This place, which is full of desktop computers interconnected with LAN cables, also goes by the name of computer shops, internet cafes, or cybercafes. In the early years of Internet cafes in the Philippines, most owners made use of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. I find these CRT displays pretty eye-straining, especially when you have to spend long hours in front of them while emitting UV radiation, haha. Today's LED monitors are the real thing--perfect for gaming and the safest for our eyes. So, innovations in technology began, and PisoNet was invented. A PisoNet cafe is a type of internet cafe business that is typically set up right in front of someone's house. A customer should put in 1 Peso coin for the machine to operate for a specific time, typically 5 minutes. Users do not need to rent a computer with an hourly rate of usually PHP 15-20 per hour.
Gaming is one of the main purposes of computer shops in the Philippines. From shooting games, MOBA to MMORPG. Below is the list of Top PC Games in Internet Cafes in the Philippines in 2024.
DotA (Warcraft III Defense of the Ancients - also known as DotA 1) - Official DotA Map Downloads (getdota.com)
DOTA is a type of custom map made for Warcraft III (by Blizzard Entertainment), which can be played as a multiplayer game on private servers or local area networks. Defense of the Ancients is a team-oriented game with two opposing sides (2 teams with 5 members). The objective of the players here is to destroy the opposing team's main structure (the "Ancient").
League of Legends (LoL) - Website (leagueoflegends.com/en-ph)
League of Legends, popularly known as LoL, is a free-to-play MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game developed and published by Riot Games and inspired by Defense of the Ancients.
DOTA 2 - Official Website (dota2.com)
Dota 2 is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Valve and is a sequel to DotA. See also: how to play DOTA 2 offline with no Steam.
Valorant - Website (playvalorant.com/en-sg)
The first-person shooter (FPS) game Valorant, popularly known as Valo in the Philippines, is widely played by Filipino gamers of all ages at cybercafes. In this hero shooter game by Riot Games, two 5-player teams compete in numerous game modes to test their skills and strategies. The game's unique ability-based gameplay enables players to acquire and use their respective Agent's special abilities in every round. Each player can use skills that would give them an advantage over the enemy, like wall-breach, invisibility, and healing. The game requires planting a Spike or eliminating the other team. The competitive angle for this game is quite strong, and many esports teams and individuals play it at a professional level.
Dragon Nest - SEA Official Website (sea.dragonnest.com)
Dragon Nest is a free-to-play fantasy MMORPG developed by Eyedentity, featuring a non-targeting combat and skill system within instance dungeons.
Ragnarok Online
Ragnarok Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) created by Gravity, initially played in the Philippines via top-up before it became free-to-play. Ragnarok Online MSP was first announced in 2017 and eventually closed in 2021. Meanwhile, Ragnarok Online GGH was released in February 2022. The game's play-to-earn version, Ragnarok Landverse, was released in September 2023, offering coupon codes to redeem for rewards.
Counter-Strike - CS2 Website (counter-strike.net)
Counter-Strike or CS is a first-person shooter game by Valve, composed of two opposing teams, the terrorists and the counter-terrorists. Meanwhile, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series released in 2012, is a multiplayer game where players form teams and compete against each other in various game modes such as Deathmatch, Demolition, and Bomb Defusal. CS2, the sequel to the CSGO, was released in September 2023, bringing significant updates, including improved smoke grenades, redesigned maps, and enhanced network features. To play CS2 smoothly, check out our guide: Best CS2 Settings for Low-End, Midrange, High-End PCs.
Point Blank - Point Blank Official Website (pointblank.zepetto.com)
Point Blank, commonly known in the Philippines as PB, is an FPS game developed by the South Korea-based company Zepetto. The game features a counter-terrorist and terrorist team with an MMO twist wherein players can choose a class for their character. They can choose the basic class, assault, sniper, or an assailant.
CrossFire - Official Website (crossfire.ph)
CrossFire, simply known as CF, is a free-to-play first-person shooter game developed by Smilegate Entertainment and one of the most popular FPS games in the Philippines. It features two mercenary corporations called the Black List and Global Risk. CF Philippines was launched by Gameclub in September 2009. It first transitioned to Smilegate Megaport in August 2019, followed by a second transition to Stove in October 2024. Despite these two service transitions, the game continues to utilize eCoin as its premium currency.
Farlight 84 - Official Website (farlight84.farlightgames.com)
Farlight 84 is a post-apocalyptic multiplayer online battle royale available on PC, Android, and iOS platforms. Players battle it out on a large map to survive in this game. Its customizable mechas provide players with an edge in combat. Players can strategize and adapt using the game's large choice of weapons and equipment, as well as use jetpacks to glide across the terrain. Players can also redeem Farlight 84 codes for free rewards. The game's unique gameplay, localized content, and events make it a popular battle royale game in the Philippines.
Special Force
Special Force, simply known as SF, is an online free-to-play FPS developed by the South Korean game developer Dragonfly. It features several game modes, including team battle, single battle, team deathmatch, horror mode, and more. PlayPark shut down SF in 2020, and as a gratitude to players, it offered a Welcome Package to those who will move to Special Force 2 or SF2. In 2022, Special Force Rush (SF Rush), the NFT version of the game, was released.
Left 4 Dead - Official Website (l4d.com)
Left 4 Dead is a multiplayer survival horror FPS game developed by Valve South. It features four protagonists dubbed the "Survivors" fighting against the infected or the zombies.
Roblox - Official Website (roblox.com)
Roblox, played mostly by Pinoys of all ages, lets gamers create, share, and play various games. Users can make their own games using Roblox Studio (one of the ways to earn free Robux) and then publish it on the platform for others to enjoy. It also hosts role-playing, adventure, and simulation games developed by other users. Players can talk and change avatars in this virtual environment. It works on Windows, Xbox, iOS, and Android. Filipino youngsters and adults like Roblox. Game creativity is a factor. Roblox offers infinite pleasure, from constructing complex virtual worlds to exhilarating online fights. Players form close friendships and communities through the game's social aspect. Filipinos unwind and mingle on Roblox. It's no wonder Filipinos love this fascinating game.
Minecraft - Official Website (minecraft.net)
Minecraft players explore a 3D cube world full of blocks. Players can customize the game using mods and plugins in survival and creative modes. Filipino youngsters and adults love Minecraft for various reasons. Players can build massive worlds with the game's simple but adaptable construction elements. Minecraft opens up endless possibilities. Filipinos utilize the game's social features to update friends. The game's addictive gameplay and frequent updates make it popular with kids and adults.
Now-defunct: Cabal Online PH
The free-to-play 3D MMORPG Cabal Online, developed by South Korean company ESTsoft, was initially published by PlayPark in the Philippines in 2008 and eventually shut down in 2024. The former publisher was e-Games. Players can choose from its eight familiar classes: Warrior, Blader, Wizard, Force Blader, Force Shielder, Force Archer, Gladiator, and Force Gunner.
Now-defunct: Heroes of Newerth (HoN)
Heroes of Newerth was a free-to-play MOBA game developed by S2 Games, based on the Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne custom map Defense of the Ancients. HoN Garena PH (hon.garena.com) shut down on June 20, 2022.
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Have an unforgettable gaming experience in Internet Cafes? Leave a comment below. Thanks for reading. :)
Featured image source: Philippineslifestyle
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