‘Gameboys’ is a ‘cultural artifact’ about the pandemic, says Howie Severino

BL (boys love) series “Gameboys” can be considered a part of history for persisting despite the dangers of a new pandemic and showing how times were like in the beginning, when there was uncertainty in the air and strict protocols abound, said Howie Severino.

In an episode of “The Howie Severino Podcast,” the journalist said it is admirable for the “Gameboys” team to produce a series at a time when there were no new shows happening.

“You were starting the production when protocols were very strict,” he said. “In this case, it’s like you had no choice. It was either you do it this way or you have no job, no series, no production, right?”

According to Howie, apart from its theme and how it was produced, it was able to capture the lives of Filipinos at an uncertain time.

“I think it’ll be remembered as a cultural artifact of this very unique and troubling time of the pandemic. This is gonna be a very few productions that were made that time,” he said.

“You had no choice but to do it this way,” he added. “I mean, just thinking years ahead when we’re all vaccinated and we’re moving around in a normal kind of way and looking back, watching this.”

With these realizations, Howie said “Gameboys” is “going to be kind of a portrait of our time.”

Looking back on how the series was done, director Ivan Payawal remembered how one told them of how “Gameboys” became “kind of a defining moment.”

“In terms of when you look back, you’ll know that all people went through the pandemic,” he said. “Like what you said, it’s like a part of history ‘cause when you watch ‘Gameboys,’ ‘this is what happened.’”

“Gameboys” Season 1 was solely shot online and separately by the cast due to ECQ restrictions in 2020. But such conditions didn't hinder the show's success. After just two episodes, "Gameboys" attracted more than 1.5M views on YouTube. It started streaming to global audiences on Netflix in December 2020. 

The release of Season 2 is yet to be announced. In the meantime, all 13 episodes of its first season can be streamed on YouTube through The IdeaFirst Company’s channel. — Franchesca Viernes/LA, GMA News