# GG: Good Game

GG: Good Game is a 2024 Philippine drama sci-fi teen film directed by Prime Cruz and written by Zachary Aquino. The film stars Donny Pangilinan, Igi Boy Flores, and Ronaldo Valdez . Set against the backdrop of the Philippine esports scene, the film follows the journey of a group of young gamers striving to make their mark in the competitive world of professional gaming.

## Plot

GG, an acronym for "good game," centers around Seth(Donny Pangilinan), a determined aspiring pro-gamer gamer who immerses himself in the world of video games and gets into a "competitive barkada gaming" while navigating the various challenges within his own family.
Grieving the loss of his beloved grandmother, who raised him, Eskape (Boots Anson Roa), is compelled to live with his estranged mother (Maricel Laxa), who had abandoned him as an infant. His life changes dramatically when he receives an invitation to join an underdog esports team.

## Cast

* Donny Pangilinan as Seth
* Igi Boy Flores as Joseph (XtraRice)
* Kaleb Ong as Santino (Ace)
* Maricel Laxa as Iya (Icebox)
* Gold Azeron as Patrick (Trickz)
* Ronaldo Valdez as Francis
* Baron Geisler as Kurt
* Johannes Rissler as Kelvin (Kev)
* Boots Anson-Roa as Griselda
* Christian Vasquez as Dennis
* DJ Durano as Tito Rexy
* Raemon Oscar Bingcang (Razzie Binx) as E-sports host

## Production
### Development

The idea for GG: Good Game was born out of the rapid growth of the esports industry in the Philippines and the increasing recognition of Filipino gamers on the global stage. Prime Cruz and Zachary Aquino sought to create a film that highlights the excitement of esports and explores the personal stories and cultural aspects unique to the Filipino gaming community.

### Filming

Principal photography began in mid-2023, with major scenes shot in various locations around Metro Manila and popular gaming hubs across the Philippines. The production team collaborated with local esports organizations and events to ensure an authentic representation of the gaming environment.

## Music

The film's soundtrack features a blend of contemporary OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and electronic beats, with contributions from renowned Filipino artists and composers. Andrew .R. Florentino crafted the score to reflect the high-energy and emotional moments throughout the film.

## Release

The film was released nationwide on January 24, 2024, and is available on Netflix streaming platforms.

## Reception

Critics praised GG: Good Game for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, particularly noting Donny Pangilinan and Igi Boy Flores for their chemistry and depth. The film's portrayal of the esports community in the Philippines was lauded for its authenticity and cultural relevance.
Januar Junior Aguja of The Freeman gave the film 3/5 stars, describing the film as far from being perfect, but “GG” ticks the right boxes on being a movie that properly represents esports. Philbert of Letterboxd gave the film 1.5/5 stars noted that the film's major drawback is its inability to effectively narrate a story during its game sequences. Despite this, he acknowledged that the movie explores intriguing themes, particularly the use of gaming as an escape from undesirable situations and as a medium for forming connections.

## Themes

GG: Good Game explores themes of friendship, perseverance, deeper life struggles, and the decisions to pursue dreams. It addresses issues such as the impact of technology on youth, the pressures of competitive gaming, and the importance of support systems in achieving one's goals.