Nostalgia was in full swing as classic games like Counter-Strike, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Tetris, and Beyblade took center stage at the 2025 Philippine GameDev Expo.
Nostalgia hits hard as throwback games took center stage at the 2025 Philippine GameDev Expo, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Popular titles like Counter-Strike, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Tetris, and even Beyblade were featured in the event's "Tito Gaming" Retro Arena, offering a delightful trip down memory lane.
Counter-Strike became a staple in internet cafés across the Philippines during the early 2000s. The game’s simple but thrilling premise—planting and defusing bombs—along with its team-based shooting dynamics, made it an instant hit.
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) dominated pop culture, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was the fighting game that united iconic characters from both Marvel Comics and Capcom.
Filipino kids could battle it out, pitting Wolverine against Ryu or Iron Man against Morrigan in fast-paced matches in a game that captured the imagination of an entire generation.
Meanwhile, Tetris was shaping the childhoods of those who found joy in puzzles. The game's addictive simplicity—rotating falling blocks to complete lines—kept players hooked for hours.
At the same time, Beyblade became a phenomenon in Filipino childhood. The spinning top craze sparked intense competition among kids, who would gather in schoolyards and backyards to see whose Beyblade could outspin the others.
And through the Philippine GameDev Expo, these nostalgic games brought back memories not only for those who are “young-at-heart” but also for the next generation.
While some attendees were eager to check out the colorful cosplays, explore the latest indie games, or simply immerse themselves in the world of gaming, it was clear that, for many, the event was an opportunity to relive their childhood—one way or another.
[ALSO READ: Claudine 'Odin' Tayco shares influence, biggest lesson from Mara Aquino during MPL PH days]