DigiPlus launches Manny Pacquiao co-branded digital games
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a Philippine digital entertainment company, has partnered with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to launch a slate of co-branded digital games inspired by the Filipino sporting legend’s career, resilience, and legacy.
The collaboration brings a total of nine Pacquiao-themed titles to DigiPlus platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. DigiPlus said that seven games are already live, with more set to follow in the coming weeks. Flagship titles include Super Ace Pacquiao and Boxing King Pacquiao, both designed to reflect key moments and traits associated with Pacquiao’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition.
“As the entertainment scene continues to evolve, audiences are seeking more authentic and exciting experiences. This landmark collaboration with revered Filipino sportsman Manny Pacquiao allows us to create something innovative, meaningful, familiar, and truly local,” Eusebio Tanco, DigiPlus Chairman, said.
From branding to content-driven collaboration
DigiPlus said the partnership is positioned as a long-term collaboration that extends beyond branding. Pacquiao’s most recognisable moments, Filipino traits, and cultural symbols are integrated into each game’s mechanics and visual design.
“These games are made for Filipino players, with a Filipino champion front and centre,” Tanco added.
The company said the approach aims to deliver entertainment experiences that resonate with local audiences by embedding familiar narratives and imagery into digital gameplay.
Pacquiao on inspiration and personal story
Pacquiao, a Hall of Famer and eight-division world champion, said the games reflect more than just victories.
“These games, created together with DigiPlus, chronicle my story. Aside from the wins, they tell the story of my struggle, discipline, and the faith that lifted me through it all,” the 47-year-old southpaw from General Santos City said.
“I hope players get to see themselves as they see me in these games and feel inspired by what they could also achieve,” Pacquiao added.
DigiPlus said it plans to continue releasing new Pacquiao-themed titles while exploring future collaborations that highlight local culture, sports, and entertainment.
Pacquiao’s stance on responsible gaming
Pacquiao’s involvement in digital entertainment and sports-related ventures has previously been accompanied by calls for moderation and responsibility. In an exclusive interview with SiGMA News in 2024, Pacquiao addressed the intersection of sports and betting while discussing his work with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
“I’m known inside and outside the ring to have integrity. My goal is to educate them on how to control their gambling moderately,” Pacquiao told SiGMA News.
He acknowledged that MPBL games are available on sports betting platforms and recognised the cultural inclination towards betting in the Philippines. “I just want to remind them that if they cannot avoid it, then just practice responsible gaming,” he said.
Pacquiao also stressed that he was not encouraging gambling. “Although I’m not encouraging gambling, Filipinos love to gamble even small amounts for more excitement during games,” he said, underscoring the need for discipline and balance.
According to a local media report, the MPBL will hold its pre-season from the first week of February until the second week of March this year. The report quoted newly appointed MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta saying that the league founder, Pacquiao, decided to stage the tournament to allow participating teams to evaluate and improve their rosters before the start of the Eighth Season.
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