Lifestyle & Features

Level Up: The Rise of Filipino-Developed Games

by DitoSaPilipinas.com on Mar 18, 2025 | 04:03 PM
Edited: Mar 18, 2025 | 04:03 PM

Video games aren’t just entertainment—they’re an art form, a storytelling platform, and an industry worth billions. And guess what? Filipinos are making their mark! The local game development scene has been steadily growing, with talented Pinoy developers creating games that capture global attention. 

But as our industry expands, we must ask: How can we take Filipino game development to the next level?

Filipino-Made Games You’ll Love

Whether you crave heart-pounding horror or slice-of-life narratives, Filipino developers are crafting games that cater to diverse tastes. Here are games that made our top list:

1. Hapunan Horror Game

Josef Yenko, or "Yikon," brings chilling horror to life with "Hapunan." This first-person game immerses players in a terrifying story, where a balut vendor named Niko faces supernatural challenges while seeking a business permit. 

Yikon effectively uses PS1-style graphics and the Unity Engine to create a suspenseful atmosphere, drawing heavily from Filipino folklore. The game's viral success highlights the power of culturally resonant indie horror.

2. BAYANI: Kanino Ka Kakampi?

Ranida Games delivers an action-packed experience with "BAYANI: Kanino Ka Kakampi?" This 2D fighting game features iconic figures from Philippine history and mythology, allowing players to engage in thrilling battles. 

Ranida Games blends education with entertainment, celebrating Filipino culture and history through engaging gameplay. They bring historical figures to a modern audience.

3. Until Then

Polychroma Games presents "Until Then," a narrative-driven adventure that captures the essence of Filipino high school life. This visually stunning game tells a personal and emotional story, portraying the experiences of young Filipinos in a beautifully stylized world. Polychroma Games emphasizes emotional storytelling and visual artistry.

These games showcase our culture, creativity, and potential to compete in the global market.

A Long Way To Go

Despite the talent and passion, the Philippine game development industry faces big hurdles. Funding remains scarce, with many developers struggling to bring their ideas to life. Unlike countries with strong gaming industries, the Philippines still lacks substantial government support for game developers. This forces many talented Pinoys to seek better opportunities abroad, leading to a serious brain drain. 

While Filipino developers shine in major gaming companies worldwide, imagine how much more we could achieve if they stayed and built the industry here!

It Starts With Us

If we truly want the gaming industry to thrive in the Philippines, we need to show our support. We’ve got world-class talent—it’s time we build a world-class industry! Let’s hype up and celebrate Filipino-developed games because when we support our own, we create more opportunities, keep our developers at home, and prove to the world that the Philippines is a powerhouse in game development. 

The future of Pinoy gaming is in our hands—let’s fuel the passion, back our own, and build a legacy that puts the Philippines on the global gaming map!

RELATED: [Pinoy Representation in Video Games, From Extras to Main Characters]


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