What are the Filipino Game Conventions and Expos in 2026?

In 2026, the gaming events scene in the Philippines is more active than ever. If you’re asking what the Filipino game conventions and expos are in 2026, we’re ready to provide the most comprehensive guide — from major developer expos to the largest board game convention in Southeast Asia. It’s not just for hardcore gamers; families, students, cosplayers, and indie creators also have a place in these events this year.

Overview: Why Gaming Events are Growing in the Philippines

The growing gaming culture in the Philippines is evident in the continuous increase in the number and quality of local gaming conventions. According to discussions among the Filipino gamer community on r/PHGamers, players are actively seeking new events to replace the former gaming summits. One event per year is no longer enough — the community wants more opportunities to meet, play, and discover new titles.

The change is clear: the focus has shifted from pure consumer events to more comprehensive expos featuring developer networking, indie game showcases, esports, cosplay, and tabletop gaming in one space. This is what the industry calls a holistic approach to gaming culture.

History: From ESGS to the New Generation of Events

For many years, the Esports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) was the leading gaming convention in the Philippines. Held at the SMX Convention Center, it gathered thousands of players, cosplayers, and gaming enthusiasts each year. However, currently, according to discussions in the r/PHGamers community, ESGS is no longer operational — and the gap it left has been filled by new events that focus on different segments of the gaming community.

The transition period from 2023 to 2026 has resulted in a more diverse gaming events landscape: various organizers have emerged, and each event has its own identity and target audience. This is a positive development for the gaming ecosystem in the country.

Philippine GameDev Expo 2026 (PGDX): The New Flagship Event

The Philippine GameDev Expo 2026, or PGDX, is considered the largest gathering for game developers in the Philippines this year. According to PocketGamer.biz, it will take place from July 24 to 26, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center on Seashell Lane, Pasay City, Metro Manila — but at the time of writing this article (July 13, 2026), the official ticket prices have not yet been released by the organizers.

Who Organizes PGDX?

Two organizations are behind PGDX: CBZN Perspective and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP). GDAP is the primary association of game developers in the country, so PGDX has a strong connection to the professional gaming development community — it’s not just for players, but also for those who want to participate in the gaming industry as creators.

Who is PGDX For?

PGDX has a broader target audience than previous gaming conventions. The list of invitees includes developers, indie creators, C-level executives, marketing professionals, students, creative individuals, investors, publishers, tool providers, technical teams, media, and app marketers. For those interested in learning about local esports teams and competitions, it is also related to the Philippine teams in the Esports World Cup 2026.

All aBOARD EXPO 2026: The Largest Board Game Convention in Southeast Asia

If PGDX is for digital game creators, then All aBOARD EXPO is the home for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. According to the official statement from Gaming Library, All aBOARD EXPO 2026 was held from May 28 to 31 at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center — and it is hailed as the largest board game convention in Southeast Asia.

It features over 300 different games, and the event is endorsed for families, educators, board game designers, and publishers — not just for dedicated gamers. In 2025, thousands of visitors attended a similar event at the same venue, proving the popularity of tabletop gaming as a serious segment of gaming culture in the Philippines.

Philippines ToyCon 2026 and Other Gaming-Related Events

It’s not just PGDX and All aBOARD EXPO that are gaming-related events in 2026. According to VideoGameCons.com, the Philippines ToyCon 2026 took place from June 12 to 14, 2026. Although primarily focused on collectibles and toys, many gaming elements are usually included in ToyCon — including cosplay, card games, and retro gaming.

In addition, local communities are noting smaller gaming events organized by independent organizers like Rotobox PH, which chose Quezon City as their location for their first gaming convention. This shows that the gaming events scene is also expanding beyond traditional venues, and more organizers are trying new formats and locations.

Gaming Conventions in 2026: Summary Table

Here is a complete summary of the well-known gaming conventions and expos in the Philippines for 2026, based on available information:

Comparison: PGDX vs. All aBOARD EXPO

For those wondering which is more suitable for them, here is a direct comparison of the two main events this year:

“The growing number of gaming conventions in the Philippines is proof that gaming is not just a pastime — it is a culture, an industry, and a community that continues to grow.”

