PUBG: Mobile Continues to Thrive in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – PUBG: Mobile has become a popular shooting game among Filipinos since its launch in 2018. In 2022, the game introduced Filipino-centric initiatives such as a Filipino voice pack and Ibong Adarana-inspired skins and game items.
The year 2022 also saw more Filipinos getting into PUBG Mobile, inspired by the country’s performance in the game’s event at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. SIBOL’s two PUBG: Mobile teams surprised fans by finishing in the top 10, with player Abdul “Monboy” Barode winning the country’s first medal in PUBG Mobile, a bronze during the individual event.
Barode shared, “The [medal] helped boost the popularity in the Philippines. Since winning the medal, many have congratulated us. Some are envious and want to achieve the same. We can really do it. We can get the gold.”
Reimon “Rymon” Casido, Barode’s teammate, acknowledged that Sibol’s performance and Barode’s medal have ignited the PUBG Mobile community. He mentioned, “I thought it was sinking, I thought it was disappearing. But now, there are more skilled players. There are also more offline tournaments.”
Both Barode and Casido professionally play for PlayBook Esports, one of seven teams representing the Philippines in the PUBG Mobile Challengers League-Southeast Asia (PMCL SEA). They are competing against teams from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Singapore, with the aim of securing a top spot.
The Philippine PUBG Mobile community has been steadily growing in the past two years, according to players from various teams. The shift from casual to competitive gaming in PUBG Mobile has been notable, with an increase in players focusing on becoming competitive players.
Aside from tournament participations, the PUBG Mobile community has seen improvements in terms of partnerships and sponsorships. The community’s visibility has increased significantly, indicating a positive trend for the game’s future.
All seven Philippine teams have qualified for the Grand Finals of the PMCL SEA after three weeks of intense competition. Team Harame Bro led the Philippine teams in the League stage, finishing with 55 points. Other Filipino teams also made it into the Top 10, showcasing the country’s growing presence in the competitive PUBG Mobile scene.
The grand finals of the PMCL SEA are set to take place from March 29 to March 31, with six matches per day to determine the champion of the SEA Challengers League.
