Filipino students turn classic 'Bangsak' street game into multiplayer video game

A traditional Filipino street game has found new life in the digital world after students from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) developed "BangSak: Water Rising," a multiplayer video game inspired by the classic game of bangsak.

The game represented the Ilocos Region at the Level Up 2.0: Esports GameDev Challenge during the ALT+TAB Festival 2026, held on June 20 and 21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Developed by MMSU College of Computing and Information Sciences students Michael Ryann Luen Velasco, Clinton Wayne Visaya, Jansen Baloaloa, and Gabriel Jerikson Galapin under the mentorship of instructor Eloihim Baculpo, the game was showcased at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Pavilion.

According to DOST Ilocos Region, "BangSak: Water Rising" reimagines the traditional Filipino hide-and-seek game as a cooperative multiplayer experience.

In its traditional form, bangsak is a variation of tagu-taguan (hide-and-seek) that adds a rescue mechanic and requires both stealth and speed. The name comes from the words "bang" (pretending to shoot) and "sak" (pretending to stab or tag the seeker).

Inspired by the landscapes and landmarks of Laoag City, the game challenges players to work together as hiders while rising floodwaters gradually engulf the neighborhood.

It also features Filipino-inspired environments and character customization, promoting local culture through interactive storytelling.

The game emerged as the winning entry from Region I and earned the right to represent the region at the national festival, which showcased locally developed independent games and brought together game developers, students, educators, investors, publishers, and technology enthusiasts.

Organized by DOST-National Capital Region in partnership with Gridlock Games Studio, the ALT+TAB Festival aims to promote the growth of the country's game development, esports, and digital creative industries.

DOST Ilocos Region said MMSU's participation forms part of its efforts to support emerging game developers by strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions and providing opportunities for local innovators to gain national exposure.

The agency added that initiatives such as the Level Up 2.0: Esports GameDev Challenge encourage young developers to transform innovative ideas into digital solutions while showcasing Filipino culture through interactive technology.— MCG, GMA News