Forget the old model of game studios dictating the narrative. Web3 is handing the keys to the community, and creators are the master storytellers.
The summit wasn’t just a showcase of games; it was a masterclass in building a sustainable career in Web3 content creation. A live recording of LOL Lounge, featuring YGG co-founder Gab’s YellowPanther and Gaming Daily’s Iceyyy, dissected the crucial ingredients: authenticity, consistency, and building genuine partnerships.
The consensus? Even in a digital-first world, face-to-face interactions at events like YGG Play Summit remain vital for fostering connections and collaborations.
Gamified IRL, hosted by Sam Steffanina, tackled the pitfalls of relying solely on celebrity endorsements. While a big name can generate initial buzz, long-term engagement demands a community-centric approach, nurturing a loyal following through consistent, valuable content.
Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, the Summit placed a strong emphasis on education. Metaversity Interactive convened leaders from studios, government, and academia to pinpoint the most sought-after skills in Web3 and AI.
The Base-sponsored Prompt to Prototype workshop introduced attendees to the magic of no-code tools, empowering them to rapidly build and iterate on game concepts. Meanwhile, HOWS Asia’s Kat Gonzalez and YGG Pilipinas’ Phee Tejada launched Creators of Play, a program bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 creator ecosystems.
The GAM3 Awards, held in person for the second time, celebrated the pinnacle of achievement in Web3 game development. Cagyjan, co-founder of the Silly Kitties IP and an early pioneer in the space, took home the coveted Creator of the Year award.
Gunzilla Games’ Off The Grid (OTG) emerged as the night’s big winner, snagging five awards, including Game of the Year. Theodore Agranat, Gunzilla’s Director of Web3, shared insights on how the studio partnered with streaming giants like Ninja, Shroud, and TimTheTatman to ease traditional gamers into the world of blockchain mechanics.
Other notable winners included Parallel (Best Strategy Game), CCP Games’ EVE Frontier ( Best Adventure Game ), and Pixels (Best Browser Game). Pudgy Party scooped up both Best Mobile and Best Casual Game, while Gigaverse earned the Games’ Choice award.
Beyond the panels and presentations, the YGG Play Summit fostered a vibrant sense of community through a range of interactive activities. A Creator Photo Crawl around BGC, Early Risers sports matches, and a community gathering in Poblacion provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Coins.ph even hosted a “Love in the Metaverse” dating activity, showcasing the potential for Web3 to facilitate new forms of social connection.
Support for the Summit came from a diverse array of partners, including tournament partners Might & Magic: Fates, Parallel, and Vibes, as well as major sponsors such as Aurory, Coins.ph, Sky Mavis, Ubisoft, Earnscape, and Pixels. A full list of media partners can be found here.
The YGG Play Summit 2025 solidified the shift towards a creator-driven Web3 gaming landscape. As the industry matures, empowering creators with the tools, skills, and platforms they need to thrive will be crucial for driving mainstream adoption. The next YGG Play Summit is scheduled for November 19–22, 2026, promising even more creator-focused programming.