The Philippine indie game scene had its shining moment at this year’s Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) as PP Invasion, developed by Alex E. Valdez, claimed the coveted People’s Choice Award under the Indie Game Stars (IGS) program. The victory came after three days of intense public voting, live gameplay demos, and buzzing community engagement—earning Valdez and his team a grand prize of ₱100,000.
Celebrating Filipino Indie Game Talent
Indie Game Stars is PGDX’s flagship platform dedicated to empowering up-and-coming Filipino indie game developers. It provides creators with a stage to showcase original titles, connect with fans, and gain exposure to publishers, investors, and industry partners. More than just a competition, IGS celebrates the creativity and innovation that fuels the country’s thriving game development scene.
PP Invasion: From Concept to Crowd Favorite
Going head-to-head with a strong roster of indie contenders, PP Invasion rose above the rest thanks to a perfect blend of engaging gameplay, unique concept, and player-driven fun. Over the three-day expo, attendees flocked to try the game firsthand, with many voting it as their top pick.
For developer Alex E. Valdez, the win is more than a trophy—it’s validation that grassroots game development in the Philippines can capture hearts, inspire communities, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global indie hits.
Sponsors Powering the Indie Dream
The success of Indie Game Stars 2025 was made possible through Sui Foundation as the main sponsor, alongside Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) and long-time supporter SMART.
- Sui Foundation made its mark this year by championing grassroots game dev talent, underscoring the global potential of Filipino-made games.
- SMART, a partner since IGS’s inception, has supported the event for three straight years—helping indie creators turn dream projects into playable realities.
- GDAP continues to nurture the next generation of Filipino developers through education, policy advocacy, and community initiatives.
The victory of PP Invasion serves as a reminder that when creativity meets opportunity, groundbreaking games are born. PGDX’s Indie Game Stars not only celebrates individual wins but also strengthens the bonds within the local dev community, inspiring more creators to dream big.
About PGDX
The Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) is the country’s premier gaming and game development event, uniting local and global creators. It’s where creativity meets opportunity, shaping the future of Philippine gaming—one project, partnership, and player at a time.
Official Website: www.pgdx.ph
