Gaming
Liga Republika to serve as qualifier for LCP Wildcard Playoffs
Philippines gets chance to compete in international stage
Riot Games Philippines recently announced the return of Liga Republika. It is the country’s premier League of Legends tournament.
To spice things up, the tournament will, for the first time, serve as the official qualifier for Filipino teams wanting to make it to the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Wildcard Playoffs.
This development gives local talent from the country a direct path from national to international competition under Riot’s new promotion-relegation system.
The action kicks off on July 4. At stake is a PhP 860,000 prize and an opportunity to play against the top LoL teams in Asia Pacific.
Liga Republika was first unveiled in 2024 as a league made by Filipinos for fellow Pinoys. The tournament aims to the elevate competitive gaming and esports scene in the country.
Meanwhile, the establishment of the LCP in 2024 also paved way for a promotion and relegation system.
The eligible champion of this year’s Liga Republika local tournament will earn a direct slot to represent the Philippines in the LCP Wildcard Playoffs.
There, the squad will face teams from other domestic leagues, like Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, India, and more.
The goal of the Wildcard Playoffs is to earn a spot to the LCP Promotion and Relegation Tournament. This specific tourney then gives qualified teams a chance to play in the LCP.
Liga Republika 2025
The Liga Republika 2025 tournament will begin with Open Qualifiers from July 4 to 8. Then, it will progress to Group Stage matches from July 10 to 13. Finally, the Playoffs will happen from July 19 to 27.
The top 12 teams will compete in a closely contested Group Stage, with only eight advancing to the Playoffs.
Moreover, the Fearless Draft format will be introduced in the semifinals and grand finals. This shall push teams to diversify picks and showcase deeper champion pools.
The semifinals will be in a Best-of-Three series while the grand finals will be in a Best-of-Five series.
Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.
Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.
The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.
Demo offers more exploration and combat
The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.
“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.
“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”
Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.
Arthurian-inspired adventure
Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.
Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.
Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Gaming
Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster
Eskrima fighter joins battle
Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.
Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.
Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.
Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.
Onimusha crossover arrives this week
Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.
The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.
Philippine launch event set for August 9
Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.
Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.
Gaming
Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization
Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards
Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.
Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.
The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.
In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.
Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.
In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:
- Philippines: Manila Brigade
- Indonesia: War Kanda
- Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
- Thailand: SIAM APEX
Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.
Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.
Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone:
- 5 million players: 100 Diamonds
- 10 million players: 200 Diamonds
- 20 million players: Vehicle Upgrade Vouchers x5
- 30 million players: Full Tilt Vehicle Pack
All Global Vault Heist and Faction rewards can be claimed via the in-game mail system on August 20.
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