Riot Games is set to release the very first Filipina agent in its 5v5 tactical first-person shooting game Valorant.
Riot released a trailer-teaser of the new agent named Neon on Wednesday, Jan. 5 and Filipino players and fans were quick to point out details of PH representation from the production to the final output of the trailer.
The new high-octane, fast-paced Duelist who appeared to have the ability to sprint, slide and create double-phoenix walls, was designed by Filipino Ryan Cousart. Neon, who spoke some Filipino lines in the trailer, was also brought to life by Filipina voice actress Vanille Velasquez
“Have been so excited to share this with you all! I am so grateful to have had an opportunity to be part of creating our first Filipino agent, as a Filipino designer. Can’t wait for you all to see more :) Welcome Neon!,” said Cousart.
“I am unbelievably honored, stoked and PROUD AF to announce that I am the voice of VALORANT Agent 19 NEON! This has been such a dream come true. I'm kind of at a loss right now. This doesn't feel real. I can't believe I'm really saying this right now,” said Velasquez in a tweet.
"One of the things I’m most grateful to Riot for is that they gave me this almost free reign in improvising Tagalog for Neon. I take it as a responsibility and I’m so honored they trusted me. I only want the best for Neon, to make all of you proud of her and the work we’ve done," she added.
The trailer also featured music from Filipino-Australian singer Ylona Garcia who unveiled her newest single “Entertain Me” in partnership with Valorant.
“SURPRISE! excited to finally announce my partnership with valorant! thank you vv much for helping me keep my mouth shut until now, @PlayVALORANT. NEON IS SO COOL! LOVE HER TASTE IN MUSIC!,” tweeted Garcia.
Filipinos’ love for basketball was also highlighted in the two-minute trailer as a jersey of Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team, was shown framed in the walls of Neon’s room.
"This shot is the best, because it captures the two things filipinos (and probably Neon) love: Basketball and video games, plus she loves singing too. This agent accurately represents what a filipino is outside the country, filling their room with memorabilias of PH" one Twitter user commented while posting a video frame that showed Neon with the Gilas jersey in the background.
Full details of Neon's abilities hasn't been revealed yet but player and fans had a glimpse of its in the trailer. Neon is set for a January 12 release.
Watch the trailer here.