By: Jemmarie Bocalbos
Looking back at the landscape of gaming in the Philippines, it is impossible not to marvel at how far the industry has come.
For me personally, my gamer journey began in the 1990s, sharing my uncle’s Family Computer, playing on the Nintendo Game Boy, and exploring various Nintendo home consoles. By the early 2000s, local gaming culture was defined by LAN cafes filled with players competing in iconic multiplayer titles like Counter-Strike and Command and Conquer: Red Alert.
It was also during this time that my relationship with the internet truly began. I started with web-based games like Neopets, before diving into the early MMORPG boom led by Ragnarok Online. Over the years, my passion continued through different platforms, including the Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation 1 (PS1), and later the Nintendo 3DS.
Those early experiences, from shared controllers to crowded LAN cafes, laid the foundation for what the Philippine gaming industry is today. The scene now includes large-scale expos, global studios, institutional support, and professional esports networks.
At the center of this shift is the Philippine Game Dev Expo or PGDX.
Since its launch in August 2023, PGDX has become a home for developers, artists, esports organizations, and gaming enthusiasts. For me, its growth from 2023 to 2026 mirrors my own journey as a gamer, creator, cosplayer, and media partner.
My journey with PGDX began at its very first event in August 2023.
Thanks to Wacom, I had the opportunity to attend a dedicated local game development expo for the first time. Entering the hall felt like stepping into a space built for people who love games deeply.
PGDX 2023 Highlights
One of the most memorable moments was participating in the Genshin Impact Time Attack Mini Tournament hosted by Razer Gold and Acer.
Competing alongside friends, our team secured a runner-up finish. We brought home event merchandise, but more importantly, we built lasting memories that anchored my connection to the PGDX community.
The photos from 2023 reflect pure excitement. Crowded booths, intense gameplay, and vibrant energy captured a version of myself discovering a space where I truly belonged.
By August 2024, I returned to PGDX with a deeper connection and a new role.
This time, I represented Kwento Co. and cosplayed as Arlecchino from Genshin Impact. Cosplaying transformed how I experienced the event. It allowed me to engage with attendees, interact with booths, and become part of the environment rather than just observe it.
PGDX 2024 Experience Overview
Exhibitor Booths and Gaming
Community and Loot
Razer Gold and Acer expanded their tournament into a collegiate competition, highlighting student talent.
MSI showcased high-performance hardware and continued support for creators.
PlayPark featured both upcoming titles and community favorites like Audition Next Level.
Secret 6 presented their work on global AAA titles such as The Last of Us, Diablo, and Uncharted, while also highlighting career opportunities for local developers.
Indie games, especially rhythm titles like Coxeta, drew large crowds and demonstrated the creativity of Filipino developers.
Discussions with members of the Esports Federation showed how gaming in the Philippines is evolving into a recognized field.
With support from initiatives like Malikhaing Pinoy, local creators and competitors are gaining more global opportunities.
Outside the main venue, Sticky Expo featured independent artists and merchandise creators.
Connecting with groups like RCRFT showed how closely connected gaming, digital art, and creative communities are.
Managing event merchandise required practical solutions such as using a Koo Apps eco bag.
Trivia games and raffles added excitement, with prizes ranging from accessories to gaming hardware.
Free drinks helped sustain energy levels, but also highlighted the importance of keeping liquids away from electronics.
The photos from 2024 show a shift in perspective. They capture participation, interaction, and a deeper appreciation for the people behind the games.
In 2025, I experienced major personal transitions and was unable to attend PGDX.
Missing the event was difficult. However, following updates online revealed that PGDX had grown into more than just a weekend gathering. It had become a tradition.
The expansion of booths, increased developer participation, and international speakers showed that the event continued to evolve even without my physical presence.
In 2026, I returned to PGDX in a new role as an accredited Media Partner with Kwento Co.
At 37 weeks pregnant, I made the decision to attend and successfully participated in two full days of the event. This became one of the most meaningful milestones in my journey, both personally and professionally.
The scale of PGDX 2026 was noticeably larger. The floor plan expanded, indie showcases grew, and international collaborations became more visible.
As a media partner, my role shifted toward documenting, interviewing, and analyzing the ecosystem rather than simply experiencing it.
One of the most striking parts of PGDX 2026 was the sheer diversity of brands and communities present on the floor.
These brands reinforced their continued support for both competitive gaming and content creation. From peripherals to displays and consoles, they remain core pillars of the gaming experience.
Energy drink partnerships continue to play a strong role in esports and gaming events, supporting both players and long event days.
These companies represent different parts of the industry, from game development and publishing to analytics and emerging technologies.
Kooapps stood out not just through their presence but also through practical merchandise like eco bags that became essential for carrying event loot.
Niko Partners provided a more analytical perspective, showing how data drives decisions in gaming markets across Asia and beyond.
PGDX itself has become a recognizable brand that represents the Philippine game development scene.
Sticky Expo added a creative dimension, highlighting independent artists and small creators. The merchandise from this space reflects how gaming culture intersects with art and design.
The presence of collectible items such as Funko Pop figures and exclusive merchandise shows how gaming events extend beyond gameplay into fandom and identity.
Nenverse showcased how Web2 and Web3 communities are transitioning into real-world experiences through projects like Awakening Hunters.
Their booth emphasized:
Ticket tiers included Expo, B2B, and Workshop access, allowing attendees to tailor their experience.
Wacom continued to support artists through workshops and community engagement.
Their focus includes:
Niko Partners highlighted the role of analytics in gaming.
Their work includes:
This revealed how gaming has become a structured and data-informed industry.
Superbullet AI focuses on accessibility by simplifying game development using AI tools.
Magic Rain focuses on community through content creation and events like IndieJam.
Together, they represent a future where game creation becomes more inclusive while still rooted in collaboration.
From competing in a mini tournament in 2023, to cosplaying in 2024, observing from a distance in 2025, and returning as a media partner in 2026, my journey with PGDX reflects the growth of the Philippine gaming industry.
PGDX is more than an event.
It is a platform for creativity, collaboration, and opportunity.
As it continues to expand, it proves that Philippine game development is not just catching up.
It is building its own future.
