Filipino Made Games You Need to Know - And Play

Filipino made games are quietly gaining steam in the local gaming industry. There is a game that lets national heroes Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal fight in an alternate universe - other games are narrative, takes place in the provinces, and showcases Filipino cultural references such as selling balut on the streets and passing coins in a jeepney.

Hapunan, Until Then, BAYANI : Fighting Game, and Fallen Tear: The Ascension are a few noteworthy Filipino made games that every Pinoy gamer owes to themselves to play at least once. Even these local games have won awards for their innovation and creativity in showcasing Philippine innovation in gaming.

Below is a simple guide into what each of these games are about.

Hapunan — The Horror Game That Went Viral Worldwide

This video game has scared the living daylights out of foreign streamers. Hapunan (dinner or supper) is a Filipino horror game centered in barangay Sakdudol where you play Filipino student Niko, a young man who sells balut at night to help his family make ends meet. But an organized gang of killers named the “Pay-to-Kill” roams the streets at night and terrorizes the residents.

Made by Filipino developer Josef Yenko, also known as “Yikon”, the game was tailored to reflect Filipino lived experiences. From the process of securing a business permit to shouting “balut!” into the silence to the dark uneasy streets , the game is unapologetically Filipino in every detail. The low, but simple PS1-like visuals add to the sinister environment that gives every character an eery, yet suspenseful vibe.

The Filipino made game is only a year old, released in December 2024. It is available to play for $4 for foreign streamers to play, with a GCash payment option for Filipino players. Let’s see if you can brave the night.

Until Then — The Filipino High School Game That Made Grown Men Cry

Parents who work abroad. Natural disasters. The familiar commute and the emotional weight. Until Then by Polychroma Games is a uniquely Filipino game that draws inspiration to the specifics of Filipino culture and tradition.

The main character is Mark Borja, a high school student who navigates everyday life in the aftermath of a global disaster called “The Ruling.” The game unfolds slowly - what seems to be a normal day in the life of a high school student, also uncovers mysterious circumstances worth exploring - and may make you emotional as you progress.

The game received positive reception; it won three awards at the Godot Game Awards 2024 for best in Narrative/Story, Best Art Design, and Best Music/Score. It has since been praised internationally, especially for its interactivity, visual storytelling, and emotional depth. It is currently available to play on Steam, Linux, Windows, Playstation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

For the average Filipino, this game will definitely hit you where you don’t expect.

BAYANI: Kanino Ka Kakampi? — The Filipino Fighting Game

There is an alternate universe somewhere where our Filipino heroes - Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang - fight each other. It is the local version of Street Fighter and Tekken featuring an all Filipino roster whose powers draw reference to the heroics of our iconic figures.

A one on one fighting game, BAYANI (hero) was developed by Ranida Games, the same team behind PBA Basketball Slam, and is set in the distant future where the Philippines is known as the Neorepublic of the Philippines or Neuropa. The Filipino game utilized 2D inspired graphics and features Philippine landmarks such as the iconic Rizal Monument, while having a theme song performed by Filipino rock band Slapshock. Six years after its release, it remains a popular fighting game among Filipino players - key revolutionary figure and Sublime Paralytic Apolinario Mabini actually gets to stand up and fight on his own!

It is a strong, well-made fighting game. The cultural authenticity and creativity hooks you in. The mechanics keep you playing.

Available to play on PC via Steam. A demo can also be found on www.bayaniph.com.

Fallen Tear: The Ascension — The Filipino Game Competing Globally

Hapunan has become a viral hit in the indie gaming market. Until Then provides that creative storytelling in the Filipino context. Fallen Tear: The Ascension makes the case that Filipino developers can compete globally in the gaming market.

Developed by Winter Crew, Fallen Tear: The Ascension blends JRPG inspired storylines with immersive combat and exploration and unique characters to play and fight against. It does not exactly use Filipino culture the way Hapunan or BAYANI do. What it does make up for is its creativity and innovation - showing that not every Filipino developer needs a game to be “Filipino” to be exceptional. Sometimes, they’re exceptional by themselves.

Watch this one closely.

Why This Matters Beyond Just Gaming

Gaming cultures from around the world - Nintendo from Japan or Microsoft from the US - build their identity inspired by their cultural heritage. The Japanese samurai games, the Korean esports dynasty, or American blockbuster shooters are all examples of cultural exports. It’s like saying this is who we are, we make something worth your experience and time.

Filipino gaming developers reciprocate this message and the world has taken notice. Hapunan has been played by international audiences. Until Then is praised for its gameplay and storytelling. BAYANI introduces Philippine history to players who can’t point to the Philippines on a map.

The next great Filipino game is probably in the works. And it’s worth paying attention to.