The Philippines’ game development industry is one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding sectors within the country’s creative economy. In fact, per Statista, the country’s video game segment has seen steady growth for nine consecutive years and is projected to hit a new peak of US$2.6 billion in revenue in 2027.
It is, indeed, an exciting time for Filipino game development. With a vibrant ecosystem of indie developers, established studios, outsourcing partners, and tech innovators, the Philippines is fast becoming a hub for original intellectual properties (IPs), digital exports, and creative collaborations. This presents the perfect opportunity for initiatives that can amplify the talents and capabilities of Filipino game developers.
The Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) is one such initiative. Organized by the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) and CBZN Perspective, the country’s first and biggest trade show for the game development industry returns for its third year with even bigger plans and programs that champion Filipino creatives in the sector. PGDX 2025 is set to happen on July 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, and it promises to scale its efforts in spotlighting homegrown talent and connecting the Filipino gaming community with both local and global industry players.
Last year’s PGDX welcomed more than 50 exhibitors and over 25,000 attendees. Image courtesy of GDAP.
A big development for the trade show is GDAP teaming up with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions’ (CITEM) CREATEPhilippines to promote its 2025 edition. As the country’s first government-led content and community platform for local creative industries, CREATEPhilippines’ participation as the official event partner will contribute not just to the PGDX’s promotion but also to the facilitation of buyer servicing and campaigns.
Shifting the narrative: From PH as an outsourcing partner to IP generator
Since its launch in 2023, PGDX has demonstrated amazing growth. Last year’s edition welcomed more than 50 exhibitors and over 25,000 attendees, and it facilitated numerous B2B meetings. PGDX 2024 also made it on the international radar, welcoming industry visitors and participants from countries such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the US.
For its 2025 edition, the expo will focus on addressing the gaps in the industry in terms of education, training, and awareness by offering workshops, mentorship sessions, and learning forums. This is part of GDAP’s mission to shift the narrative from Filipino game development talent as mere outsourced service providers to creators of original IPs and indie games. By staging multiple event components, including indie games exhibitions, career talks, e-sports segments, and demo days, PGDX 2025 aims to offer visitors a glimpse into the bright and dynamic future of Philippine gaming.
As the official event partner of the trade show, CREATEPhilippines will co-lead with GDAP the facilitation of B2B meetings through a dedicated Meeting Area at the expo where game developers can connect with potential partners. Guests can also visit the CREATEPhilippines booth and win exciting giveaways.
GDAP plans to highlight the Philippines as an IP generator through educational sessions that will address gamedev industry gaps in the country. Image courtesy of GDAP.
To further encourage trade and investment opportunities, GDAP and CBZN have also created a Biz Matching Platform where visitors can browse through the list of PGDX exhibitors, exchange contact details with them, and book meetings in advance. Both organizations envision the platform as a means to empower local developers to scale their work, reach new markets, and transform their creative passion into a sustainable enterprise.
PGDX is ready to welcome not just industry insiders but also gamers of all levels with its roster of indie games and IPs to explore. This includes the horror hit Water Delivery, Craggenrock, Oh, Crops!, Icarus, Stranded on a Raft, and more. Aside from trying them out, visitors can also get to chat with their creators and learn more about their gamedev process.
GDAP President James Lo addressing the attendees of last year’s PGDX. Image courtesy of GDAP.
For GDAP President James Lo, the partnership with CREATEPhilippines is a timely development. “The intervention of Philippine government agencies is key to opening doors of opportunities for game developers in the country.” He further believes that its benefits will not only impact PGDX but also uplift small studios to the global gaming industry landscape. CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo agrees, stating, “Boosting the upward momentum of the local gaming scene is a monumental stride for CITEM and CREATEPhilippines in our efforts to support the collective Philippine creative industry.”
