It’s been a month since the Philippine Game Dev Expo (PGDX) wrapped up last July 25-27,2025, at the SMX Convention Center, and honestly? I still have a hangover from the experience.
I’ve been to a handful of anime and gaming conventions before, but PGDX was my first event dedicated purely to game developers, and it left a lasting impression that’s hard to shake off. It left an impression that’s hard to shake. From the moment I stepped in, I was surrounded by eye-catching displays, the hum of an excited crowd, and rows of booths brimming with creativity and passion. It felt like I walked straight into the beating heart of the local gaming scene.
The Pulse of the Expo
Unlike other cons I’ve been to, PGDX carried a different kind of energy and vibe. While cosplayers and merch stalls were still present in the event, the spotlight was on the games and the people who made them.
Attendees lined up around the booths, controllers in hand, while developers stood nearby, excited to share details about their game. In another area, veterans and other professionals from the industry shared their insights and tips in their panels in the workshop area, while publishers and studios mingled with the community, hoping to discover the next game worth championing.
What truly struck me the most was the diverse crowd. Casual gamers, indie devs, students, professionals, and industry veterans were all under one roof. It made me realize that game development isn’t just about coding or design. It’s an ecosystem of different talents working together to breathe life into an idea.
Locally Made, Globally Worthy
One of my personal highlights was the Indie Game Star booth. Being able to try out several locally developed titles, the creativity was just staggering. Some pulled inspiration from Filipino folklore, while others experimented with mechanics you don’t normally find in mainstream games.
The best part wasn’t just playing the demos but talking directly to the people involved in these games. Their passion? Infectious. The excitement from their voices talking about their game or asking for input was simply contagious. You could easily tell these weren’t just projects for them, but personal works of art. Every demo felt like stepping into someone’s dream, crafted from their perspective and imagination, waiting for their story to be told and explored.
Beyond Coding and Design
Another highlight for me was the panels in the Workshop Area. It opened my eyes to the craft of making a game. Topics ranged from visuals, sound design, to the importance of community and representation.
For someone like me who’s always been on the “player” side of things, it was inspiring to see how different departments weave together to make a game. My biggest takeaway? Supporting local game developers matters. Too often, we overlook our own roots, eyes focused on the international scene for the “next big game”. But PGDX showed that incredible talents also exist right here in the Philippines. And they are worthy of recognition, excitement, and most importantly, a spotlight.
When Play Meets Passion
Of course, PGDX wasn’t all serious business. It also delivered the fun, colorful chaos we expect from conventions.
There were throwback tournaments for Counter-Strike 1.3, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Tetris, and Tekken. There was also Cosplay Competition and a Just Dance corner that had everyone dancing and moving. Tabletop Fun Zone offered card and board games for those who want to try something new with friends.
Cosplayers roamed the halls, looking like they had been taken out of the games they played. Meanwhile, sellers offered everything from unique finds to PC and console peripherals. Some booths showered attendees with freebies just for trying out activities. If you got tired, you could sit and take a breather at Mineski outpost while listening to a karaoke medley. And if you got hungry? The food stalls situated inside the expo also had you covered. No need to leave the event.
Big names like Gravity and Playpark showcased their latest titles. Meanwhile, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde highlighted their game design and development program alongside student projects. There was even an Internship Booth for those dreaming of breaking into the industry.
Overall, PGDX struck a balance between play and professionalism, making it equally welcoming to everyone.
The PGDX Hangover
Now that a month has passed, I find myself replaying moments from PGDX in my head. From testing indie gems to hearing developers talk about their game, I expected a typical convention, but what I got was something more meaningful: a deeper appreciation of how games are built and the people who bring them to life.
As a first-time attendee, the event had me inspired and energized, and even now, the post-event hangover hasn’t worn off. PGDX wasn’t just an event. It was a celebration of passion, creativity, and community that continues to resonate with me long after the doors closed.
What Comes Next?
A month later, the buzz hasn’t faded. That’s how I know PGDX left its mark not just on me, but on the entire local gaming community.
Would I attend again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m already looking forward to it, whenever that will be next year. I am excited to know what new ideas, projects, and stories will come to life on the expo floor. If this year’s PGDX 2025 proved anything, it’s that the Philippine game development scene is alive, thriving, and worth celebrating. And I’m glad I was there to witness it first-hand.
