How SportsHero’s iGV Game Pass Is Gaming the Philippines via PLDT
SportsHero has launched its iGV Game Pass subscription in the Philippines through a strategic partnership with PLDT Home, tapping into a booming PC gaming market.
- iGV Game Pass now available via PLDT Home’s premium broadband
- 12-month subscription bundled for premium customers
- Direct Carrier Billing simplifies payment process
- Philippines market with 43 million PC gamers targeted
- Material cashflow expected in December quarter
A Major Market Entry
SportsHero (ASX, SHO) has officially launched its iGV Game Pass product in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. The launch comes through a partnership with PLDT Home, the country’s largest fully integrated telecommunications provider, known for its extensive fiber optic network and strong customer base.
This collaboration, first announced in July 2025, bundles a 12-month subscription of the iGV Game Pass with PLDT’s premium home broadband service. This move positions SportsHero to tap into a rapidly growing gaming market, offering subscribers access to over 200 premium PC gaming titles under a single subscription model.
Leveraging PLDT’s Market Strength
PLDT Home’s robust subscriber base, which reached 3.53 million fiber customers by mid-2025, provides a fertile ground for SportsHero’s product. The telco’s industry-leading average revenue per user (ARPU) of ₱1,485 underscores strong customer loyalty and willingness to invest in premium digital services.
Importantly, PLDT’s integration of Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) allows customers to subscribe and pay for the iGV Game Pass seamlessly through their existing billing accounts. This reduces friction in the subscription process and could accelerate adoption rates among both premium and non-premium broadband users.
A Market Poised for Growth
The Philippines represents a significant opportunity for SportsHero, with an estimated 43 million PC gamers and a video games market valued at US$1.15 billion in 2024. Industry forecasts project this market to grow to nearly US$1.9 billion by 2030, driven by rising interest in esports and digital entertainment.
SportsHero’s CEO Tom Lapping highlighted the strategic importance of this launch, noting the minimum contracted value agreement provides financial stability while the partnership with PLDT opens doors to a large and engaged gaming audience.
Looking Ahead
With the product now live, SportsHero expects to see material cashflow contributions in the December quarter. The company also plans to expand its offering and build a strong subscriber base in the Philippines, leveraging PLDT’s marketing capabilities and extensive network.
While the initial focus is on premium broadband customers, there is potential for broader retail offerings to PLDT’s wider customer base, which could further drive growth and revenue diversification.
Bottom Line?
SportsHero’s partnership with PLDT unlocks a promising new revenue stream in a fast-growing gaming market.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will subscriber numbers grow beyond the initial premium broadband segment?
- What are the renewal rates and customer retention prospects for the iGV Game Pass in this market?
- Could SportsHero expand its product offerings or partnerships within the Philippines or other Southeast Asian markets?
