Smart brings Blacknut cloud gaming to Filipinos at PGDX 2026

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) highlighted its efforts to make cloud gaming more accessible to Filipino gamers as the main presenter of the Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) 2026, where it showcased its partnership with Blacknut.

Why it Matters: Smart and TNT subscribers can now access Blacknut Cloud Gaming, which offers more than 1,000 premium console- and PC-quality games that can be played on smartphones without requiring dedicated gaming hardware or lengthy game downloads.

The partnership was featured during PGDX 2026, held from July 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. The event brought together game developers, publishers, creators, and gaming enthusiasts from across the local gaming community.

The details: Through its partnership with Blacknut, Smart and TNT subscribers can access the cloud gaming service through blacknut.com/p/smart.

Blacknut offers a library of more than 1,000 games that can be streamed to compatible smartphones. Weekly subscriptions start at PHP 145 and can be charged to prepaid load after completing an OTP verification process.

The service gives users another way to access premium games without having to purchase a gaming PC or console. Instead, the games are processed through Blacknut’s cloud infrastructure and streamed to the user’s device.

“Gaming continues to be one of the fastest-growing passions among Filipinos, and Smart is committed to enabling richer digital experiences through reliable connectivity and meaningful partnerships like Blacknut,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC of Smart.

“Our participation at PGDX reflects our commitment to supporting the local gaming community while making innovative gaming experiences more accessible to more Filipinos,” he added.

The bigger picture: Smart’s participation at PGDX 2026 also puts its Blacknut partnership alongside its broader gaming and connectivity efforts.

During the three-day event, visitors at the Smart booth were able to experience Blacknut Cloud Gaming firsthand by playing premium console- and PC-quality games on smartphones.

The booth also featured interactive activities, with attendees given opportunities to win prizes including gaming skin codes.

Smart also highlighted its Power All offers, which provide open-access data that can be used for activities such as cloud and mobile gaming, streaming, content sharing, and work or school-related tasks.

Between the lines: Cloud gaming changes the hardware requirements traditionally associated with PC and console gaming. Instead of running a game locally, the user’s device receives a streamed version of the gameplay from remote servers.

This makes network connectivity an important part of the experience. While users do not need high-end gaming hardware to access supported titles, the quality and responsiveness of cloud gaming can still depend on the internet connection and the device being used.

For Smart and TNT subscribers, Blacknut provides another gaming option that can be accessed through smartphones, with the subscription also supporting prepaid load payments.

For Filipinos: The partnership gives Filipino gamers another way to access a large game library without making an upfront investment in a dedicated gaming PC or console.

The PHP 145 weekly starting subscription also provides a lower-cost entry point for users who want to try cloud gaming. However, users will still need a compatible device and a reliable internet connection for the service.

Smart’s involvement in PGDX also connects its gaming services with the wider Philippine game development community, bringing together players and the developers, publishers, and creators behind the local gaming industry.

What’s next: Smart said its participation in PGDX strengthens its effort to build a more complete gaming ecosystem by combining connectivity with entertainment services.

The company is also highlighting its mobile network as part of that ecosystem, citing recent recognition for Best Mobile Video Experience and Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines.

The Bottom Line: Smart’s Blacknut partnership adds cloud gaming to its existing mobile connectivity and data offerings, giving Smart and TNT subscribers access to more than 1,000 games through smartphones.

With subscriptions starting at PHP 145 per week and prepaid load payment available, Blacknut provides another option for Filipinos who want to explore premium gaming without immediately investing in dedicated gaming hardware.