The list of esports titles for the 2026 Asian Games, set to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, has been revealed recently, and what a lineup it is!
Eleven titles were unanimously approved, with the list as follows:
- Competitive Martial Arts (including the latest titles from the Street Fighter series, Tekken series, and King of Fighters series)
- Pokémon Unite
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- PUBG Mobile: Asian Games Version
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Identity V: Asian Games Version
- Naraka: Bloodpoint
- Gran Turismo 7
- eFootball series
- Puyo Puyo Champions
Of the 14 different titles presented in the lineup, there are some well-known names in Filipino households, such as Tekken, Mobile Legends, and Honor of Kings, which have been making waves in the competitive esports scene. But for the uninitiated, consider this an introduction to some of the more obscure titles included. To make understanding these games easier, comparisons to other existing games will be made.
Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play (F2P) Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) released on July 21, 2021, originally for the Nintendo Switch, before eventually launching on mobile. As a Filipino, almost everybody—even their grandma—knows about Mobile Legends and, more recently, Honor of Kings. Pokémon Unite mixes the best of both worlds from both the MOBA genre and Pokémon, offering high-octane gameplay and an innate comeback mechanic through its center Pokémon.
What sets this MOBA apart from Mobile Legends, League of Legends, and Honor of Kings is that it doesn’t have item builds in the same way, and its skill trees aren’t set in stone. With this build variety and the inclusion of non-humanoid Pokémon like Lapras, Falinks, and Magikarp, alongside fan favorites like Pikachu and Snorlax, each game is filled with intense battles and great fanfare.
Identity V
Identity V is a free-to-play asymmetrical survival horror game in which players take on the role of either a Hunter (1 player) or a Survivor (4 players). Hunters try to eliminate the Survivors, while Survivors attempt to escape. Developed in collaboration with the same company that created Dead by Daylight, Identity V plays similarly to it—like a more intense, horror-themed version of hide-and-seek.
To spice up each gameplay experience, both Hunters and Survivors have their own set of skills to aid in either escaping (for Survivors) or improving hunting efficiency (for Hunters). While Identity V may not be as mainstream in Filipino households, it holds a unique spot in the lineup, offering a skill-intensive experience that is sure to be quite a spectacle.
Naraka: Bloodpoint
Naraka: Bloodpoint is a free-to-play (previously pay-to-play) 60-player wuxia action battle royale with last-man-standing rules. If you’ve played Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG, Fortnite, or Apex Legends, you’ll already be familiar with its mechanics. However, unlike these titles, melee combat takes center stage instead of gunplay.
Similar to Apex Legends, characters in Naraka have their own set of skills and talents, with each character possessing unique strengths and weaknesses. Taking inspiration from Devil May Cry and Sekiro, the game delivers flashy gameplay that requires strategic planning. Whether players opt for aggressive blitz tactics or “ratting” (hiding until the last moments), Naraka promises dynamic and high-energy battles.
eFootball Series
eFootball is a football simulation series published by Konami, originally known as Pro Evolution Soccer (or Winning Eleven in Japan). Released on PC, consoles, and handheld devices, the game boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, even with competitors like FIFA in the market. What sets eFootball apart is its emphasis on realism and skill-based gameplay.
Though different from most other titles on the list, eFootball and Gran Turismo represent simulation-based esports. Notably, Filipino players have had strong representation in eFootball, making it one to watch.
Puyo Puyo Champions
Puyo Puyo Champions is a 2018 puzzle video game released by SEGA for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. If you’ve ever played Tetris growing up—or even something like Suika Game recently—you’ll already have a basic understanding of the Puyo Puyo series. Instead of shapes, Puyo Puyo uses colored blobs that players stack in pairs to form groups of four or more, triggering chain combos.
Like multiplayer Tetris, each chain combo sends a corresponding number of blocks to the opponent’s side, and if the opponent runs out of space, they lose. Simple but competitive, Puyo Puyo is bound to provide some thrilling moments.
The Road to 2026
The 2026 Asian Games lineup features a mix of well-known and lesser-known titles in Filipino esports. With a strong local competitive gaming scene, there’s plenty of potential for Filipino players to shine. Personally, the title I’m most excited to see in action is Puyo Puyo.
It’s also worth noting that many of the 2026 titles have mobile versions, making them highly accessible. Who knows? The next big esports star in the Philippines may just be waiting for their game. With these games coming next year, I can’t wait to see how we prepare!
