5 Most downloaded Pinoy-made mobile games
By Arry Asiddao
August 10, 2022
Filipinos have proven to be a formidable force in the esports scene by dominating countless international and regional tournaments. This year, the Philippines won two gold medals and two silvers in esports at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. While Filipinos are gaining prowess in the business of gaming, they also are making a name in developing games themselves. Flexing Pinoy power in this multi-billion-dollar industry, here are some of the most downloaded free Filipino-made mobile games.
1. Potion Punch
Are you tired of the same old cooking games? Try Potion Punch, a whimsical game that lets you master color theory by mixing potions using bizarre ingredients like dragon meat.
In 2019, game developer Monstronauts released a sequel with new features and expanded gameplay called Potion Punch 2. You can download Potion Punch on Google Play and App Store.
2. FNF Funkin Rap Battle Full Mod
FNF Funkin Rap Battle Full Mod is a rhythm game developed by Rocket Game Studio. FNF Funkin Rap Battle Full Mod has gotten more than 10 million downloads on Google Play.
According to Statista as of June 2022, Rocket Game Studio is the leading Filipino mobile game publisher in the Philippines. One of its latest releases, Merge Monster: Frog Evolution was listed by 42matters as the fastest-growing android game in May 2022.
3. Snake.io
Nokia’s classic Snake game has inspired numerous mobile games. KooApps’ Snake.io is one of its most popular modern versions, reaching over 100 million downloads on Google Play. Snake.io is also available on the App Store.
This multiplayer game features fun graphics and can be enjoyed by everyone because of its simple premise. KooApps is a global mobile gaming studio with offices in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Seattle.
4. PBA Basketball Slam!
Basketball is arguably the most popular sport in the Philippines so it only makes sense that a mobile basketball game is also a hit among Filipinos. Taking inspiration from the men's professional basketball league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), PBA Basketball Slam! allows players to have 2-on-2 matches using local basketball stars.
Developed by indie game developer Ranida Games, PBA Basketball Slam! has reached over 10 million downloads on Google Play. PBA Basketball Slam! can also be downloaded for free on the App Store.
5. Train to Gensan
Zombies have become a staple of pop culture, taking over literature, TV, film, and video games over the past decades. Following the global success of the Korean film Train to Busan, Tatay Games released Train to Gensan. The premise of this horror survival game is simple— much like the iconic Plants vs. Zombies, you have to fight zombies using different weapons.
With uniquely Pinoy references such as the local MRT, Train to Gensan makes the zombie genre relatable to Filipinos. The game can also be played offline which makes it the perfect pastime when you’re waiting in line or taking your daily commute on the MRT. Train to Gensan is available for free on both Google Play and App Store.
To learn more about the game development industry in the Philippines, watch Video Games are the Movies of the 21st Century from Creative Futures 2022. In this session, James Lo, Vice-President of the Game Development Association of the Philippines (GDAP), discusses the opportunities in this high-demand industry and the efforts it needs to flourish.