What to Expect at a Gaming Convention in 2026?

The Filipino game conventions and expos in 2026 are not just simple trade shows. Based on available information about PGDX and All aBOARD EXPO, attendees can expect the following:

• Workshops and Panel Discussions — especially at PGDX, where regional and global industry figures share knowledge about game development, marketing, and monetization.
• Indie Game Showcase — an opportunity to see and try new games from local developers before they hit the market.
• B2B Networking — for developers, publishers, and investors who want to connect with each other.
• Cosplay and Entertainment — an essential part of gaming culture in the Philippines that is usually included in major gaming events.
• Board Game Play Areas — especially at All aBOARD EXPO, where visitors can try hundreds of board games for free before purchasing.
• Esports and Tournaments — many gaming conventions include competitive gaming segments for players.

For those interested in the competitive gaming and esports scene in the country, these conventions are related to the broader context of the MLBB meta and esports competitions in 2026.

“A gaming convention is not just a showroom — it is a live experience where the gaming community becomes real, and in the Philippines, it continues to grow and evolve.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What replaced the former ESGS gaming convention?

According to the gaming community on Reddit (r/PHGamers), ESGS is no longer operational. The events considered as its replacements are the Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) and the Philippine Game Show. PGDX focuses more on game development and indie showcase, while the Philippine Game Show is a more consumer-oriented event.

When is the Philippine GameDev Expo 2026?

The Philippine GameDev Expo 2026 (PGDX) is scheduled from July 24 to 26, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center on Seashell Lane, Pasay City, Metro Manila. It is a three-day event organized by CBZN Perspective and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP).

How much is the ticket for PGDX 2026?

Currently (July 13, 2026), the official prices for the passes for PGDX 2026 have not yet been released by the organizers. We recommend following the official announcements from CBZN Perspective and GDAP for the latest information on ticketing.

What is All aBOARD EXPO and who is it for?

All aBOARD EXPO is the largest board game convention in Southeast Asia, organized by Gaming Library. It was held from May 28 to 31, 2026 at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center, with over 300 board games available to try. It is for everyone — families, educators, board game designers, publishers, and anyone interested in discovering the world of tabletop gaming.

Are there other gaming events in the Philippines in 2026?

Yes. Besides PGDX and All aBOARD EXPO, the Philippines ToyCon 2026 also took place from June 12 to 14, 2026. There are also smaller community events organized by independent organizers like Rotobox PH in Quezon City. More gaming events are expected to emerge before the year ends.

Where can I find the latest information about gaming events in the Philippines?

For official updates, refer to the official announcements from GDAP and Gaming Library. The r/PHGamers community on Reddit is also a good source of discussions and news about upcoming gaming events. VideoGameCons.com also maintains an Asian gaming convention calendar for 2026.

Conclusion: The Future of Filipino Gaming Conventions

The Filipino game conventions and expos in 2026 showcase a mature and diverse gaming ecosystem in the Philippines. No longer is there just one major event reigning supreme — instead, there are various events for different types of gamers and gaming professionals. PGDX serves developers and creators, All aBOARD EXPO is for tabletop enthusiasts and families, and the Philippine Game Show and other events bring a broader consumer gaming experience.

As the country continues to grow as a gaming hub in Southeast Asia, we expect more gaming events to emerge and expand in the coming years. For those who want to learn more about the local gaming scene, you can also read our article on the highlights of Good Game Con 2026.

References

• Philippine GameDev Expo 2026 — PocketGamer.biz — retrieved on July 13, 2026
• All aBOARD EXPO 2026 — Gaming Library — retrieved on July 13, 2026
• 2026 Asian Video Game Convention Calendar — VideoGameCons.com — retrieved on July 13, 2026
• 2026 Gaming Event or Gaming Con — r/PHGamers, Reddit — retrieved on July 13, 2026