirmed their shared mission of championing interdisciplinary collaboration, digital artistry, and creative education. By positioning game development within a contemporary art context, the exhibition demonstrated how games can serve as cultural artifacts and platforms for artistic exploration—continuing Benilde’s vision of nurturing creators who redefine the boundaries of interactive media.
