Will 2025 prove to be the year Filipino gamers are unshackled at last? I’m not referring to avoiding a third consecutive down-the-rankings slide in Mobile Legends. And that’s what I’m doing—escaping the financial limitations, one NFT at a time. The meeting of Web3 and the PS5 is more than a technological coincidence. Here’s why it holds the potential for an economic revolution for Filipino gamers.

NFTs: A New "Bayanihan" Economy?

Picture the same barangay, but instead of exchanging bags of rice, community members trade exotic Illuvium creatures. Instead of pesos, they're stacking ILV tokens. Illuvium, with its breathtaking graphics and ultra-addictive gameplay, is not only a game, it’s a way to earn a living. Think about it: Filipinos are already masters of online games. From topping competition leaderboards and building vibrant inner-source online networks to being the ingenious foil to corporate culture—Now, picture focusing that passion and skill on something that doesn’t put you into debt, but instead pays the bills.

The beauty of Web3 games like Illuvium, Big Time, Shrapnel, Phantom Galaxies, and The Sandbox is the concept of true digital ownership. Those elusive, sought-after rare in-game goods? No longer just pixels on the screen. They’re NFTs, non-fungible tokens, digital assets that are provably unique and owned by you, transferrable over public blockchains. For Filipinos, this would be nothing short of transformative, particularly in light of the recent unemployment figures.

From Dota Addict to Digital Entrepreneur

Let's call him "Juan." Juan is a 28-year-old from Manila. He’s a Dota 2 fanatic, but his earnings are unpredictable and the schedule is punishing. He wants to raise his family in better condition, but he has no alternatives.

Now, picture that same Juan getting into Shrapnel—the AAA shooter where he actually owns and can trade his weapon skins. He’s already one of the best, he just needs a platform that treats him like the best and compensates him accordingly. Juan begins to grind, becoming a pro at the game and unlocking exclusive skins. He sells them on the marketplace, making a profit in cryptocurrency that he later converts to pesos. Now, all his gaming prowess magically converting into cash and benefits. To him, of course, all that’s not just playing a game — he’s running a digital business. This is the true promise of Web3 gaming – passion as profit. Isn't this beautiful?

Leveling Up The Playing Field

It's not all sunshine and rainbows. Connectivity in the Philippines is still a significant challenge. Second, the cost of entry – purchasing the game, obtaining initial NFTs – can often serve as a significant barrier. There’s also the unending, acute risk of scams and rug pulls as a part of the crypto ecosystem.

This is where government support comes in. Now picture the government investing in digital literacy programs, equipping Filipinos with knowledge of blockchain technology and NFT trading. Now, picture the impact of giving these same low-income communities free or heavily subsidized internet access. Now, everyone would have a fair shot at participating in the new digital economy! Now picture a federal regulatory framework that protects gamers from con artists and guarantees a level playing field with fair trading practices.

  • Training Programs: Digital literacy initiatives focused on blockchain and NFTs.
  • Subsidized Internet: Affordable internet access for low-income communities.
  • Regulatory Framework: Protection against scams and fair trading practices.

We should be advocating for policies that cultivate Web3 gaming, not suppress it. This debate isn’t just about video games; it’s about strengthening the Filipinos’ empowerment, fostering economic advancement and constructing a more inclusive future.

PS5: The Gateway to Web3 Adoption

The PS5 isn’t simply another gaming console – it’s a powerful on-ramp to Web3 adoption for the next hundreds of millions. Why? It’s open, easy, relatively inexpensive (for what you get compared to a high-end PC) and includes a nice graphical user interface. MMOs and games such as The Sandbox have increasingly accessible world-building tools. These tools enable Filipinos to deliver their content and to own the experience they are curating.

Think of the potential: Filipino artists creating and selling NFT avatars, developers building custom games and experiences, and entrepreneurs launching virtual businesses within The Sandbox. Even more so with the PS5 version in having that exclusive PlayStation content being a possible breeding ground for Filipino ingenuity and creativity.

Seize the Digital "Ginto"

By 2025, more than one-fifth of PS5 gamers will have experienced a Web3-enabled game, analysts project. That’s a tremendous chance for Filipino gamers – and an even bigger chance for them to be involved at such an early stage. That means it’s time to embrace this technology—not fear it.

It’s not simply a game to be played, it’s an opportunity to upgrade our lifestyles. Now’s our opportunity to get out of the hamster wheel and create our own tech mogul dynasties. Let’s work together to build a better future for all of us and our children. Let's not miss this opportunity. Let’s all work together to ensure that 2025 is the year when Filipino gamers hit digital “ginto” once and for all. Are you in?