The tabletop gaming scene in the Philippines is about to level up in a big way. The Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026 is officially launching for the first time in the country, giving gamers, collectors, and families a chance to experience hundreds of Asian-made board games in one massive free event.
Set to take place on May 2–3, 2026, the festival promises two full days of hands-on gaming, exclusive game launches, and meet-and-greet opportunities with designers from across Asia.
What Is the Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026?
The debut of the Asian Board Games Festival Philippines will be held at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City. The event is completely free to enter and open to players of all ages and experience levels.
The festival was first launched in Singapore in 2019 by the board game publisher Origame. Since then, it has grown into a regional platform that highlights board games created by Asian designers, artists, and publishers.
Now, the Philippines becomes the fourth country to host the festival after Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand—making ABGF Philippines 2026 a major milestone for the local tabletop gaming community.
Over 200 Board Games From 10 Asian Countries
One of the biggest highlights of the Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026 is the massive lineup of games coming from across the region. Attendees can try and purchase more than 200 games from over 30 publishers representing:
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
- The Philippines
From fast-paced party games to strategic tabletop titles and family-friendly games, the event is designed to showcase how diverse and creative Asian board games have become in recent years.
Some standout titles featured at the event include popular releases from Origame such as Buffet Boss and Wok and Roll, as well as award-winning indie board games from Malaysia and South Korea.
Why Board Games Are Booming in 2026
The timing of the Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026 couldn’t be better. Despite the growth of digital gaming, tabletop games are seeing massive global demand. Industry analysts estimate the global tabletop gaming market is now valued at more than $18 billion and is projected to surpass $30 billion by 2030.
What makes ABGF different from typical gaming conventions is its focus on community. Instead of simply selling games, the event encourages visitors to talk directly with game designers and artists—making it an interactive and personal experience for every attendee.
According to Daryl Chow, the goal of the festival is to create meaningful connections between creators and players. Unlike traditional trade shows, ABGF focuses on storytelling, creativity, and community.
Free Entry With Exclusive Rewards Through the Play Passport
While entry to the Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026 is free, attendees can also purchase an optional Play Passport. This special activity pass allows players to collect stamps by trying games from different countries.
Those who complete the passport can win exclusive prizes that will only be available during the event—making it one of the most exciting features for hardcore tabletop gamers.
Filipino Creators and Exclusive Launches to Watch
The event is co-organized by Larong Atin, a local publisher known for creating Filipino-themed board games that highlight local culture and storytelling.
Aside from game booths, the event will also feature:
- Panel talks for aspiring game designers and artists
- Live designer discussions
- Exclusive product launches
- Filipino board game demos
Popular Filipino creators are also expected to make appearances, including Berlin Manalaysay, who will launch his new comic, and toy creators Quiccs and TidoDojo, who will unveil a special collaboration inspired by the iconic character Combatron.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026
Whether you’re a hardcore tabletop gamer, a casual player, or someone just looking for a fun weekend event in Metro Manila, the Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026 offers something unique. It’s not just about playing games—it’s about discovering Asian creativity, supporting local designers, and experiencing gaming in a more personal way.
With free entry, hundreds of playable titles, and exclusive launches, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest tabletop gaming events in the Philippines this year.
Event Details
Event: Asian Board Games Festival Philippines 2026
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
Venue: Bayanihan Center, Pasig City
Admission: Free
