Philippines has 45 million gamers, report says

WorldGaming
13 Apr 2026 • 12:01 AM MYT
The Manila Times
The Manila Times

One of the longest-running English broadsheets in the Philippines

Philippines has 45 million gamers, report says

AROUND 45 million Filipinos are active gamers, making the Philippines one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most socially driven gaming markets, according to a new industry report.

The study, released by Ampverse, examined gaming trends across Southeast Asia and found that the region had about 290 million gamers in 2025, with the market valued at roughly $6.6 billion.

In the Philippines, gaming has become embedded in daily digital behavior, with players engaging not only in gameplay but also in livestreams, content creation, and online communities.

“The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic gaming markets because of how social and community-driven it is,” said Charlie Baillie, chief executive officer and co-founder of Ampverse.

He added that gaming in the country extends beyond playing, as users actively share experiences and discover content through creators, making it relevant for companies seeking audience engagement.

The report said gaming in Southeast Asia is no longer a niche sector but a growing consumer and media economy. It projected that the number of gamers in the region could exceed 330 million by 2030, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s largest gaming markets.

While gaming revenue is expected to rise modestly to about $7.1 billion by 2028, the broader ecosystem — including creators, communities and advertising-driven engagement — could reach $14 billion by 2030.

The study noted that mobile platforms account for about 70 percent of gaming revenue in Southeast Asia, with more than half of gamers consuming related content through livestreaming platforms, video-sharing sites and social media.

In the Philippines, content creators and peer recommendations play a key role in how games are discovered and shared, highlighting the importance of community-driven engagement.

The report also pointed out that strategies designed for Western markets may not be effective in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, where gaming behavior is shaped by social interaction and creator ecosystems.

“The Philippines is a clear example of why localization matters,” Baillie said.

Ampverse said the report aims to guide marketers, media executives and publishers in understanding how gaming is reshaping digital behavior and commercial opportunities in the region.